How to Remove Vinyl Flooring From Concrete With Chemical Dissolvent
Utilizing the correct method and materials when removing old vinyl flooring from concrete will change the task from daunting to doable. Once the vinyl flooring is pulled up, you are left with areas of backing material and adhesive that seem as hard as the concrete itself. Complete removal of this material is necessary before installing new flooring. Using caution and protecting skin, eyes and lungs from the dissolvent is paramount with this project. Removal of vinyl flooring is manageable by most homeowners over a long weekend. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Respirator Mask
- Utility knife
- Paintbrush
- Putty knife
- Removall 700 or similar type adhesive dissolvent
- Wire brush
- Wet/dry vacuum cleaner
- Mop
Instructions
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Cut the vinyl flooring into 2"X5" squares, using a sharp utility knife. Force the sections of vinyl apart slightly with a putty knife and apply some of the adhesive remover with a paintbrush. Let the product sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
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Pull the vinyl up and set the pieces in a discard pile. Add the remover product to the remaining backing material and adhesive, with the paintbrush. Use enough remover to completely saturate the adhesive and backing material without leaving too much standing liquid. Let the product sit for 30 minutes.
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3
Scrub the floor with a wire brush to ensure that the adhesive is dissolving. Use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove the pieces of backing material and the dissolved adhesive.
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Mop the cement floor with plain water. Repeat the process until all of the sticky residue is gone. Allow the cement surface to dry for 24 to 48 hours before installing new flooring.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not add water to the adhesive dissolving product or dilute it in any way, or it will be rendered ineffective.
When removing vinyl flooring that is older than 1970, consult a flooring specialist to determine if the backing contains asbestos. Release of asbestos is harmful, and the removal would ideally need to be done by experts. "Common sense dictates that unique and particularly challenging asbestos projects should not be undertaken by the homeowner," insists the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
Use safety glasses and gloves around adhesive dissolvents.
Ventilate the area well, and wear a respirator mask.
Add a paint hardener to any remaining product to make it safe for disposal. Do not discard in full-strength liquid form.
