Vinyl Floor Tile Removal Tips

Vinyl floor tile can last for years, but it eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. Whether you’re a flooring contractor or a homeowner, this task can be daunting.

Luckily, the process is much easier than you might think. With the help of warm water and a heat gun, you can easily remove vinyl planks or tiles without damaging the concrete subfloor underneath.

Cut the Tiles

Whether you’re working with vinyl planks or tiles, always adhere to the old carpentry saying “measure twice, cut once.” It’s easy to make small mistakes when measuring and cutting. This can lead to wasted materials and a difficult time re-aligning edges and corners.

Using a utility knife, score your cuts carefully across the face of the vinyl tile. Use the dull side of the blade to avoid ripping or marring the surface. Be sure to keep the blade a safe distance from your body so that you don’t accidentally cut yourself.

When you come to an area that requires a complex cut, such as around a heat register, remove the grille and mark the precise dimensions on the vinyl floor tile. If you’re able to do this, you can cut the tile precisely and avoid any damage. If you can’t, simply soften the vinyl with a heat gun before attempting to cut it with a utility knife.

Heat the Adhesive

If you are incredibly skilled and have access to a heat gun, you may be able to loosen tile that has been adhered to the floor(wall) and remove it without damaging either surface. However, this is not a task that most people can complete successfully.

If there is any adhesive left after you’ve removed the tiles, using a flooring adhesive remover to soften it should make it easier to scrape and peel away. Be sure to follow all product instructions carefully.

If you don’t have a heating tool, boiling water can also be used to heat and loosen the glue underneath your vinyl tile. Pour a small amount of hot water over a section of the floor and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The warm water should loosen the glue and make it easier to pull up the tile. If this doesn’t work, try again with more boiling water. Continue this process until all of the glue is loose and easily removed from the floor.

Scrape the Adhesive

You may be able to loosen vinyl plank and tile flooring by prying it up with a scraper if the adhesive is not too strong. It is best to use a long handled scraper available at floor supply places that you can work with standing up.

After the stripping solution is allowed to soak into the glue for a few minutes, you can begin to pull away the flooring. This is likely to be done in small sections as it may take a while to get through the thick layer of glue that has built up.

If the concrete subfloor is resistant to the removal process, a stronger solvent such as solvent thinners may be needed to soften the glue. However, if the glue is still not coming off the subfloor, you should consider using a commercial stripper for floors to completely remove the old vinyl and its adhesive. These strippers are usually formulated with chemicals that will not damage most concrete or wood subfloors.

Remove the Tiles

Many flooring professionals will tell you that loose lay vinyl flooring is much easier to remove than tiles. This type of flooring uses friction to keep the planks in place and doesn’t have a glue layer.

It’s recommended to cut the vinyl tiles into 4 or 6-inch sections before you heat them up for removal. This will make it easier to leverage the tile from the floor without damaging the concrete or hardwood subfloor underneath.

Use an old iron with water in it to heat up the vinyl and loosen the glue. Then, using your scraper, pull up the vinyl and adhesive. You may need to repeat the heating and scraping process to remove any remaining adhesive or tile. Once you’ve completely removed the vinyl, you’ll have a clean slate for your concrete refinishing or other flooring renovation project. You’ll also have saved yourself a lot of time, money and energy!



from Tile Removal Newcastle https://ift.tt/zsjkuOo
via IFTTT

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Much Does Asbestos Ceiling Tile Removal Cost?

Image
Asbestos floor tiles are often found in homes built before the 1980s. Disturbing them can release toxic asbestos fibers, putting the health of residents at risk. It’s important to leave this work to a licensed asbestos professional. They will inspect the tiles and take samples for testing. They will also recommend whether encapsulation or removal is necessary. Encapsulation is a cheaper solution but is not permanent. Labor The amount of work involved in a specific asbestos removal project is the biggest factor that determines its price. The process is dangerous and requires professional training, licensing, and special equipment to safely remove the material. Licensed professionals wear disposable suits, masks, and rubber gloves and use a HEPA vacuum to keep contaminants from spreading around the area. They also have to set up and prepare the area before removing asbestos to prevent contamination. This part of the project accounts for 60 to 70 percent of the total cost. Non-friabl...
Read more

Tile Flooring Removal Tips

Image
If you’re removing tile floors in your home as part of a remodeling project, there are some things you should keep in mind. The job can be messy, and it will take time to do properly. The first step is to find a spot where the tile doesn’t extend into another room or other semi-permanent fixture. Then, start by breaking the tiles into pieces. Site Preparation If you’re ready to take on tile flooring removal, clear away fixtures that can’t be removed — such as a toilet or vanity. You should also cover items you can’t move to protect them from dust and debris. Finally, seal any vents in the room with painters’ tape and plastic wrap to prevent air circulation from getting clogged with bits of broken tile and adhesive. If your tile was installed directly to the floor, rather than a layer of underlayment, you’ll need to rip that up too. To do this, find a spot in the room where the tile doesn’t continue into the next room or doorway. This is where you can slip a chisel underneath and be...
Read more

Tile Removal Machine Rental – Selecting the Right Tools

Image
Getting Started A tile removal machine rental is a great way to make this job go much smoother than it would otherwise. This type of equipment is particularly useful for large jobs that have a tight timeframe. The right tools are also important for the success of this task. Start with a hammer and chisel for breaking apart the tiles before switching to a pry bar when you’re getting close to walls or cabinets. You’ll want to also have a floor scraper, an air hammer with a breaker blade, and a vacuum or shop vac. You’ll also need to wear safety glasses and hearing protection if you’re using power equipment. Preparation Before you start removing the tile, clear the area by moving any freestanding items like a towel rack in the bathroom or a table in the kitchen. You should also cover any fixtures or items you can’t move to keep them from getting covered in dust as you work. Additionally, prepare your tools by obtaining a pry bar and a floor scraper, as well as a vacuum or shop vac, a ...
Read more