How to Get Up Old Tile Mortar
Although tiles are durable, they ultimately require replacing. Tiles can crack, chip, loosen and become outdated. They are typically installed over a dense bed of thinset mortar for stability. Once tiles are removed, it is necessary to get up the remaining tile mortar to prepare a smooth foundation for future flooring. Leaving any excess mortar on the subfloor prevents new tiles from lying properly and hinders their overall installation. Thoroughly remove the old tile mortar using specific techniques. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- 4-inch pan scraper
- Electric chipper with 4-inch-wide tip
- Heavy-duty ear muffs
- Broom
- Shop vacuum
Instructions
-
-
1
Put on a pair of work gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself during the mortar removal process.
-
2
Remove thin fragments of mortar from the floor. Using a 4-inch pan scraper, scrape off as much mortar as possible.
-
-
3
Prepare to detach large, stubborn chunks of mortar using an electric chipper containing a 4-inch-wide chisel tip. Put on heavy-duty ear muffs (along with your safety glasses and gloves) for protection against the chipper's loud noise.
-
4
Position the chipper's chisel tip at a 60-degree angle to the floor. Firmly grasp the chipper's handle and allow the machine to shake against the mortar. Slowly glide the chipper across the mortar as the machine breaks up the chunks. Operate the chipper as directed by the manufacturer.
-
5
Sweep up the large chunks of mortar with a broom. Vacuum the dust and small debris particles from the subfloor using a shop vacuum.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Rent an electric chipper from a local hardware store.
Substitute a pneumatic chipper for the electric chipper. Operate the pneumatic chipper according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Electric chippers are heavy and sometimes difficult to control.
