Tile Floor Removal – What You Need to Know

Before you start removing your tile floor, gather your tools and materials. You’ll also want to make sure you have some sort of dust mask, as the resulting debris can be quite toxic if inhaled.

Begin by working a pry bar underneath the tile and lifting it up. If it comes up in pieces, use a hammer and chisel to break it into smaller, removable pieces.

Preparation

Before you start removing your old tile floor, make sure you have the proper tools and safety equipment. This includes long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your skin from sharp, broken pieces of tile. Wearing a mask or respirator is also recommended, as breaking up tile and mortar creates a lot of dust.

You will also need a good pair of work gloves and safety glasses to keep from getting cut. Cover furniture with a plastic sheet or tarp to avoid any dust falling on it during the removal process.

Examine the substrate under the tile to determine how the tiles were affixed and if you can salvage it. Depending on whether the substrate is plywood, cement or another material, you may need to be more careful when removing the tile. For example, plywood may not be able to take as much force as cement sheeting or a concrete floor. A long-handled floor scraper or air hammer with a chisel set will help speed up the process and reduce the amount of effort you need to put into lifting tile up from the floor.

Gathering the Tools

Before beginning tile removal, you will need to gather a variety of tools and equipment. Most importantly, you will need a hammer and masonry chisel. It is also important to have protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, a face mask and a dust respirator, which will capture the crystalline silica that is created while working on this project.

A floor scraper and demolition folk are excellent tools to have as well. They can both be used to lift up loose tiles that are still attached to the plywood underlayment.

It is a good idea to find a weak spot in the tiling and begin by chiseling it up. This may take a long time, but it will save you a lot of trouble when you are ready to remove the rest of the tiles. You can also use a flat shovel to break up bigger chunks that will be easier to remove. Once all of the tile is broken up, you can use your hammer to pry it away from the underlayment.

Getting Started

Whether you’re renovating your home or trying to sell it, tile removal is a project that should not be undertaken lightly. It’s a messy job that will leave dust everywhere. If you’re doing it yourself, make sure you protect your furniture by covering it with plastic wrap and cover the vents in the room where you’ll be working.

Depending on the type of underlayment that was used, you’ll need to be careful with how you remove tile to prevent damaging it underneath. A pry bar and putty knife are good tools for this task. It’s also a good idea to have a broom and dustpan handy for the smaller pieces that will be falling off as you work.

Once you’ve removed the larger pieces, use a floor scraper or an air hammer with a chisel set to speed up the process and reduce the effort needed to lift each tile up. Remember to wear ear protection when using these power tools, especially as you get closer to cabinets and walls.

Cleaning Up

During tile floor removal, it’s important to keep your work area clean and tidy. Cover furniture with tarpaulin or plastic wrap, and use a vacuum cleaner to prevent dust from settling on other surfaces in your home. Similarly, cover your air conditioning unit so dust doesn’t blow into it.

It’s also wise to wear protective eyewear and a respirator during the entire process. Most tiles contain crystalline silica, which is dangerous if inhaled.

Be sure to check a potential contractor’s safety protocols, especially their containment of silica dust. If possible, choose a company with an innovative system, like DustRam, that’s 26 times more effective at capturing and containing silica dust than conventional methods. Additionally, ask about their cleaning procedures and the tools they use. A company with decades of experience can help you save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and cleanup. By taking a few precautions, you can make the process of removing tile floors easier and less stressful for you and your family.

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