How to Remove Linoleum Flooring From Cement

Replace old linoleum to update the look of a room.

If you are remodeling a room with a linoleum floor, you may not want to think about pulling up the linoleum. This is an arduous task that requires physical labor. If the floor base underneath the linoleum is concrete, there is some good news. Concrete is porous and doesn't allow the glue holding the linoleum to adhere to it as well as it would on other surfaces, such as wood. Still, prepare yourself for a solid day of literally putting your back into it.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Heat gun
• Scraper
• Adhesive softener

Instructions

1. Make slits along the linoleum with the utility knife down to the concrete approximately every six inches. Do this along the length and the width, cutting squares into the linoleum.

2. Turn the heat gun on and point it at one of the cuts. The heat softens the adhesive glue, helping you get under the linoleum and roll it back.

3. Wedge the scraper under the linoleum, accessing it through the cut. Push the scraper, keeping the heat gun close to the area of work.

4. Scrape the section until the linoleum is removed. Repeat for each section.

5. Apply an adhesive softener, found at a hardware store, to the floor. While you may have removed the linoleum surface, chances are there is still a lot of glue and pieces of linoleum you could not get off. The softener will penetrate the glue, further breaking the bond with the concrete. Allow this to set according to the manufacturer's label.

6. Scrape the floor once again, removing excess glue and linoleum.

Tips & Warnings

• Adhesive glues can be toxic and should only be used according to the manufacturer's label. Ventilate rooms adequately when using these products and/or use a respirator to protect your lungs.

References

• Ask the Builder: Adhesive Removers