Covering Uneven Asbestos Floors Basement

7 years ago

We are in the process of finalizing a sale on a gorgeous 1945 home.
The Basement is just under 1,500 sqft, and my plan is to finish the basement. Otherwise we need to pull out of the purchase.
My contractor friend took a look at the floors this afternoon. He has no idea how to cover the existing asbestos tiles, as well as leveling the floor at same time.
I’ve researched for countless hours on this. Covering asbestos has many safe options, but I am also drawing a blank with the combo of uneven surface.
Hoping with this post to find solutions from the community.
Thank you in advance!

Featured Answer

PRO

GN Builders L.L.C

7 years ago

It depends on the "uneven". Some floors can be leveled and some floors which are way off it can get costly to level them.

Did he say how much off they're? By looking at the first picture from the left side of the door to the first receptacle on the right it looks like the floor dips about a 2-3" if you put a straight edge on.

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Comments (9)

Lauren Barton
Original Author
7 years ago
I would say overall quite possibly more than 3 inches from the stairs, to the opposite wall.

At last minute I was unfortunately unable to join my husband, and our contractor friend, due to a sick kiddo.
I mistakenly did not ask my husband to ask Qs.
I have an inspector coming by tomorrow, who is an retired contractor. I’ll follow-up with more details after.
Thank you so much for your time and input.
Best,
Lauren
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PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
7 years ago
OK Lauren, see what he will say.

Good luck!

Greg
geoffrey_b
7 years ago
The tiles can be easily and safely removed. There are companies specializing in pumping SLC (self-leveling-cement) and that will make your floor FLAT. It won't be cheap.

Why do you need it level?
sambah006
7 years ago
aren't basement floors purposely not level so any water intrusion will flow to a drain?

On a side note, the asbestos litigation industry sure did a number on asbestos hysteria.
PRO
G & S Floor Service
7 years ago
Best thing to do is have the asbestos tiles remediated properly. Then you can grind and skim the slab to a flatness before installing your new floor. Pouring leveling compound is not a good idea. You cannot raise the floor height too much due to the code on the stairs. Especially, if, you need to make up 3" of height to get to level.
Lauren Barton
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes asbestos. There is about 6 inches difference from the laundry room area of the basement, to the opposite wall in the back room. Nothing appears wrong with foundation, or crawl space. Thought is that it’s simply just how the cement was laid under tiles.
A few suggestions given by the inspector(a retired contractor) and a separate contractor after seeing the rooms:

1: take out tiles, then start from scratch leveling breaking through the cement.
2: tile over the current tiles and live with the variation.
3: floating floor over the tiles, and then LVT.

Lots to think about
PRO
G & S Floor Service
7 years ago
Regardless of which floor covering you decide to use, floor prep is required. Which means tiles will need to be removed, slab needs to be ground and leveler or patch compound needs to be applied. If, you would like to skip the prep, carpet would be the best choice.

No prep, then the imperfections will telegraph through your new floor coverings.
Lauren Barton
Original Author
7 years ago
I’ve pulled out of the sale. Thank you all for your time and advice.
Best,
Lauren