Replacing Parquet with LVT Flooring - BC Required?

[beatroyd]

Hi all. I have a question about replacing the flooring in my home in the UK (not the sub-floor). I live in a 1960s ground floor flat where currently there is parquet wooden flooring installed. The sub-floor is concrete. I intend to replace the parquet with Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) flooring. The sub-floor will not be touched or replaced in any manner - it's simply a matter of removing the parquet wooden tiles and laying the LVT on top. Does this require a Building Regulations application?

 

[johnny2007]

BC doesn't need contacting.
Check the lease of your flat, just in case it's got some restrictions on the kind of floor you can install, although I have only seen restrictions regarding hard floor which you already have, so it should be fine.

 

[^woody^]

Be aware that the bitumen adhesive commonly used for old parquet tends to contain asbestos fibre. This will be a relatively small amount of the least hazardous type and can be managed with simple precautions - you won't need specialist firms nor its complete removal, but all the same care should be taken and specific methods used.

Any flooring firms used should be 'asbestos aware', not necessarily licenced, and the old flooring blocks will require special disposal, and the remnant bitumen should be sealed or scraped and removed.

 

[beatroyd]

BC doesn't need contacting.
Check the lease of your flat, just in case it's got some restrictions on the kind of floor you can install, although I have only seen restrictions regarding hard floor which you already have, so it should be fine.

Thanks Johnny. Yes, that's correct. There's no restriction in the lease for flooring

 

[aveatry]

Thanks Johnny. Yes, that's correct. There's no restriction in the lease for flooring

People pay a fortune to have real wood parquet floor fitted. What is wrong with what you have.

 

[beatroyd]

Be aware that the bitumen adhesive commonly used for old parquet tends to contain asbestos fibre. This will be a relatively small amount of the least hazardous type and can be managed with simple precautions - you won't need specialist firms nor its complete removal, but all the same care should be taken and specific methods used.

Any flooring firms used should be 'asbestos aware', not necessarily licenced, and the old flooring blocks will require special disposal, and the remnant bitumen should be sealed or scraped and removed.

Thanks a ton Woody! With this additional information, you've literally saved me going ahead with ripping off the flooring and making a huge Health and Safety mistake. The bitumen adhesive is black in colour and might most likely contain asbestos like you highlighted. I've now sent a sample of the adhesive substance for lab tests and awaiting results.

If it comes back positive, I might just go ahead and install the LVT flooring on top of the parquet flooring. It seems to be stuck down pretty well so hopefully will not cause issues for the LVT. And the flooring company doesn't cover DIY LVT installation so I'm not getting their warranty anyways. Time will tell if I come to regret this decision.

 

[beatroyd]

People pay a fortune to have real wood parquet floor fitted. What is wrong with what you have.

The misses is not very fond of it. It's a beautiful floor no doubt but she'd like something "contemporary"

 

[richw]

Herringbone is currently rather fashionable! (which almost put us off having it in our new kitchen - but we have always liked it, honest!)

 

[johnny2007]

Blimey!
You're covering that with a sheet of plastic?!?!
It would take you 1 day to make that floor splendid and you won't regret it.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

That's a stunning floor, absolute sacrilege to be removing that.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Personally, I think you’d be mental to get rid of that.
I have parquet in my through lounge and hallway.

 

[aveatry]

OMG you need a new wife not a new floor that floor would cost you a fortune to put down and herring bone is a big trend right now. Sand back and re do with a clear hard wax oil and it will all look a lot lighter and cleaner and fresher and last forever.