Removing Vinyl Floor

1. Pry and pull - Since vinyl tiles have so many seams and a reputation for not bonding to the subfloor or underlayment very well, they often can be removed fairly easily. As a starting point, look for loose tiles or weak seams that will allow you to slip in a wide-blade putty knife so you can pry up the tile and pull it off. Self- adhesive tiles will occasionally cut up in one piece. Dry- back tiles that were glued down may be more stubborn.

2. Scrape - Once you?ve created as many starting points as possible, use a flooring scraper to pry under and lift up the tiles. Keep the angle of the scraper low to the to prevent the sharp blade from digging into the underlayment. Wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes. This work is tough on the lower back, so take frequent breaks, or better yet, get a helper. While one scrapes, the other can pick up the tile residue in an area that?s already completed

3. Use a heat gun - You can persuade really stubborn tiles to give up their grip by applying a little heat. Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive so you can pry it up with a wide-blade putty knife. Start at a seam and work your way across the tile. Hold the heat gun approximately 4? to 6? away from the tile, keeping it moving from side to side. When you?ve removed the tile completely, go back while the adhesive is still soft and scrape it off with the putty knife. Wipe this residue off the blade immediately with a clean rag.