Old floor tiles in your Madisonville home? Check for asbestos first
Before you remove those vintage tiles, here's how to tell if they contain asbestos and what to do next.
Found old 9x9 or 12x12 floor tiles while renovating your Madisonville home? Many homes built before 1980 in Hopkins County used asbestos-containing floor tiles and the black mastic adhesive underneath. You stopped work because you're not sure if it's safe to remove them yourself.
Asbestos floor tiles are usually 9x9 or 12x12 inches, often in solid colors or simple patterns. They feel dense and may have a waxy or vinyl-like surface. The black tar-like adhesive underneath (called mastic) also commonly contained asbestos. These materials were popular in homes built before 1980 because they were durable and fire-resistant.
Testing a small sample costs around $25-50 per sample at a certified lab. Results take 3-5 days. If the tiles test positive for asbestos, professional removal typically runs $5-15 per square foot depending on the room size and how much furniture needs moving. Larger areas cost less per square foot than small bathrooms or closets.
Stop all work immediately. Do not sand, scrape, or break the tiles as this releases dangerous fibers. Get a small sample tested by a certified lab first. If it tests positive, contact Central Insulation Systems Inc. for safe removal. DIY removal of asbestos tiles is illegal in Kentucky and puts your family at risk.
Once professional removal is complete, you'll have a clean subfloor ready for new flooring. The work area gets thoroughly cleaned and air-tested to ensure no fibers remain. You can then install your new floors with confidence.
What people in Madisonville 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 Madisonville 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 Madisonville and the area around it.