Ask the Expert

ANSWER:

My best advice is to leave the old linoleum alone; you may be doing more harm than good. This is because older (pre-1980) linoleum or vinyl-mineral or paper backed and old vinyl composition tiles (VCT) often contained asbestos in their construction and are labeled as containing known carcinogens.

When tested and identified, Local State and Federal Governmental entities regulate linoleum’s safe removal and requires contractor handling certifications before its removal. Therefore, in view of the foregoing, the flooring industry has developed safe workaround solutions for every imaginable type of floor installations.

To protect against airborne particulates, never sand, scrape, grind or pulverize the material to remove. Before installing hardwood flooring, fully encapsulate the suspected materials using plywood of an appropriate thickness or one layer of 15-pound roofers paper.

Reasonable breathing precautions are in order even for common wood dust. Never cut hardwood floorings indoors. If installing for yourself, do what the pros do and set your saws outside with a fan blowing the wood dust away from your body. This will keep you clean and better able to see the cutting area.

Expert's Bio

Robert D. Middleton Jr. has enjoyed over 30 years in the residential and commercial flooring trades. He is proficient and familiar with hardwood installations, both exotic and domestic, border and medallion work, board replacements and repairs, ceramic tiles (mortar and epoxy grout mixes), laminates, carpets, VCT (vinyl composition tiles) and 6’ commercial vinyl floors. Robert is the Technical & Installation Manager at LUMBER LIQUIDATORS, assisting customers, corporate and outside store staff with installation recommendations, specifications and product warranty details via phones and internet. Look for Robert as the In-House Installer at LUMBER LIQUIDATOR’S Flooring 101 site.