[Mml665]

I am going to be tiling my basement floor. I believe the current floor, adhered with a black adhesive. I have concerns with removing the current floor and releasing asbestos dust particles, especially since I have kids. There are areas where there are a few loose or missing tiles, as well as areas that are rather un level where the pitch appears extreme to the floor drains. If an SLC is applied where tiles that are loose are removed or missing, would it fill the voids left by the missing tiles, and raise the floor around the drains?

Thank you to everyone in advance

 

[gregzoll]

It is really hard to release Asbestos from that kind of product. You need to get it removed, instead of pouring leveling compound and tile over. Because after so long when more of those tiles release from the concrete. So will you brand new tile job.

Wear long sleeves, tuck jeans into socks, wear a proper face mask, and then start removing the tiles. You may have to heat them a bit to release from the mastic.

 

[oh'mike]

If you wish to encapsulate them in self leveling compound---
Use Jifset mixed with Linewebers liquid latex.

Removing asbestos tiles is a relatively safe process---use water to keep any dust from becoming air borne---the black 'cut back' adhesive may also contain asbestos.

 

[firehawkmph]

Like the others have said, not a good idea to try and go over the old tiles. They will normally pop up with a stiff putty knife. Have a spray bottle of water handy if you're worried about dust. Just mist the tiles and dampen them. The black mastic underneath can be removed with a product called Bean-E-Doo. It's soy based, doesn't smell, and isn't dangerous or flammable. Follow the directions and it works pretty well. I got it on Amazon, about $44 for a gallon. A gallon goes a long way. Depends on the size of your tiled area. Read up on their website as far as coverage. Don't bother with anything like Krud Cutter, Goof Off, etc., all it does is make the dried mastic into a sticky gooey tar.
Mike Hawkins:smile:

 

[Mml665]

I appreciate the info everyone. Is it not a good idea to tile over the black mastic even after tiles are removed. As far as a face mask would the 3m n95 mask with respirator be sufficient. The square footage of tile to be removed is about 2200 sq ft

 

[gregzoll]

I appreciate the info everyone. Is it not a good idea to tile over the black mastic even after tiles are removed. As far as a face mask would the 3m n95 mask with respirator be sufficient. The square footage of tile to be removed is about 2200 sq ft

Correct on not leaving the mastic. It creates a layer that basically the thinset bed floats on.

As for the face mask. You will get a lot of use out of it, once you have it. Just make sure that you keep the filter canisters in a container, so that they do not become contaminated when the mask is laying around.

You can order everything online if you have to travel a ways. Also make sure that you have knee pads and a cushion to kneel on, along with a back belt if you tend to have a stiff back after getting done with this kind of stuff.

 

[Mml665]

Is it necessary to remove the mastic before laying the new tile?

 

[oh'mike]

Scrape off as much as you can with a razor scraper---do NOT use any solvents---

When setting the tile, use a modified thinset approved for use over cut back.

I prefer to use a two part thinset for cut back---Kerabond and Keralastic is a good choice.

 

[JazMan]

Hi MML,

I'll also assume that "tile" to you means ceramic tiles. There's still some doubt in my mind since you didn't say what type of tiles you want to install. The probable extreme pitch of your floor is another reason for concern.

Those old tiles are probably asphalt tiles, but I can't see how thick they are, or when they were installed. Do you know? Tell us how thick.

Both asphalt and VAT contain asbestos, but it's harmless unless you sand/grind and breathe the particles. You're not doing that. It is considered completely safe to remove the tiles, esp. if you dampen the tiles if they start to break up. There's people who did that for 40 years with no affects. The asbestos warnings were mainly aimed at miners and workers that handled the mineral while it was raw/powdery etc. Shipyard workers, brake pad makers, etc.

The black cutback adhesive may also contain some asbestos, so deal with it without disturbing. You can have both tested if you'd like.

You need to remove the tiles, your plan "A" is not a good one.

SLC would be the wrong type of product even after the tiles are gone. Why? Because it sounds like you old floor is way out of flat, (as was common in those days.) No reason to make a basement flat and level cuz many leaked.

So, let us know your tile plans and might be good to know how flat the floor is when measured with a 10 ft. straight edge. Start with that.

Jaz

 

[Mml665]

Hi MML,



I'll also assume that "tile" to you means ceramic tiles. There's still some doubt in my mind since you didn't say what type of tiles you want to install. The probable extreme pitch of your floor is another reason for concern.



Those old tiles are probably asphalt tiles, but I can't see how thick they are, or when they were installed. Do you know? Tell us how thick.



Both asphalt and VAT contain asbestos, but it's harmless unless you sand/grind and breathe the particles. You're not doing that. It is considered completely safe to remove the tiles, esp. if you dampen the tiles if they start to break up. There's people who did that for 40 years with no affects. The asbestos warnings were mainly aimed at miners and workers that handled the mineral while it was raw/powdery etc. Shipyard workers, brake pad makers, etc.



The black cutback adhesive may also contain some asbestos, so deal with it without disturbing. You can have both tested if you'd like.



You need to remove the tiles, your plan "A" is not a good one.



SLC would be the wrong type of product even after the tiles are gone. Why? Because it sounds like you old floor is way out of flat, (as was common in those days.) No reason to make a basement flat and level cuz many leaked.



So, let us know your tile plans and might be good to know how flat the floor is when measured with a 10 ft. straight edge. Start with that.



Jaz

The original plan A was to remove the tile lol I will measure the thickness of the current tile. I plan on putting down ceramic. There is only one area where the pitch seems a bit much, I will also Metairie that as well