Any advice on removing stubborn flooring from concrete to prepare for epoxy without covering it up?
Asked by Felix Roy 
3 months ago
Last Updated: August 18, 2024
Any advice on how to easily remove this stubborn stuff from concrete floors? We’ve been trying hot water to loosen the paper backing and using goof off for the stubborn spots, but we still have a lot more to go. Any suggestions to make this process easier? We’re planning to epoxy the concrete floor underneath, so we want to make sure it’s clean and prepped properly. Any help would be appreciated! 😅
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The best tool for us was something similar to a hoe, like the one you have in the corner. It took a while, but we got through it. Best of luck!
Honestly, it’s all about putting in the effort.
A heat gun can also be used.
Use a 6-inch razor scraper at an angle. If you’re wetting it with water and planning to apply adhesive, make sure it’s fully dry before proceeding.
Tracy is even more skilled with a chipping hammer and a blade.
I gave this a try and the results were quite impressive.
Perhaps, however, after nearly five decades of laying down vinyl, I believe it’s the ideal choice for homeowners. Personally, I recommend wearing a respirator and goggles while using a 6″ grinder with 30 grit to get the job done quickly. But for safety concerns, I won’t officially recommend it.
That’s my go-to method for removing tile and thin set…works like magic
‘s renovation last month was on point. 👌🏽
Is all about having fun, haha.
We decided to rent a floor scraper and it did a great job. It was still tough work, but much quicker than expected.
You can opt to rent an electric floor scraper, ensuring to sharpen the blade periodically with a bench grinder. Check out the details here: https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment-rental/floor-care/floor-scraper-100-lb-electric/0680100/
I grabbed a chipping hammer that had a flat tip. Another option is to use a multi tool with a scraper edge.
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There’s a ton of hard work involved.
Looking back, it’s probably best to cover it up and forget about it. He’s like asbestos in there.
Seems like a lot of hard work and frustration. Wishing you the best of luck, you can do it!
Thank you Duncan! Progress is being made!
Steamer?
Explosive
I totally agree with ! 😂😂😂 Removing asbestos was likely the most difficult part of renovating my previous home!
Heat guns are really effective!
Try using dry ice and a scraper for a similar approach. Not sure where to find dry ice in this area, though.
They sell it at my local grocery store.
Get frustrated and scrape it.
This is what happens when you get angry! 😂😂😂😂
I knew it! The best projects always begin like that! 😂
I was considering renting a steamer from Home Depot. Maybe scoring it like wallpaper could be a solution. But then I thought about asbestos. It might be wise to have it tested.
Seems like asbestos to me. Have you gotten it tested?
You can also use a heat gun and scraper. Another option is renting a long handled floor scraper.
Please confirm that was tested beforehand!!!😳🥴
Haha
Can’t you just put something on top? If it’s impossible to get rid of, maybe it can serve as a good base for a new floor 🤷🤷
Most spots in the house have already been claimed by the previous family who lived here, so we are thinking about epoxying the concrete.
Using dry ice pellets to make it brittle and easier to remove from the floor.
Floor scraper
Make sure to grab a hammer drill and a 5 gallon pump spray from Home Depot to mist the area with water while working to avoid the asbestos police. And don’t forget to wear a respirator!
Check out this video on how to rent a floor scraper! Just click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj1hng7u6fw
You should rent the vibrating floor remover from Home Depot! It can help you save a lot of time and keep you sane!
Hey , this is how we usually go about it – then maybe use an eight-inch grinder with a shop vac attachment if the glue remains stubborn. ‘t forget to seal the room, wear glasses and a mask if you need to use the grinder.
Been there, done that! Used a heat gun with a scraper.
Consider renting a floor scraper
Do you need a steamer?
Consider using a power hammer… they can be incredibly helpful.
Hey , that’s exactly what I used and it cut through like butter!
Hiring someone else to handle it may be a good idea. Using heat and scraping could lead to potential health problems in the future. Alternatively, simply cover it up.
Try using a 4″ razor scraper, it’s a bit tedious but it does the job. You just have to be assertive when using it. Good luck!
Hey, just a heads up, the backing on linoleum flooring from the 50s, 60s, and early 70s contains asbestos, so it’s best to cover or have it removed by a professional.
The house was constructed in the late 80s and this room was actually added on. Family affair
It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation! Some might, but you can’t be certain until the material is tested. It’s far more probable to have contained asbestos if it consisted of individual tiles and/or had a black adhesive.
I carefully inserted garden shears or a big flathead screwdriver beneath it, tapped with a hammer to push it deeper, and then raised it. However, what I was removing were extremely thick boards.
Hey , I’ve always used a sheetrock mud scraper for that.
Have you checked for asbestos?
Always exercise caution when dealing with old materials to avoid potential hazards like asbestos.
There are scraper blades available for reciprocating saws and oscillation tools, and if you have an SDS with a hammer-only mode, you might find a scraper blade that fits.
I had some old flooring in my house that looked normal, but I wanted to replace it. I remembered to test it first, and it was a good thing I did. Always test old materials before making changes,
I might have used plywood to cover it. I always opt for plywood. Sheetrock is not my favorite. That’s definitely concrete. I would grab a powder actuated driver and use plywood.
Just contributes to the clutter. It’s best to tidy up and declutter if you want to maintain a clean house.
Can you explain how that can be done?
Hey , remember how we were initially planning to use marble epoxy on the concrete in our laundry room? There’s a drain located in the center.
Hey , have you ever tackled a remodeling project before? It can be frustrating to fix all the layers that were added on top of each other without proper care.
Hey Brenda, just wanted to mention that my house was built back in 1920. Since I bought it in ’92, I’ve been the only one making any improvements. I find it easier to accept my own mistakes rather than someone else’s.
Hey, , it seems like you’re a bit lost and don’t have a clue what you’re doing.
Just and only the new text:
Hey, , it seems like you’re a bit lost and don’t have a clue what you’re doing.
Haha, that’s so funny!
You are so right 😭 I had to remove 2 layers of FRP on top of tile at a Church’s Chicken. I was frustrated with the previous contractors 😂 ended up investing over $80,000 in a complete remodel of the building.
Is definitely a fan
Invest in a scraper designed for that specific task. It’s important to have the proper tool for the job.
Do you think this is the real floor? Or could it be a different layer or subfloor beneath the linoleum?
That’s the backing of the vinyl flooring 
It’s actually concrete. As mentioned in my earlier post, this used to be our laundry room but was previously a carport.
The simplest option? Hire someone. I’ve come to realize that some things just aren’t worth the time, effort, stress, or aches
Yeah, that’s definitely not within our budget 🤣
Propane, torch, and a scraper
I hope you had that tested – it seems to be a common pattern for linoleum containing asbestos.
I had the Amish remodel my kitchen before and they used a clothes iron which worked really well.
Heat gun.
I tried using a multi tool with a scraper blade. It took some time but was easier on my back, haha. Cleaning up afterward wasn’t too bad.
Warm it up first, then grab a versatile tool with a sharp edge
I remember a few years back when I was removing layers of tile from a house. I ended up purchasing a scraper and a heat gun to make the process a bit easier. It definitely took some time though.
Heat gun plus a sturdy scraper