How to Remove a Vinyl Floor That Is Glued Down
Removing a vinyl floor that is glued down can be one of the most challenging flooring projects a homeowner faces. The glue is stubborn, and the cleanup can be a nightmare unless you know the right process and have the right equipment. At Austin Dustless, we specialize in making this job clean, fast, and efficient so you can move on to your new floors without the mess. But here are the steep we take to get the vinyl/wood and glue up!
Step 1: Measuring and Cutting for Easier Removal
Before any removal begins, we measure the thickness of the vinyl (wood). This lets us set our cutting depth so we do not cut into the slab or subfloor. Then we make the cuts to the vinyl/wood so the flooring breaks into smaller, more manageable pieces. This step makes the removal process faster and prevents excessive strain on the person doing the removal and the subfloor if there is one.
Step 2: Scraping Away Residue
Once the vinyl is chipped and lifted, we use a scraper blade to remove as much glue residue as possible. This helps minimize the glue gumming up and stalling out your grinder. If the glue gets gummy and bogs down your grinder, STOP, it will burn the motor up! You can try one of two things: get a heavier hammer drill with a scraper blade to remove more glue from the floor, or add some sawdust to the glue.
Step 3: Grinding Off the Glue
The final stage is grinding the remaining adhesive with a large industrial grinder that is connected to a powerful vacuum (Not a shop vacuum). This process not only removes the glue but also smooths out high spots in the concrete, making your floor flatter and, in many cases, eliminating the need for leveling before installing your new floor. NOTE: You can use a 5″ grinder, but this means you’ll be working on your knees, and smaller grinders can leave divots in the concrete. They also won’t remove high spots, so while they can get the glue up, more leveling or prep may be needed before the new floors can be installed.
Why Choose Austin Dustless?
Most DIY attempts at removing a vinyl floor that is glued down end up taking days and create dust and debris that gets everywhere. Our system is over 99.5% dust-free, meeting OSHA standards for air quality, and we can often complete over 900 square feet of glued down wood and vinyl in a single day. Plus, you save money and hassle on cleanup, air filter replacements, and delays in your flooring installation.
Ready for a Clean, Fast, and Healthy Vinyl Floor Removal?
Call Austin Dustless today at 512-774-0933 or request your free quote online. Let us take the mess out of your next flooring project.
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