Options for covering asbestos flooring

[Account Closed]

I need to put a new floor in a rental unit over ugly ceramic tile. Only problem is that the tile was laid over black mastic which contains asbestos. The cost to have it abated is $2250. I am looking for alternatives. Can I put a new floor on top Possibly with an underlayment or thin set to smooth out the grout lines first? I would like to do a new tile, but a floating floor would work too. This is in a kitchen and living area, so it could (probably would) get wet. Tile would be best. This is only a 20 X 20 area, so very small.

[George P.]

The vinyl tiles contain asbestos. They have very little asbestos. If you can spray them down with water then pop them with a floor scraper. My flooring guy does it all the time. Unless u grind it that stuff it's really not that big of a deal.