HOW TO REMOVE CERAMIC TILES FLOOR FROM CONCRETE

     We use tiles in our home to enhance the visual appeal of our space. Tiles play a crucial role in the beautification of interior design and add something to the look of our home appearance.

    Ceramic tiles are one of the best choices for enhancing the visual appeal of our space. Ceramic tiles are best known for their durability and their ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. Ceramic tiles are also best for their water resistance ability because their surface is not porous. They are also available in different designs, colors, textures, and sizes so these are the best options to choose from.

     There is a need of changing our floor tiles to retain the beauty of the home when there is a need to do. There are various reasons for which you need to change your tiles such as if your tiles are broken, your adhesive has failed to grip the tiles, tiles are loose, and if you want to change the look of your home.

     Now there rise a question that how to remove ceramic tiles from concrete easily and effectively. Here are a few tips and methods which will help you to remove your ceramic tiles from concrete easily.

Essential tool Required:

 The basic tools which you need for removing your ceramic tiles are as:

• Cold Chisel
• Hammer
• Hammer drill with chisel attachment
• Long-Handled Floor Scrapper
• Pry Bar Which acts as a lever
• Putty Knife or grout saw
• Broom And Dustpan
• Wheel Barrow to remove dust and shovel
• Kneepads, Gloves, Protection goggles 
• Wet dry Vaccum to evacuate the dust

     

Steps To Remove Ceramic Tiles:

    There are some steps and strategies to remove the ceramic tiles from concrete floor:

Step#1: Preparation Before Tile Removal :

    The first step is the preparation for removing ceramic tiles. The preparation includes:

• Collecting All Tools: First make sure you have all the tools required for removing ceramic tiles such as a Pry bar, Putty Knife, Heavy Duty Floor Scrapper, Jack Hammer Etc. You Should choose the tools according to your need if the area of removing tiles is large then it is good to use heavy machines such as floor scraper and tile removal machines.

• Personal Safety: After collecting the all essential tools make sure of your personal safety. Make sure you are wearing safety goggles, Gloves, And Face Mask because when you are removing your tiles and hammering your tile there will be sharp shards flying that can affect your eyes and dust can damage your lungs if you are allergic to dust.

• Clearing Work Area: Clear all the areas such as if there is any furniture in the room before starting your work because they can create hurdles for your work and will take too much time to complete your work. So firstly evacuate your space.

Step#2: Assessing Tile Installation:

       The second step is to assess the conditions of your tile and the adhesive which was used to install your floor tiles because It is important to assess your tiles first to make your removal process smooth. 

      If the ceramic tiles are cracked, chipped, or loosed pay special attention. You can also use the tap test for this purpose, Tape gently on the tiles, if any tile sounds different Pay special attention because it indicates that the area beneath your tile may be hollow.

    Also, inspect the conditions of your grout around your tiles and their impact on the removal. After all this inspection you are ready to remove the grout between your tiles.

Step#3:Removing Grout around Tiles :

       Now the next step is the removal of grout around your tiles so that you can initiate the process of tiles removal. When the grout is removed you can easily remove the tiles from these spaces. There are many ways to remove the grout such as:

• Manual Grout Removal: Manual grout removal refers to the process in which hand-specific tools are used to remove the grout between the tiles such as putty knife and grout saw.Before using make sure tools are sharp and in good condition.

      Hold the tool in your hand and by applying light pressure move the tool along the grout, this will soften your grout. Now hold your tool or grout saw at a slight angle and remove all the material from the lines. 

• Mechanical Grout Removal: It is a method in which you can use an electrical machine instead of handy tools to make your work easy. It is also best if you are doing work in a large space, 

       Select the appropriate tool according to your need such as an oscillating tool with grout removal blades and set the depth of the tool according to your need. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to use it effectively. Make sure the surrounding tiles don't damage.

Step#4: Removing the Ceramic tiles:

             Now the next step is tile removal, it will go faster if you have the perfect tool and you have to find out the best starting point such as any cracked tile or any edge of tile. If you have found it out it's the time to start your work. There different methods for this purpose such as;

• Removal with Cold Chisel: First find out a starting point such as the corner of a tile and edge. Now hold the cold chisel in your hand with a gentle grip, position it at the corner of the tile at an angle of 45 degrees, and apply some pressure.

