thanks for all the 9x9 asbestos floor tile info! now....what about asbestos ceiling tiles? the house was built in 1868 and we are sending in samples to find out if they are indeed asbestos? not sure when grandpa installed these. any info on removal would be greatly appreciated. they are white with "sparkles" on them. the back is a brown softish fiber material. thanks so much!

Asbestos ceiling tile presents a very different issue from floor tile because it is typically friable (see other thread on a definition for friable). While you can do this kind of work in your own home without fear of OSHA knocking at your door, it is, IMHO much more dangerous because of the increased risk of exposure to airborne particles and dust. There is the added problem of disposal. It cannot be disposed of legally as non-friable construction debris. If a contractor does this kind of work he is required to set up a containment area in the room and use "wet methods" for removal followed by a final air clearance. Bad news is it's pretty expensive (around $3 per square foot here in Michigan).

If you have asbestos ceiling tiles, I recommend that you have them taken out by a trained and licensed asbestos contractor unless you can be confident that they will come down without any breakage and you are willing to assume the risk of handling them.

While we're talking about ceiling tile, also note that if it is glued on, there is an even greater chance that the glue pods are asbestos than the tile. The good news is, it's non-friable and poses very little risk of becoming airborne.


Fortress Environmental Solutions
www.fortressusa.com

could you tell me if it is ok to enclose it with new drywall? or anything else that would be better? the ceilings are roughly 9 ft tall, so we would be ok to go over it. we have 12, 10, and 8 yr old children AND a 11 month old infant girl. i don't want to put them at any risk whatsoever! thanks so much for your time!!! we really appreciate it!

The legal term for putting a ceiling under this would be an "enclosure"; and yes, it is a good option. Please remember that asbestos is only a hazard when it is broken or creating dust. So if you are going to put a ceiling under it, you need to figure out how to attach the new ceiling without damaging the asbestos ceiling.

Just because you have asbestos ceiling tiles does not mean your children are in danger. Only if the tile becomes damaged do you HAVE to do something about it. In my business as an asbestos inspector I see hundreds of school buildings every year and scores of them have asbestos ceiling tiles. We don't insist that all asbestos tiles be taken out; only that it be kept in good condition.

Fortress Environmental Solutions
www.fortressusa.com

Hi. You can try this product:
http://www.sarasotaceilings.com

You can check gallery, they have awsome selection. Where is the secret? Instead of mess with drywall you glue it right over existing ceiling. You can use mastic ( ceramic tile adhesive ) to glue this product to drywall, wood, cement etc. waterproof so it's good for kitchen and bathroom or patio as well