I am new to this forum and any advice is greatly appreciated!

I have @1000sqft of 5x3/4" solid unfinished brazilian chestnut to install. Planned to nail down with 1-3/4 cleat nails. Problem is that it turns out the sheet vinyl flooring currently installed throughout the whole house contains an asbestos backing and is heavily glued down and to add insult to injury it glued to 1/2" clipboard that is nailed down to 1/2 plywood. Abatement isnt an option, so would i run into any issues installing plywood over everything to encapsulate the vinyl flooring and to keep asbestos from becoming airborne when perforating it with a bunch of cleats as well as giving some holding strength and prevent tear-outs. I am replacing all doors so under cutting is not an issue.

Thanks in advance!
Chris

Penetrating the vinyl with cleats will not cause any asbestos to be airborne .
Half inch plywood will be fine to nail the flooring without problems. Fasten with 2 inch staples using the MIII after you have taken the plate off with an Allen wrench. Nailing into the floor joists is not necessary. I would use a 6inch edges and 8 inch center schedule with 15.5 ga. staples or ring shank nails.

THANKS!