Found old floor tiles in your Gary home? They might be asbestos
Here's how to tell if those tiles are dangerous and what to do about asbestos floor tile removal
You're renovating your Gary home and pulled up carpet to find old 9x9 tiles underneath. Many homes built before 1980 in neighborhoods like Miller Beach and Downtown West used asbestos floor tiles. You stopped work because you're not sure if it's safe to remove them yourself.
Asbestos floor tiles were common in Gary homes built before 1980. They're usually 9x9 inches, sometimes 12x12, and feel brittle or crumbly around the edges. The black mastic glue underneath often contains asbestos too. You can't tell for sure just by looking. The tiles might be vinyl, linoleum, or rubber with asbestos fibers mixed in.
Testing costs around $200-400 for a few samples. If the tiles test positive, professional removal typically runs $3-7 per square foot depending on the room size and how much furniture needs moving. Larger areas like whole basements cost less per square foot than small bathrooms. The mastic removal adds to the price since it usually contains asbestos too.
Stop all work immediately. Don't sand, scrape, or break the tiles. Get samples tested by a certified lab first. If they test positive for asbestos, hire a licensed contractor like Central Insulation Systems Inc. DIY removal is illegal in Indiana and releases dangerous fibers into your home's air. Licensed contractors have the right equipment and training to remove tiles safely.
Once professional removal is complete, you'll have clean subfloors ready for new flooring. The asbestos hazard is gone permanently. You can finish your renovation knowing your family is safe from asbestos exposure.
What people in Gary say
"THEY DID A GOOD JOB AND I THOUGHT THE PRICE WAS REASONABLE."
"I worked with Kevin Con, their field specialist. Kevin talked to me over the phone for quite awhile to make sure that I had a good estimate and knowledge of the procedure. The team came out early and they were efficient in the processes. I would highly recommend them especially because they worked so closely with our roofing team to get the job done in one day."
"I am just so happy. They came out on a Tuesday (the owner Steve and his son) and took a look and had a crew of 2 out for me the next day! They got there at 8:30 am and all was completed by 2:00. The follow up was excellent. I could just go on and on. I am very impressed and want to insulate everything NOW because they were so excellent!"
Other things people in Gary 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 Gary and the area around it.