        You can apply pressure at the top of the chisel by using a hammer and lift the tile upward by breaking the bond between the tile and the adhesive. Now continue removing all others using the same method. The pressure must not be too much that it harms the tile. You can also use a shovel and floor scraper for this purpose.

• Electric Tile Removal Tool: You can also use electrical machines to make your work easier such as a hammer drill with a chisel attachment. Firstly attach the chisel to the hammer according to the manufacturer's instructions then set the hammer drill according to need.

Now start the drill and apply some pressure. The combination of rotatory or hammering motion will loose the tiles from the ceramic Now repeat the process for all other sections.

• Heat And Scrap Method: It is another method for removing ceramic tiles. In this method, you have to apply heat by heat gun across the tiles so that the adhesive beneath the tiles softens and the tile is easily removed. 

       After applying the heat you can check it from the corners of the tile whether the adhesive has softened or not. Repeat the method 2-3 times, check the adhesive, and scrap the tile off.

Step#5: Removing The Adhesive:

    After removing the tiles there is a need to remove the adhesive which was used to attach the tiles to the floor. To remove this adhesive, Firstly you have to know what type of adhesive was used to fix the tile. It may be a mastic adhesive or thinest mortar. Mastic adhesives are easy to remove as compared to thinest.

• Mastic Adhesive: To remove mastic adhesive start to scrap the glue with a chisel or long-handled floor scrapper, If it is not working use hot water to soften the adhesive because many mortars are water-soluble. Once the adhesive glue is softened remove it all with scrapper.

• Thinest Mortar: Thinest mortar can't be removed by hot water because it is cement-like material. so if the initial step doesn't work you can use a grinder to remove it, Before using the grinder must wear your glasses and mask because it can send sharp shards.

After removing the adhesive clean all the area.

Step#6: Cleaning The concrete:

       Now it's time to remove all the residue and waste from the concrete. All the material should be removed with the help of a dustpan and broom.

 At this point, you should wear all your safety equipment such as gloves, mask protection glasses, etc because if you are dust allergic then it can harm your lungs. You can use a shop vacuum or wet vacuum to remove all debris. 

Step#7: Preparing the concrete:

        After cleaning the concrete it's time to prepare it for the next tilling or next use. See if there is any damage to the concrete or if there is any hole in the concrete then fill the holes within the concrete patching compound or smoothen the surface.

You can also apply a concrete sealer at the surface after smoothing uneven areas. Sealer will protect the surface from moisture, stains, and damage. Now after these steps, your concrete is ready to install any other tiling.

Step#8: Ready for Other Tile Installation:

        It's the last point where your concrete is ready to install any type of other flooring tiles. For other installations, you must have a clear idea of what you want to do.

         Choose the best tiles according to your choice and need and gave a new look to your room and home.

Tips For The Beginners:

• There are some tips for beginners:
• Always work in the small sections
• choose the correct tools
• Protect yourself by wearing safety gear
• Before starting the project plan and measure accurately
• Take your time and don't be impatience
• Enjoy your work while doing
• Seek professional help for complex projects

CONCLUSION:

      Removing the tile is a simple but too much challenging task. You have to pay too much attention at each step and have to do each step with too much care. If you are careless in your task then there are chances that you will damage the tiles or you can also harm yourself.

   So take too much care and plan before doing any step so that you can complete your project easily.

FAQs

What is the easiest way to remove ceramic tile from concrete?

   The easiest way to remove your tiles from the ceramic floor is by using an automatic tile removal machine. If you use it with the right blades and the right pitch it will consume less time and complete your work more easily.

Can I Remove the tiles by myself?

YES, You can remove the ceramic tiles by yourself. Choose the right equipment with the right blades so that you can work easily. You only have to take too much care in this process so that tiles won't be damaged.

Is Tile Removal A Noisy Process?

Yes, If you are using machinery for your tiles removal then it will be a noisy process. You should use hearing protection during the usage of machines, You must wear glasses and gloves too for protection.

Can I remove the tile without damaging the concrete?

You can remove the tiles without damaging the underneath surface but for this purpose, you have to take too much care during the whole process, during removing the tiles, and during preparing the concrete.