Found old floor tiles in your Athens home? They might be asbestos.
Here's how to tell if your floor tiles contain asbestos and what to do about safe removal.
You're renovating your Athens home and discovered old floor tiles underneath carpet or vinyl. Many houses built before 1980 in the University District and Downtown Historic District contain asbestos floor tiles. You stopped work because you're not sure if it's safe to remove them yourself.
Asbestos floor tiles are usually 9x9 inches and installed between the 1920s and early 1980s. They feel dense and may have a waxy or mastic backing that's black or brown. The tiles themselves can be any color but often look speckled or have a marbled pattern. You cannot identify asbestos just by looking at tiles.
Testing costs around $200-400 for a few samples sent to a certified lab. Professional removal typically runs $5-15 per square foot depending on room size and tile condition. Larger areas like whole basements cost less per square foot. Removal takes 1-3 days for most Athens homes.
Stop all work immediately. Do not sand, scrape, or break the tiles. Contact a lab-certified company to collect samples for testing. If tiles test positive for asbestos, hire a licensed contractor like Central Insulation Systems Inc. DIY removal is illegal in Ohio and puts your family at risk.
Once properly removed, you'll have a clean subfloor ready for new flooring. The area will be safe for your family and any future renovations. Professional removal protects your health and keeps you compliant with Ohio regulations.
What people in Athens say
"Excellent abatement contractor"
"Always great to work with."
"These guys rock! Steve, Tim and the crew tackled my tough job when no others would handle it. Very neat and professional on a really difficult job! Call these guys first!"
Other things people in Athens ask
how much does asbestos removal cost
Asbestos removal cost depends on square footage, material type, and access difficulty. Pipe insulation runs $15-25 per linear foot. Floor tiles cost $5-15 per square foot. Get three licensed quotes and compare line items, not just total price.
can I remove asbestos myself DIY
No. DIY asbestos removal is illegal in most states and extremely dangerous. You need special licenses, containment equipment, and disposal permits. One mistake can contaminate your entire house and put your family at risk.
Ready to talk?
Central Insulation Systems handles asbestos floor tile and mastic removal in Athens and the area around it.