Installing Ceramic Tile Over Asbestos

Ayackle asks,

Our new 1960s old home has a full basement but is unfinished. The previous owners had carpet down there but removed it due to a damp spring. After removal, they place 1/4 inch cement board, and did it without adhering it to the floor. I would like to utilize this cement board and install 12×12 ceramic tiles. After inspecting what was under neath the cement board, I found asbestos tile. How can I adhere the board to the floor l, without disturbing the asbestos? Glue? Hammer drill screws? Both ?

Our Answer

<p>Adhering ceramic tile to a solid floor is really important and the assembly you describe gives me some concern. The best approach would be to remove the cement board, properly remove the asbestos tile, and then adhere the ceramic tile to the original floor.</p>
<p>A less expensive alternative would be to leave the cement board in place, and then add a laminate or engineered hardwood floor on top of that. These type of floors are "floating" floors and installing either laminate or engineered hardwood would be a durable choice.</p>