Removing Resilient Floor

How easily your old resilient flooring can be removed depends on whether it is a perimeter- installation or a full-adhesive installation (see page 83 for more on this). Odds are, if the floor is more than 10 years old, it?s a full-adhesive installation. Since perimeter-installed resilient vinyl is attached only along the perimeter and thresholds, it?s a snap to remove (see Step 1 below). If the flooring was installed prior to 1986, it may contain asbestos.

1. Cut into strips and pull - For perimeter-installed flooring, use a utility knife to first cut around the perimeter and then cut the flooring into strips about a foot wide. Pull up the flooring by hand, roll it up, and set it aside for disposal. For full-adhesive installations, it?s also a good idea to cut the flooring into strips before scraping. You may get lucky and be able to pull up some by hand. If not, you?ll at least have created multiple starting points for the blade of the floor scraper.

2. Scrape - Full-adhesive installations will require a floor scraper and a lot of elbow grease. Keep the floor scraper at a low angle to the floor to prevent it from digging in. In some cases, spraying on a solution of water and dishwashing detergent will help separate the tile from its felt backing. Work in small areas at a time, and take frequent breaks?this work is hard on your lower back. (If you can afford it, this is a great job to hire a flooring contractor to handle.)