Working with Floor Tiles

I know that it is the time of year to be fixing and making improvements around the house, but don’t take on more than you can handle. It will only bring you more stress than you need, especially at this time of year.

I have a friend who has started a project of removing some tiles from her floor. I’m sure she wishes that she hadn’t started this since it is turning out to involve much more than she anticipated.

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If you are removing vinyl or stick on floor tiles it is easier to use heat to help loosen them. Home improvement stores sell the heat guns and they are relatively inexpensive.  They are similar to a hair dryer, but the heat is much hotter and the blower is more powerful.

You will also need a large scrapper, or you might want to invest in a long handled chisel so that you can scrape while standing. That is a little bit easier on the back.  A flat bladed garden shovel will also do the job. You can buy a floor scraper at just about any hardware store. Remember, you will need the most durable scraper you can find and one with a sharp edge.

After loosening the tiles you will then need to go back over the floor with the scraper. If you have a problem getting the floor tiles up with the scraper, try using the heat gun again. There may be a few patches of tile and clump, use a putty knife on those spots to loosen.

You may not have to use adhesives when you put the tiles down, but you will deal with the adhesives when removing the tiles. If heating the adhesive isn’t working, you may need to purchase a commercial vinyl tile and flooring adhesive remover. If you get to this point, you will need to make sure the area is well ventilated and use a face mask or respirator while applying the remover.

As you can see, this project can go from a simple task of removing the tiles to using adhesive removers and dealing with chemicals that you may be breathing into you lungs. So, know your limits. Know when you need to call in a professional.

Take care. I’ll talk to you soon.