Removing tile from concrete can be a difficult and time consuming task, but having the right tools makes the job much easier. When a tile floor needs replacing or the concrete underneath needs work, the adhesive holding the tiles down and the grout between them has to be removed. Using the wrong techniques or tools can damage the concrete, so it’s important to know what works best for getting old tile off concrete floors and walls. There are a few standard tools that professionals use to efficiently remove tile and mastic from concrete.
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Tile Removal Chisels
One of the most common and effective tools for removing tile from concrete is a manual tile removal chisel. These look like regular cold chisels or masonry chisels, but with a few differences that make them ideal for removing tile. Tile removal chisels have an angled head rather than a flat one, which allows you to get underneath the edge of a tile and pry it up. The tip is also slightly wider than a typical chisel, giving you more surface area for lifting the tile. The most important feature of a tile removal chisel is the carbide or diamond grit edge. This is coarser than other chisels and perfect for actively scraping up thinset mortar, tile adhesive, and grout without damaging the surface below. Using an ordinary chisel without the grit edge would likely just scratch the surface without lifting up the tile and adhesive. Tile removal chisels come in a range of sizes from 2-6 inches wide. A 4 inch chisel is a good all around size. With a manual chisel you can carefully pry up one tile at a time, working your way across the floor or wall. It takes practice to get the right feel and technique when using a tile removal chisel. Go slowly and be careful not to gouge into the concrete.
Electric Tile Scrapers and Grinders
For large tile removal jobs, using just a manual chisel and hammer can be exhausting and time consuming. That’s why electric tile scrapers and grinders are commonly used by professionals working on whole floors. These power tools utilize the same carbide or diamond abrasive edges as a chisel, but vibrate or rotate rapidly to chip away tile, thinset, and grout much faster. Common types include:
– Rotary hammer tile scraper – This tool has a vibrating carbide bit that pulverizes adhesive and grout when pressed into the tile and moved back and forth. The paddle-like shape covers more area than a chisel.
– Angle grinder tile disc – With a diamond tile removal disc attached, an angle grinder can strip tile adhesive quickly. The rotating disc is applied at an angle along the surface. Grinders generate a lot of dust.
– Oscillating multi-tool – The rapid oscillating motion of this tool lets it chip away old tile and grout when fitted with a scraping/sanding attachment. It can get into tight corners and edging.
– Tile scabbler – This pneumatic tool has a rectangular head with several carbide points that jackhammer up and down to fracture tile adhesive. Scabblers work rapidly but are very loud.
Power tools allow bigger sections of tile to be removed at once. Always use extreme caution and wear appropriate safety gear like goggles, gloves, knee pads, ear protection, and NIOSH rated dust mask. Never use power tools directly over your head. Properly securing tiles first before scraping is also critical to avoid cracking them and making removal harder.
What About a Tile Floor Stripper?
In addition to manual and power scraping methods, chemical floor strippers are another option for removing tile from concrete. Floor stripper solutions are applied to permeate down under the tile, softening the bond of the adhesive so tiles can be more easily scraped up. This may allow tiles to be removed faster and with less damage to the concrete. However, chemical strippers have some downsides to consider. The solutions contain harsh caustic chemicals and its fumes must be properly ventilated. Strippers won’t fully penetrate down into thicker troweled-on mortar beds. You still need to mechanically scrape the surface. Overall, scraping tools tend to provide the most complete tile removal so chemicals may not be worth the trouble and hazards. Always check that a floor stripper will not negatively react with the tile or concrete type before using.
Step-By-Step Process for Removing Tile from Concrete
Now that you know about the most effective tools for removing tile from concrete, let’s go through the typical step-by-step process:
1. Prepare the Workspace
Start by completely clearing the area of any furniture or obstructions. Sweep or vacuum up any loose debris. You’ll want good ventilation, eye wash stations, and kneepads to stay comfortable. Post warning signs so no one enters the area while working. Turn off overhead ventilation systems to avoid spreading dust. Cover any doorways or openings with plastic sheeting. For power tools, lay an extension cord and secure all electrical connections. Have a bucket of water and sponges/rags nearby to quickly clean up slurry and reduce airborne dust. Wear all appropriate safety gear.
2. Score all Grout Lines
Before trying to pry up full tiles, the first step is scoring through the grout between them with your chisel or multitool blade. Run the edge of the tool along each grout joint to crumble and weaken the grout. This lets you break the tiles free one at a time easier. Grout saws are another option for this instead of a chisel.
3. Loosen Tiles
Start working in a back corner or along one wall. Hold the chisel at a 45 degree angle and lightly tap it under the edge of a tile, taking care not to damage the surface below. Once underneath, twist the chisel to pry up and loosen that first tile. Repeat this process to work outward across the floor. Apply only moderate pressure – if tiles won’t lift out it usually means adhesive hasn’t been sufficiently chipped away yet. Be patient and methodical. Try to remove tiles in whole pieces if possible.
4. Remove Remaining Thinset and Grout
With the tiles pried up, you’ll be left with a layer of grout and adhesive still stuck to the concrete below. This is where carbide scraper blades and power tools earn their keep. Begin chipping and grinding away all remaining thinset mortar and adhesive down to the bare concrete. Be sure to thoroughly clean out all grout from between tile joints as well. Sweeping and vacuuming up debris frequently makes this step cleaner. The concrete should be left smooth and free of any bonding material.
5. Clean and Prepare the Concrete Surface
Once stripped down to the bare concrete, thoroughly clean and prepare the surface for any repairs, resurfacing, or installing new tile. Sweep and mop the floor several times to remove all dust and debris. Use a concrete degreaser or etcher to further clean and roughen the slab for better adhesion if needed. Check for any cracks, pitting, or leveling issues that may require patching or resurfacing compounds before laying new tile. Let the bare concrete fully dry before moving on to your next project stage.
Tips for Safely Removing Tile from Concrete
While the process involves straightforward steps, removing tile from concrete still poses hazards. Follow these tips for clean and safe tile removal:
– Wear eye, ear, knee, and dust protection at all times when chiseling, scraping, or grinding.
– Read all power tool manuals thoroughly and follow instructions. Receive proper training if unfamiliar.
– To reduce airborne dust, keep surfaces damp with water as you work. Rinse slurry residue frequently.
– Work in a systematic fashion across the floor to avoid skipping over any thinset.
– Pry up tiles carefully to avoid cracking them. Cracked tiles are harder to remove.
– Take frequent breaks when doing manual labor to avoid hand injuries from repetitive motions.
– Dispose of tiles, grout, and thinset properly. Some adhesives contain asbestos or other hazardous materials.
– Avoid using power tools directly overhead or at awkward angles that can cause loss of control.
Remain patient and don’t rush the tile removal process. It’s a physically demanding job. Maintaining proper safety measures makes all the difference in getting the job done correctly.
Conclusion
Removing tile from concrete is labor intensive but straightforward with the right techniques and tools. Manual tile removal chisels allow prying up tiles individually with precision. For faster removal, electric power tools like angle grinders and oscillating multi-tools equipped with diamond abrasive discs strip tiles and thinset from concrete efficiently. Follow safety procedures and work systematically across the floor to fully remove adhesive down to the bare concrete. With some patience and the proper tile removal tools, you can tackle this project yourself and save on hiring professional services. Just be sure to wear protective gear at all times and dispose of tile and adhesive properly.