The removal of tile can be a dangerous and messy task, so preparation matters. Wear protective gear - safety goggles, gloves, and kneepads if you will be on your hands and knees for a long time.
Note how the tiles have been attached to the concrete. This tells you which tools and methods are most suitable for your specific project.
Preparation
Clearing the area before you begin to remove tiles protects your valuables and keeps the work manageable.
First, remove any items seated or standing on your tiled flooring - tables, chairs, appliances, and stands.
To protect surfaces from dust and tile shards, use a drop cloth. Cover all surfaces in the room, including vents and entrances.
Put on safety goggles before you start. Dust from tile removal is a real hazard.
To break up the tile, you may need a hammer or chisel. You may not need to break every tile if the mortar thickness is sufficient.
Gathering the Right Tool
Having the right tools on hand saves time and avoids unnecessary damage.
First, you will need hammers and chisels. A sledgehammer will help you break down tiles before you remove them.
The demolition fork is another useful tool - similar to a prybar but made from solid metal.
Apply pressure to the handle and insert the fork underneath the raw edge when ready to remove a tile. This makes the fork tip point upward to help lift the tile.
Hammer drills work well for large tile areas. The tool loosens tiles from the backerboard and breaks them into smaller pieces.
Cutting the Tile
Most tile projects - a bathroom wall, a floor, or a backsplash - require that the tiles be cut to fit.
The right cutting method depends on the material and the cuts you need to make. A manual tile cutter handles ceramic tiles well for straight-line cuts.
A manual cutter uses an angled wheel blade to cut a straight line on the tile.
Once you've cut the tile, use a brick or a concrete piece to smooth any rough edges. This keeps the tile from breaking as you remove it.
When cutting tiles, wear gloves and earmuffs and work in a well-ventilated area - especially when using power tools that create fine dust.
Remove the tile
Removing tile flooring is time-consuming and messy. Depending on how the tiles are installed, they may be attached directly to the cement or to a plywood underlayment or masonboard.
Cover windows, doors, and all other openings in the work area with tape before starting. You can also cover air vents with tape to keep dust out.
Next, remove all freestanding objects that may interfere with the tile removal, like a towel rack or a table in a bathroom. Shield them from any shards that might fall.
Use a hammer to break the tile at places that can be pried loose. Grout saws can be used to remove the grout from around the tile. This prevents damage to surrounding tiles and makes removal much easier.
You don't have to deal with the mess and effort of DIY. Instead, call an expert. The Floor Busters Central Florida remove tiles quickly, cleanly, and without dust, so the area is ready for your next treatment.
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