Found old floor tiles in your Owensboro home? They might be asbestos
Here's how to identify asbestos floor tiles and what to do next about safe removal
You're renovating your Owensboro home and discovered old floor tiles underneath carpet or vinyl. Many homes built before 1980 in Owensboro have asbestos floor tiles, especially 9x9 inch tiles. You stopped work because you're not sure if they're safe to remove yourself.
Asbestos floor tiles are usually 9x9 inches, sometimes 12x12 inches, and were common in homes built before 1980. They often look like vinyl but feel harder and more brittle. The dark adhesive underneath (called mastic) also contains asbestos. These tiles were popular because they were cheap and fire-resistant.
Testing costs around $200-400 for a few samples sent to a certified lab. Professional removal typically runs $3-7 per square foot depending on the room size and how much prep work is needed. Smaller rooms cost more per square foot because of setup requirements. The black mastic adhesive adds complexity and cost.
Stop all work immediately. Do not sand, scrape, or break the tiles. Get samples tested by a certified lab before doing anything else. If they test positive for asbestos, you'll need a licensed contractor like Central Insulation Systems Inc. to remove them safely. DIY removal of asbestos tiles is illegal in Kentucky and creates serious health risks.
Once professional removal is complete, you'll have clean subflooring ready for your new flooring. The work area gets sealed and cleaned according to EPA standards. You can move forward with your renovation knowing your family is safe from asbestos exposure.
What people in Owensboro 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 Owensboro 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 Owensboro and the area around it.