VCT tile glue removal

[GtiKyle]

So the ultimate goal is to pull up all this old VCT tile, and to do ceramic/porcelain tile through the whole garage.



Pulling up the tiles has proven to be a total pain. I've had to be on my hands and knees using a large putty knife to pry under them. I can deal with pulling the tiles, it's only about 30 seconds per tile. The real issue is dealing with the glue leftover. All the searching i've done, and videos i've seen is for removing glue that is dried or hardened up. This glue is yellow and sticky, like tar. It's nearly impossible to scrape this all up mechanically.

I've tried hot water to loosen it, that didn't do much. Also mixed in some SimpleGreen...again, not much help.





I then tried some Acetone, but that wasn't doing much either.

I was reading that you shouldn't use chemical adhesive removers, since they will soak into the concrete and prevent good adhesion when you go to lay tile.

Can anyone recommend something? I feel like the typical method which seems to use a grinder would only gum up with this stuff...

 

[ShopRat1]

Check out http://www.diamabrush.com/ You can rent these from Home Depot. Make sure you get the brush for mastic removal. You will need to scrape the tiles off before using the diamabrush for the best results. Good Luck

 

[Rundeep_32]

I had VCT tile in the basement of my 1950-60 (not sure when tile was laid in basement) and had it tested for Asbestos before we bought the house.

The VCT was Asbestos free, but the glue underneath did contain Asbestos. We had to get a licensed HasMat crew to come in and remove the glue, dressed like they were aliens. Now, I know Asbestos isn’t an issue when it is not airborne, it’s actually great insulation, but if yours did test positive, think about putting down a self-leveling cement which would both level the floor and encapsulate the glue.

 

[GtiKyle]

Check out http://www.diamabrush.com/ You can rent these from Home Depot. Make sure you get the brush for mastic removal. You will need to scrape the tiles off before using the diamabrush for the best results. Good Luck

Thank you, I'll look into that. I just didn't assume something like that could tackle the sticky stuff and not just gum up.

I checked their website, they don't list them. Might be needing to give them a ring.

 

[splitfinger09]

I cant remember what the product was called but I purchased it at lowes and was able to spread it over the glue and cover with plastic for 10 min and the glue turned into an oatmeal like substance that scraped right off.

 

[RivennHewn]

Asbestos is in the old black mastic, usually under 9 x 9 tiles.
Those look too new to worry about asbestos.

 

[uppster]

Find the carpet installation supply store, the one the pro's use not HD or Lowe's. They have a product that will clean it up and you can install whatever you want back down.

 

[GtiKyle]

Find the carpet installation supply store, the one the pro's use not HD or Lowe's. They have a product that will clean it up and you can install whatever you want back down.

Do you have a product name?

 

[Shea]

Here's a product from Franmar Chemical that works well with mastic. It's called Bean-e-doo.

 

[James-W]

I cant remember what the product was called but I purchased it at lowes and was able to spread it over the glue and cover with plastic for 10 min and the glue turned into an oatmeal like substance that scraped right off.

That sounds like the quickest and easiest way to do it.

 

[DieselNut88]

Floor guys typically cover it with a thin layer of floor leveler. Then sand it smooth. Too much work to try and remove it and then when asbestos comes into the equation it is better to cover it.