Struggling to remove rock-hard glue from concrete after removing pseudograss carpet outside, any suggestions for more effective removal techniques?
Asked by Hector Bailey 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
Hey there! I need some advice. I’m trying to get rid of this fake grass carpet on the concrete outside, and it’s a bit of a struggle. I’m worried about damaging the concrete while trying to remove the super strong glue holding it down. I’ve been using a scraper with a long handle, but it’s not really doing the trick. Any tips on how to tackle this situation without causing any harm to the concrete? Any help would be awesome!
Tried out this adhesive remover on a house flip project, but the wire brush didn’t do the trick on the glue. Ended up getting a grinding wheel for my grinder, and it worked like a charm. I suggest starting in a less visible corner to practice. Remember to keep the wheel flat on the concrete, don’t press too hard, and keep it moving. Make sure to wear a good respirator to avoid inhaling concrete dust. Wet grinding can help reduce dust, but be careful as it might make the glue stick again. Just sharing my experience with a grinding wheel that could be helpful.
Diamond cup wheel on a floor grinder
I’m thinking of renting a scarifier to grind it down after scraping off what I can…
Hey Janie! Instead of pulling up the carpet one strip at a time, try cutting it into 1-foot strips and pulling them all at once. This will create more tension and make it easier to remove. I’ve been installing carpets for 25 years and trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of tough demos. Based on your pictures, it looks like the glue is crystallized, so once you cut it into smaller sizes, it should require minimal effort to remove.
You could either sand it down or simply rent a concrete grinder.
I followed your advice and used a handheld scraper to remove the leveling grout and mortar from the plywood. I then borrowed a small electric grinder to finish the job. It worked really well.
I removed the glue by scraping it off and then painted over it. It may not be the correct method, but it served as a temporary solution.
Try using a 4″ razor scraper with a short handle for better leverage. You may need to change the blade frequently, but it’s the most effective way to remove it. Instead of tackling a large area at once, focus on small sections to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Good luck!
Great tip from ! I’ve spent countless hours following that advice and it’s definitely worth it.
When your scraper gets dull, try flipping it over and rubbing it on concrete to sharpen one side. Just remember to maintain the same angle.
: Yes, that does work. You learn as you go. I remember when I did my first scrape and was like ‘dang, I just changed this blade.’ You’re right, keep flipping the scraper, it does work.
Home depot sells a power scraper that worked wonders on my old Linoleum.
Using a wire wheel on a 6-inch angle grinder.
I’m in the same boat! I just purchased my first home and I know I’ll have to tackle this issue eventually. Right now, I have other priorities, but this is definitely on my to-do list!
Maybe you could try cutting the carpet into strips so you’re not struggling to remove large sections all at once. That’s a good way to start. If it’s too difficult, then we can consider using heavy machinery… LOL
I tried an adhesive remover and scraping, but they didn’t work at all. What you really need is a concrete grinder.
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There’s a product called 474 Adhesive Remover that is citrus oil based. Simply apply it, let it sit, then scrape it off with a floor razor. After that, scrub It’s Totally Awesome with a brush and rinse.
Attach one of these to an angle grinder – it should only take around 30 minutes to complete the task. Here’s where you can find it: https://www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-twisted-wire-cup-brush-47927.html
Took 30 minutes and maybe 18 hours.
Rented a scraper and had a polished surface after 15 minutes.
Yup, that’s the right approach. Using a 3″ wire brush drill attachment, especially a cheap one from harbor freight, seems like a total nightmare.
‘sounds like’… you know what, just trust me, that wire cup on an angle-grinder is amazing… it can even get rid of asphalt if necessary… based on experience
I didn’t say it wouldn’t work. I just mentioned it would take a long time, which is accurate. There are definitely more efficient methods to tackle this.
Is more intelligent and much simpler.
Is definitely smarter and makes things way easier
You should check out the paint section of the large DIY stores for industrial adhesive remover. Definitely worth a try!
Hey Sander!
The glue is stuck in the concrete, try using a wire wheel on a drill to loosen it up. Then, remove as much glue as possible. A pressure washer can be used as well. For any remaining residue, apply a glue removing adhesive and let it sit to bubble up. I recently worked on a porch for an elderly woman, which had carpet and three steps. It was a nightmare, but after completing the job, the steps and floors look absolutely beautiful and no longer ugly.
Update on the progress made today
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Definitely better now. Still needs more work. I put in a lot of effort using only the tool shown.
I made sure to wear all the PPE to avoid any lung problems or risking my vision.
Rent or borrow an SDS Max or equivalent chipping hammer and use a wide scraping blade to chip it off. Check out this chisel blade for air scraper at Harbor Freight
To remove the carpet, you can spray mineral spirits all over the old glue, let it sit for a few minutes, and then power wash it. That should solve your problem. You’re welcome!
If you rent a scrape away for a floor machine, you can take that glue off in just 15 minutes.
You could try using a heat gun and scraper OR Jasco has a glue remover product that you can pour on and brush around. It smells pretty bad. I actually removed the glue from the entire first floor of an 1800s era house. I used a metal scraper to wipe it off in chunks of the carpet.
You can just leave it there until you’re ready to replace it with something else. Removing it is not really worth the time, money, or effort in my opinion.
Sharp linoleum floor scraper with a sharp blade. Reach out to your local Boy Scout troop and schedule a time for them to assist you – this is how they earn their badges. Kindly prepare sandwiches, drinks, and snacks for them as a sign of respect, if you don’t mind?