Question
A home that I'm considering buying has linoleum laid in 2 bedrooms. Based on the pattern (which is quite lovely, but losing its color where the sun strikes), we believe this flooring was laid before 1940. My first question is, what is the likelihood that the backing has asbestos? I won't be able to test it until I buy the home. Secondly, if it does have asbestos, what is the time period all the plastic sheeting has to remain up once the floor is removed? We plan to do-it-ourselves and I know the local asbestos abatement place will rent protective equipment. Putting an underlayment over the floor is not an option. We have to remove the linoleum due to other work that must be done. I should add that this is sheet flooring, not tiles. We aren't sure if it the adhesive is only on the edges (which was apparently common) or if it is throughout the floor. We already have the disposal information and costs if it did contain asbestos. I already know that the owner can't do any repairs and the home will be sold as is. The county only requires the wiring to be up to code and that an inspection has shown that the foundation is still solid and those were done a couple of years ago.