Found old floor tiles in your Newark home? Here's how to know if they're asbestos
Stop work and read this first. We'll help you identify asbestos floor tiles and plan safe removal.
You're renovating your Newark home and found old floor tiles underneath the carpet or vinyl. The tiles look like they could be from the 1960s or 1970s, and you've heard that old tiles might contain asbestos. You stopped work because you're not sure if it's safe to remove them yourself.
Asbestos floor tiles were common in Newark homes built between 1950 and 1980. These tiles are usually 9x9 inches or 12x12 inches and feel dense and brittle. They often have a speckled pattern and may have black mastic (adhesive) underneath. The tiles themselves won't release fibers unless you break, sand, or scrape them.
Testing and removal typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 for an average Newark home, depending on square footage and tile condition. Homes in the Hudson Avenue district and downtown often have multiple layers of flooring, which increases the scope. The black mastic adhesive usually contains asbestos even when the tiles don't, so both need professional handling.
Stop all work immediately. Do not sand, scrape, or break the tiles. Get a sample tested by a certified lab first - this costs around $200 to $400. If the test comes back positive, hire a licensed contractor like Central Insulation Systems Inc. DIY removal is illegal in Ohio and releases dangerous fibers into your home's air.
Once professional removal is complete, you'll have clean subfloors ready for new flooring. Your family can safely use the space without worrying about asbestos exposure. The work typically takes 2-3 days depending on your home's size.
What people in Newark 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 Newark 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 Newark and the area around it.