Remove Vinyl Floor Over Cement

Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com

Q: I want to remove the vinyl flooring before I lay down ceramic tile. Underneath the vinyl is cement. The vinyl is stuck really well. I have a large scraper (six inches attached to a six foot handle) that I have been using, but it is a really slow process.

A: Yes, scraping is back-breaking work, which is why in the past I have recommended people may want to hire someone else to do it. To read more details about removing vinyl flooring and the precautions necessary if it is more than 20 years old (and may contain asbestos), simply visit our site at: http://www.servicemagic.com, select Flooring, and type Faux Concrete into the search box.

However, since it is just labor and you have concrete underneath it, is it one of the jobs which novices can accomplish without affecting the quality of the final project.

I know you can also get solvents to dissolve that adhesive from flooring supply companies, and perhaps once you have broken into the old flooring, that will help a little. You need to consult with the supply store to see if that will help or not. I believe you also need to wear a mask and have good ventilation while using the solvent, too.

Finally, the new surface should not have to be completely clean of the old adhesive before setting the tile, as long as you have a good solid base of mortar to even it out. A tile setter could advise you about that.

To discuss this or hire someone to do part of all of this project, please visit our site, at: http://www.servicemagic.com, fill out a service request and let us match you with the ideal service professional in your area.

Good luck!

Kathy Maynard

-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic