Taking up Peel & Stick Tiles

[Suzie-Q]

Will I be able to get the goop off of the floor once I pry up (remove) vinyl peel & stick floor tiles that have been in place for at least 11 years?

What would be the best way to "clean" a large area?

[Harry K]

Installers used a floor scraper to remove mine (in place 20 years). You may be able to rent one but be prepared to sharpen the blade often and be left with a lot of sticky little bits. All in all, I wouldn't try to remove them myself. There are some jobs just not worth DIY. Harry k

[buell]

Suzie Q

Harry K is right, this is not an easy job. The best way is to use a heat gun (use a mask with OSHA rated filters, you never know the adhesive or tile compostion) and a scraper. Heat a small area and then start scraping. I always used the heat gun in the same direction as the scaper. directing the heat 2-3" infront of the scraper. Holding both at a 30 degree angle. It sounds technical but I am just trying to paint a picture. You may find a method that works good for you. This will not only remove tile but a lot of the glue as well. Then you can use an adhesive stipper with a scraper. Are you restoring the floor underneath our laying down a new floor? You may not need to do anything if you are laying down a new floor. If you have wood floors and plan to sand and seal you will not nnedd to strip because the sander will remove all adhesive residue.

Best, Rainer

[SteveB]

I used an air chisel on a large area.

Steve