Disposing of parquet too expensive - alternatives?

The problem, as already mentioned, is the adhesive that is attached. At least formaldehyde should have been released into the air and lungs over the years.

At the very top of chemists' watchlist, however, is the carcinogenic substance benzo(a)pyrene, which is measured as a representative for the large mass of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tar oil-containing adhesives. But besides this group of pollutants, a second danger is hidden in other adhesives: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB).

In public discussion, PCB-containing parquet adhesives have so far played hardly any role. Also, in official recommendations, parquet is often warned against the (more common) PAHs but hardly against PCBs. A deficiency, because these legacy pollutants are potent: high levels of 10,000 to 20,000 milligrams of PCB per kilogram of parquet adhesive are not uncommon.

Considering the production conditions in the chlor-chemistry of the 1950s and 1960s, the question of further pollutants in the adhesives also arises. For example, two samples were tested for highly toxic dioxins and furans – and the tests found them. The unit of measure for such chemical mixtures is so-called toxicity equivalents (TE). The chemists discovered 107,000 and 210,000 nanograms TE per kilogram of adhesive mass in the samples.

For comparison: according to the German Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance, 1,000 nanograms TE per kilogram of soil are allowed for residential areas, and only 100 nanograms TE per kilogram of soil for playgrounds. Although parquet adhesive is certainly to be assessed differently than soil, given the high toxicity of dioxins and furans, precautionary consumer protection should be taken particularly seriously here.

Therefore, the stuff belongs, if not precisely examined beforehand, on the hazardous waste landfill... In some communities, glued parquet is still officially considered bulky waste. But consider carefully whether the new floor should really be glued.

It is supposed to be installed floating, but I might need to clarify that again, I'm not sure how he planned it. However, the offer does not mention any adhesive, only possibly leveling compound and impact sound insulation.

I don't think I can get rid of it as bulky waste, since it is painted at least. How do I see as a layman whether it is glued? Only if I lift something up somewhere, right?

It is supposed to be installed as a floating floor, but I might have to clarify that again, I'm not sure how he planned it. The offer does not mention any adhesive, only possibly leveling compound and impact sound insulation.

I don't think I can get rid of it as bulky waste since it is at least lacquered. How can I tell as a layman if it is glued? Only if I lift something somewhere, right?

Remove the baseboard in one spot and try to lever underneath with a screwdriver. Sometimes it is enough to press a bit on such edges, if it moves, it is floating. If it is rock solid, then it is not. Possibly you will also see adhesive residue in the joint.

I spoke with the painter again, that was a mistake - it should be 75€ FLAT RATE and not per sqm. Now there is a completely different amount and it looks much better. Thank you, we were already beginning to doubt whether something like this can be normal by now.

I would be interested to know why one would want to replace parquet with parquet. Is the old flooring so ugly or worn out?

In short: yes.

It is a painted beech parquet (you might remember my personal stance on beech from my first thread, where we talked, among other things, about our staircase), which is hopelessly scratched and dented and also has moisture damage on the edges of the individual planks - presumably it was often wet mopped in the past. It already looked bad when we moved in, and the toddler phase at our place finished the rest. Keyword: flying wooden toys. In addition, the area under the play mat (one made of eco rubber, as big as a carpet) has discolored differently than the rest.

My mother-in-law has a great oak parquet, oiled and limed, looks great and has been withstanding toddler and dog visits without problems for several years. That is exactly what we will install in our place as well, assuming that this is the floor "forever" now.

I am very happy when the yellow floor is out of here.