Need question answered!

[curt7448]

I have a garage makeover going on right now. The last thing I need to do is to put down a new floor. I think I have decided to go with the VCT tiles. I have a concrete garage floor that has been sealed. I need to know if I need to strip the sealer before trying to glue the tiles. I have ZERO exprerience with laying down flooring and could use some help. If stripping the sealer is required, then what are some suggestions to removing that? I am very excited to get this done and share with everyone!

 

[tncatadjuster]

Why not hire a professional for this, tile is cheap...... even laid.

 

[Red05GT]

Consult the instructions from the adhesive you plan on using. If it says strip, then
probably muriatic acid. How long has the concrete been sealed? Can you still see a
shine or sheen on the floor? If so I would probably strip it. The clear thin spread
adhesives are great products and easy to use.

 

[Wingnut65]

Welcome to GJ.

The convenience of VCT is that there is minimal prep needed to the existing floor. A thorough cleaning is needed to removal dirt. grime, grease and anything else that may affect the adhesive. But when I was been looking at VCT as an option, I found that the existing paint that I have down would actually help as an additional moisture barrier below the adhesive. Removing it to bare concrete could open the door to moisture migrating from below. But moisture is my big problem here in Florida. You didn't mention what region you are in if that would be part for this discussion.

As I am reading all the threads here, pictures are needed for a full analysis of the question. Actually it just gives us more ideas of what we can do with our garages... Or for some pictures, shows how grateful we didn't do something.

Good Luck with your project.

jeff

 

[rugerlady]

If it says strip, then
probably muriatic acid. QUOTE]

Muriatic acid will not strip away a sealer. If the manufacturer says it needs to be stripped off, you would need to diamond grind it. Check with the manufacturer to see if it needs to be stripped.

 

[curt7448]

Thanks for the imput so far guys and gals. I live in East Tennessee, so we have a WIDE range of weather. The sealer has been on the floor for probably 2 years. I bought the house new a year ago, and the house was actually built 2 years ago. Here are some pics of the garage....I don't have a good shot of the floor....but this is the best I can do from work.
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2947/garage4a.jpg
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4734/garage3.jpg
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/9649/garage2t.jpg
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/3217/garage1a.jpg
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6149/garage5.jpg

I have never done any type of flooring, but really want to complete the garage with a new floor. But I want to know before I get into it what I am REALLY in for. I might need to just get a quote from an installer, and see what happens. Would it benifit me to go to a local hardware store and ask them what they suggest? I know sometimes people that work at some of the places only work there to get a check, and don't care about helping people.

 

[gabeancounter]

Not a flooring pro but I do know they make many versions of the VCT. From low grade peel and stick to commercial trowel adhesive laid tile. I assume in this space you are wanting to use a higher grade of tile. Looked @ the henry website as this is a common adhesive for VCT. I think they say to remove the sealer. Here is the pdf link.
http://www.wwhenry.com/assets/Products/Documents/wwh-430GL-tech-us-es.pdf

 

[curt7448]

thanks for the site.....ill check it out