1970's vinyl tiles problem

[GrannyKazz]

Hi, Ive not long moved into an old bungalow, had to take up the old carpets cause they stink but im left with cracked edges where the carpet grippers were,
so my question is.... do i have to remove
all the old vinyl tiles or can i just remove the crumbling edges and fill it with something that wont crack, cause it looks like polyfiller on there atm, i want to put down new flooring, and also worried about asbestos
thanks Kaz

 

[crazydaze]

What flooring do you plan to fit over these?

 

[PolarNorth78]

Have you got a larger picture, size of tile and are they a rigid plastic type?

If they're rigid plastic (thermoplastic marley tiles) type they then may contain asbestos BUT, it's very heavily bonded and poses little health risk unless you're grinding them. Put simply nothing to worry about.

Fine to scoop up and put into a double bag (1000 guage bag is best in lieu of a dedicated asbestos bag) so long as you're following Health and Safety Executive guidance. You can get a sample tested to confirm is asbestos is present if you wish. Eitherway, I would see if the local tip will take asbestos and ring up to arrange disposal to be on the safe side.

In terms of filling the gap, what's your plan for the floor? I will leave to others to comment on how to remedy as I don't have experience in this (from what I've read, the issue is the bitumen mastic). You may be able to escapsulate the entire floor if the tiles are in good condition.

Edit: Clarified bag requirements.

 

[GrannyKazz]

Tiles are 12x12 inch, quite thick, all stuck down pretty well except the edges, looks like bitumin, was going for a lino cause of an old dog and cat that pee everywhere..

 

[PolarNorth78]

They're probably the Thermoplastic Tiles and size would indicate so. Mine are 250mm by 250mm for comparison and the edges also bust from carpet grippers. They most likely contain Asbestos (though only a lab can confirm) due to the age, size and use HOWEVER, unless you're planning to dissolve or grind the tile it poses a very low health risk so please don't worry about it.

It's difficult to tell from the image but if they're in decent condition (no bubbling and cracking etc) then life is a lot easier and you will have a lot more options avaliable.

 

[GrannyKazz]

id be quite happy to keep them as they are actually cleaning up pretty well due to their age, its just how to fix the broken edges, cause my ancient cat will always pee at the edge lol

 

[PolarNorth78]

I know what you mean. I actually don't mind them aside from the obvious!

Sealing the edges I haven't done which is why I will leave that to others on the forum as I don't want to give you poor guidance. From what I've read you need a special compound and it's to do with binding to the bitumen.

 

[GrannyKazz]

ahhhh ok i understand, thank you so much for you help though, im old now and i know how to do things but my old carcass
lets me down lol