Black plastic floor tiles query

danrv

Hi
I’m fitting new skirting boards in my lounge and under the underlay are place plastic or vinyl tiles, 10” x 10”.
Thinking that carpet fitters would probably fit new gripper rods, I’ve taken some rods up but some tiles are broken underneath.
Just wondering if there’s anything I can use to replace them along the edge.
Any help appreciated

Doozergirl

There's nothing to do there. 

Also, those tiles probably contain asbestos, albeit not particularly risky kind as it's trapped within a matrix.  Best not to mess with them much.  

Your new carpet and skirting will cover all of that.  

danrv

Doozergirl said:

There's nothing to do there. 

Also, those tiles probably contain asbestos, albeit not particularly risky kind as it's trapped within a matrix.  Best  not to mess with them. 

Your new carpet and skirting will cover all of that.  

Thanks for the reply.
Did read about vinyl asbestos tiles and will leave them there. Question is do I continue taking up the gripper rods?
I’ve done a few metres and the tiles are a bit brittle under them.

Doozergirl

It's a bit safer for whoever is fitting/painting the skirting boards to remove the gripper rods, but it probably isn't essential.  

The skirting does sit off the floor a bit, probably by about the height of the gripper rod. 

danrv

Doozergirl said:

It's a bit safer for whoever is fitting/painting the skirting boards to remove the gripper rods, but it probably isn't essential.  

The skirting does sit off the floor a bit, probably by about the height of the gripper rod. 

That’s great, thanks.

twopenny

Most types of flooring now they put down an underlay board to ensure the surface is flat for laying whatever over it.

That should deal with the gap in the skirting as there are different thicknesses.

danrv

Hi
Just picking this up again.
I’m looking at replacing what was there before ie. foam underlay and carpet.
I’ve taken up the old gripper rods and now need to use a small amount of levelling compound around the edge of the room/tiles to bring up the level.
The new skirting will sit on top.

The compound only seems to be available in large amounts (10kg - 25kg).
Just wondering if there’s small tubs available.
Any help appreciated.

Doozergirl

I don't think you need self level at all there.  It's not going to make any discernible difference at all.   You're bot even walking in the edges there to even try to discern any difference.  

There's always some
differential because gripper rods are usually the same depth, but carpet and underlay vary.  

danrv

Deleted_User said:

I work as an asbestos consultant and the tiles do look consistent with those that contain chrysotile (white asbestos). Asbestos could also be present in the bitumen adhesive underneath. Although they are low risk, a lot of carpet fitters won't work with the materials I.e. fitting new gripper rods by nailing through the tiles. You should have left the old ones where they were. Anyone working with asbestos containing materials in a professional capacity needs to have the right skills, training and insurances in place even when it comes to low risk materials. They might tell you that you need to get them tested and confirmed not to contain asbestos before doing the work. Another option would be to glue the carpet rather than use gripper rods.

Yes, did think of that.
The gap between the rods and wall was quite narrow so limited the skirting board choice.