Tile Removal – Be Prepared
The process of removing tile can send shards flying, so it’s important to wear gloves and safety goggles. Also, cover and protect any surfaces adjacent to the work area with plastic sheeting to prevent damage.
Experts recommend starting in the top-left corner of a room if you are right-handed. This will allow you to work gently down the wall as each line of tiles is removed.
Tools
When tackling tile removal, it is vital to be prepared with the right tools. Not only will this make the process much easier, but it can also prevent injuries and illnesses related to dust inhalation. For this reason, always wear protective gloves and safety goggles when working with these tools.
Depending on the size of the project, there are different kinds of tile removal tools that you will need. For small-scale projects, a hammer and chisel can be sufficient. However, if you are planning to replace all of the tile flooring in your home, then you will need more powerful and heavy-duty tools like a sledge hammer or a demolition fork.
A demolition fork looks similar to a floor scraper and works similarly, but it is more effective for very tightly adhered tiles. It requires less force, and it is better for your hands than a pry bar. You can also use paint strippers or bile soap to remove hard-to-remove tile adhesives.
Preparation
Whether you’re planning to rip up tile floors and walls or simply replace old, broken tiles, preparation is key. The surface you’re working on may be a concrete slab, plywood or some sort of wallboard, and each requires different techniques to get the job done right.
For concrete, it’s important to have the proper float and hammer used in order to create a clean, even cut, without damaging the surface beneath the tiles. It’s also important to use a power grinder with the proper guard and blades for maximum safety.
If you’re tiling over wood, drywall or other painted surfaces, it’s vital to clean the surface properly, which is usually achieved by sanding down and spreading a primer. This will prevent splinters and weak bonding of the new adhesive. Masking or wrapping vents is also recommended, as the process will generate a lot of dust and shards that can easily travel throughout your home. Protect yourself by wearing gloves, eye protection and a protective mask when working on this type of project.
Start Point
Tile removal is not a job that should be undertaken lightly. It is a tiring and messy task that needs to be done correctly to prevent damage to the underlayment beneath. Whether it is floor, backsplash or wall tile that you are removing, you will need to work out a strategy for getting the tiles out in a way that causes the least amount of damage.
Once you’ve put on your protective gear and cleared the room of any fixtures and sanitary fittings that cannot be removed, it is time to start. Find a good starting point, either by prodding around with the butt of your hammer or by prying up a tile with your chisel.
Once you’ve found a good place to begin, remove any free-standing items that could get in your way and start by scraping away the grout with a long-handled floor scraper or air hammer and chisel. This will make it easier for you to see the state of your tile underneath and to plan out how best to remove it.
Removing the Tiles
When you’re ready to start removing the tiles, it’s important to have the proper equipment in place. This includes long-sleeved work clothes and gloves, as well as a pair of safety goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from any shards that may break off and fly around the room as you chip away at the tile.
Once you’re fully prepared, it’s time to get started. Begin by using a chisel and hammer to break apart one of the tiles and carefully remove it from the wall or plasterboard. This will give you a better idea of how the rest of the tiles are installed, which will help you determine your approach going forward.
After removing the first tile, continue to carefully chisel away at the others until they are loose or damaged enough to remove with ease. Once they’re removed, it’s important to properly clean the area and dispose of them appropriately. They can be repurposed for other uses, or donated to Goodwill or similar thrift stores, or they can simply be thrown away.
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