Should I be concerned about the potential of asbestos floors?

Question

I am looking at a duplex that was built in 1958. The carpet all needs replaced, and in one of the rooms it had been pulled back, revealing old crumbling tile (probably 6x6). It occurred to be that due to the age of the home there could be asbestos, and maybe in both units. The entire sf of both units is 1,900 SF. Does anyone know what the worse case scenario would be? This is a bank owned property so I know there is no chance of the seller paying for any work, and the agent has told me there is no property disclosure report since it was a foreclosure. Any words of wisdom are appreciated!

Roy N. · Answer

@Cheryl Butler

If the tile is 6x6 or 12x12 you could have it tested as it may not contain asbestos.  If you have original 9x9 tile from that era, it almost certainly contains asbestos.

Assuming the tile does contain asbestos, any tile that is crumbling should be removed as this is when the asbestos in the tile becomes friable and a concern.  In areas where the tiles are in-tact, you have the option of abating them (not difficult, nor terribly expensive) or encapsulating them (i.e. laying another finish floor (laminate, sheet vinyl, click flooring) over the tile which encapsulates them away from the living space.

While encapsulation is the easier/ cheaper solution, we usually go the abatement route and be done with it.