Removing vinly tiles which have been glued down.

[spotit3]

Could anyone recommend the easiest way to lift vinyl floor tiles which appear to have been glued down. Water has got under a few so I need to lift them all and replace with a different sort of flooring but have no idea how best to go about getting them up. All helpgreatly appreciated.

[Doc Spock]

This might sound silly but it works.


Use a strong wallpaper stripping blade and heat tiles with a gas blowtorch.

It softens the tiles and melts the adhesive. Trust me I have done this several times.


Make sure room ventilated though.

[Clanad]

Similar to Doc Spock's method, I've obtained a tool at the DIY that's normally used to scrape ice off the sidewalk. It has a 4 foot handle and a rather sharp 8 inch blade at the end. I use this to scrape most of the top layer of vinyl off. Quite easy, and then spray the bottom glued down layer with a full strength mixture of wallpaper glue remover. It's also available at any DIY store, at least here in the U.S. I find it works best if warmed. Spray thoroughly, let set for a few minutes and it literally jumps off the floor. Well, not really, but it is quite easy. The wallpaper glue remover has enzymes that disolves the glue. It is best to mop the remnantswith a rag soaked in the same solution. I do like Doc's idea as well... Best of luck!

[figure]

I've had great success removing my bathroom tiles using Docs' Method. He posted it before and it truly came in handy when I unexpectedly needed to remove tiles. Thanks again Doc!

[spotit3]

Thanks to all for their speedy replies. Question for Clanad. Is the wallpaper glue remover you mention the same as wallpaper paste removal in the UK?
I am a woman with no do-it-yourself experience and am a bit wary about using a blowtorch as I know absolutely nothing about them!

[Clanad]

I suspect so, spotit3... It's an enzyme solution especially prepared for wallpaper removal... there are two or three different brands... Best of luck!