Checking Into a Possible Problem With Asbestos
QUESTION: I am concerned about a possible asbestos problem in our ceiling. Our home was built about 1969 and it has a type of ceiling finish known in this area as “popcorn,” which contains asbestos. The ceiling has become dirty and needs to be repainted. Can the ceiling be repainted or should it be dealt with by some other means?
ANSWER: First, have the ceiling material tested to see if it contains asbestos. Just because asbestos was used for ceilings at the time your house was built doesn’t mean that your ceiling contains asbestos. Testing is recommended because of the expense involved in correcting the problem. If the ceiling does contain asbestos, then whatever action is taken is not a do-it-yourself task.
The procedures for working with asbestos-containing materials fall into three general categories: removal, encapsulation and enclosure. Painting would be considered encapsulating. But before painting, the ceiling would have to be cleaned. This can cause particles of asbestos to loosen and fall.
Also, several asbestos consultants with whom we discussed this problem recommended against encapsulating a ceiling because they were concerned that the weight of the layer of encapsulating material would cause the “popcorn” to loosen and drop from the ceiling.
The decision for removal of the popcorn or enclosing the ceiling should be made by a certified asbestos abatement consultant. Abatement companies can be found in the Yellow Pages. Most abatement companies offer a free estimate.
It’s important that you correct the asbestos problem, not only for your own health, but if you ever intend to sell the house you can be sure the asbestos ceilings will become a negotiating item.
For a free copy of the booklet “Asbestos in the Home,” call the Asbestos Victims Special Fund at (800) 447-7590.
Some Guidelines for Installing Vinyl Tiles
Q: I want to install a new vinyl floor in my bath. My question is: When is it advisable to first take up the existing flooring and when to just lay the new floor on top of it?
A: You’ll want to first take up your existing flooring if there’s an obvious problem, such as water damage, dry rot or the floor is uneven. Keep in mind though, that laying underlayment is a big job. Not only will you have to scribe all the sheets to fit, you may also need to cut off the bottom of any doors to allow clearance above the now-thicker floor.
The cracks between the underlayment panels must be filled and the depressions caused by the numerous nails required to install the panels must also be filled.
If these problems don’t exist, there’s no reason why you can’t lay your new vinyl directly on top of the old. In fact, there are several good reasons why you might.
Many resilient flooring and flooring adhesives installed prior to the early 1980s contained asbestos. This asbestos is perfectly safe when left in place, but tearing it up will send some of it airborne, unless precise EPA abatement procedures are followed.
One note of caution in installing vinyl over vinyl: You’ll need to do some pretty exacting surface preparation to make the job last.
To submit a question, write to Popular Mechanics, Reader Service Bureau, 224 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019. The most interesting questions will be answered in future columns.
