How Do You Remove the Floor Tile Adhesive?
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Time to read 5 min
Adhesives are necessary for binding tiles to the floor. They are the force that holds your tiles to the floor and prevents them from peeling off.
However, the installation process often leaves residue behind, which dulls the appearance of your tiles. Not only this, but residual adhesives can also cause unevenness, hollowness, or cracking of the new floor. Therefore, you want to remove residue floor tile adhesive to give your tiles the elegant look they deserve.
However, removing adhesives from floor tiles should be approached with caution to preserve the floor's integrity and lifespan.
💡 Did you know
Here are simple, yet effective solutions to remove the floor tile adhesive:
Adhesives Type Identification: Choosing the Right Method Based On the Adhesive
Cement-based Adhesive
Known for its versatility, cement-based adhesives are commonly used to bind tiles. They are of two types: ready-mixed and powder. Ready-mixed cement adhesives don't need any substance for activation, while the power option requires water to mix.
Regardless, both options are ideal for installation on all forms of tiles, including ceramics and stone tiles.
Cement-based adhesives are hard and require mechanical force. Angle grinder, floor grinder, chisel and scraper are some of the tools to remove a cement-based adhesive. Warm water can also soften residues, but only in minor quantities.
Epoxy Resin
These are chemical resistant with high tensile strength, which eliminates the need for basic solvents. Heat, preferably a hot air gun, in combination with other chemical strippers, is the best approach for softening epoxy-resin adhesives.
Dispersion (Mastic)
Mastic is mostly water-soluble, which means soaking with warm dish soap can break it down to an appreciable level. Therefore, it is easy to remove.
Note: Avoid excessive water on sensitive subfloors.
Rapid Set Adhesive
Rapid-set adhesive is a fast-hardening adhesive. Because of this, it's advisable to use powerful tools such as angle or floor grinders to remove the adhesive from your floor tiles.
Note: Adhesives that were used in floor/tile installation before the 1980s may contain asbestos. For your health and well-being, avoid scraping asbestos-based floors yourself, as they release dangerous fibres. Seek the services of a licensed asbestos abatement professional.
Tools and Material Preparation: Essential Equipment for Effective Removal
Using the right equipment makes your job of removing floor tile adhesives easy, fast and safe. Tile adhesive removal tools are categorised into four categories:
Hand Tools
Stiff knives: Used in tight spots and corners
Chisel: For precision work and edges
Scrapers: To handle small area residues
Heavy Duty Wire Brushes: To clean residues out of grout lines or textured surfaces
Hammer: To drive the chisel during tile removal or installation (use cautiously)
Power Tools
These tools are used for hard adhesives or areas and include:
Floor Grinder: This is the powerhouse for large areas of cement-based adhesives. It is available for rent for $100-200 daily. A floor grinder is best combined with a diamond cup wheel for removing adhesives.
Angle Grinder: Angle grinders are more flexible than floor grinders, but they also use a diamond cup wheel and are suitable for small areas.
Oscillating Multi-Tools: These are an excellent choice of equipment for individuals who want precise work near cabinets, heating vents, and walls.
Step-by-Step Removal Floor Tile Process
Base Layer Protection
Seal all gaps between doors and windows. Cover all electrical appliances, furniture, and vents to prevent dust from spreading to them.
Soften the Adhesive
To soften the adhesive, bake the hot air-con at a low temperature for some minutes (eighteen minutes for epoxy resin). Alternatively, apply warm water or any solvent to the adhesive for thirty minutes.
Mechanical Remover
If you're dealing with a large area, use a grinder at an angle of 45°. Move at uniform speed to prevent damage.
For a small area, tap gently with a chisel and hammer while maintaining a shallow angle.
Residue Treatment
Treat all residues by applying a chemical solvent and let it stay for five minutes. Scrub thoroughly with a plastic brush.
Clean and Inspect
Rinse with soapy water. Vacuum to rid any spillovers or residues. Check for significant dips, lumps or flatness within two to three meters. If you notice lumps or dips, ensure you level them.
Special Scene Treatment: Solution for Challenging Surfaces
Wooden Base
Avoid using a grinder on your wooden floor, as it can destroy the wood and worsen the condition of your floor. Instead, use manual scrapers and chisels. Alternatively, you can lubricate the affected areas with mineral oil since it helps lift residue without causing damage to the board.
Gypsum Board Wall
Manual removal is the safest method for removing adhesives from gypsum board walls. Repair any damaged areas with a waterproof caulking agent.
Underfloor Heating Floor
Avoid high-temperature/ vibration tools such as heating guns for heating floors. Use chemical solvents and plastic scrapers instead.
Reuse of Tiles
Use an angle grinder and a wire brush to clean the adhesive residue. Walk carefully to remove the adhesive without cracking the tiles. But ensure you secure the tile(s) firmly.
Particles Board Residue
Avoid water particles on particleboard residue, as soaking will swell and ruin the board. The best option is to cover the board with a 6mm underlayment grade plywood or luan wood. When glued and sealed, this helps create a stable surface. Alternatively, you can install new flooring.
Waste Adhesive Disposal: Safe Disposal and Environmental Tips
Asbestos Adhesive
This is a hazardous waste that must be professionally sealed and packaged. Only licensed professionals are allowed to transport to a designated landfill. Costs usually range from £12 to £20 per square meter.
General Waste
Pack all general waste in a dry residue bag and contact the nearest municipal recycling station for disposal guidelines. If there are solvent bottles, treat them as hazardous waste.
Dust Control
Suppress the dust by spraying water before and during operation. After work, clean with a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
DIY vs. Professional Service: When to Call a Pro
DIY applicable scenarios can only work in areas less than 10 m² with an easy to remove adhesive and not asbestos. On the other hand, professional services are required when dealing with asbestos, multi-layer adhesives or a large area.
Cost Comparison for Flooring Projects
Project |
DIY Cost |
Professional Service Cost |
Small Area (10m²) |
$50–$150 (tool rental) |
$250–$550 |
Stone Adhesive Application |
Not feasible |
$1,200–$3,250 |
Substrate Leveling |
$15–$20/m² |
$40–$90/m² |
FAQ
Can vinegar remove tile adhesive?
Vinegar can only remove water-soluble adhesives, especially when combined with soaking and scraping. However, it's not an effective option against epoxy or cement-based adhesives.
What if the base is uneven after removal?
If the base of your tiles is uneven after the removal process, fill up with a new tile adhesive. If there's a significant dip, you may need to patch with a cement-based levelling compound.
Will chemical solvents damage the base?
Chemical solvents won't damage your floor base if you follow the right procedures. However, to be on the safe side, test the solvent in an inconspicuous area first to have an idea of what to expect.
Can old adhesive directly affect new tiles?
Generally, we don't recommend using old adhesive on new tiles because there is a high chance of uneven bonding.
Conclusion
Getting rid of old adhesives can be stressful, but it is the groundwork for a successful flooring job. Regardless, approach the process with caution, as skipping basic steps can result in future problems, which you want to avoid.
Carefully identifying your adhesive type, using the right tools, and following the right procedures, you can rest assure that you are on the path of restoring your tile floor to its old glory.
However, while removing small adhesives can be something you can do on your own, it makes sense to hire a professional for stubborn adhesives, especially when dealing with large areas. Letting a professional remove your adhesive helps ensure your floor is in safe hands, with no risk of damage.
Hire a professional adhesive removal specialist now.
