If you’ve decided the tile currently on the floor just isn’t right for you anymore and you’d like to put in new flooring, that old floor is going to need to be removed. Unfortunately, Tile Removal isn’t a quick or easy job. However, it is possible to do it yourself if you’re willing to put in the work. A few tips may help make it clearer just what to expect.
Getting Started
It’s often easiest to remove old tiles if you find an exposed edge, such as that next to a vanity, and try to pry up one of the tiles from there. In some cases, it may be necessary to simply break a tile up with a hammer and pry out the pieces to get a good starting point for removing the flooring altogether.
Necessary Tools
Once you’ve gotten one tile out, it will be easier to determine whether you have the right tools on hand for the job. Then you can see how the tile was installed and what was used as an adhesive to get it to stick to the underlayment or concrete underneath. If you’re lucky, you may be able to remove the flooring with safety glasses, leather gloves, and a flooring scraper as tools. If the flooring is basically hooked down with cement, and hammering the mortar into small pieces doesn’t make it easy enough to get off the underlayment, it may be necessary to remove the entire underlayment and replace it. Sometimes, a heat gun can help to soften the adhesive and make it easier to remove the tile.
Keeping It Clean
You can minimize the mess during Tile Removal by tossing any materials removed from the floor directly into a trash can. Cleaning as you go helps minimize the mess. Just be sure to empty the trash can before it gets too heavy from all the tile inside. A shop vac can be helpful for getting rid of the last of the debris, but a broom can do an okay job if you don’t have access to a shop vac.
Aestheticflooring.com can help with flooring removal if you find the job is more than you’re willing to handle. Then they can help you choose the perfect new flooring to install in its place. You can also connect with them on Facebook.
