ᐅ How to Remove Stubborn Tile Adhesive?

Created on: 7 Dec 2019 20:07
K
knifflig
Good evening everyone,

After visiting three home improvement stores for advice and still feeling unsure (since I received three different recommendations), I’m hoping to get some tips here.

We have removed tiles from the floor. What remains is the tile adhesive (see photos). Using a 7cm (3-inch) wide chisel hasn’t been very effective because the adhesive is extremely stubborn and doesn’t come off easily. The adhesive is about 3–4mm (0.1–0.15 inch) thick and covers a spacious area of 70m² (750 sq ft). Afterwards, 60m² (645 sq ft) of parquet flooring and 8m² (86 sq ft) of tiles will be installed here.

What would you recommend? Many thanks in advance!


Broken concrete patio slabs on a sand base

Floor with many round gray paving stones with a grid pattern, partly damaged.
rick20188 Dec 2019 09:33
Links are not allowed.
Check with Hilti, Festool, or Makita for concrete grinders. The grinding discs listed will include those suitable for adhesives, epoxy, and similar materials.
D
Domski
8 Dec 2019 09:37
For the corners, it’s best to use a powerful angle grinder with a 115 or 125 mm (4.5 or 5 inch) grinding disc and dust extraction.
F
Fummelbrett!
8 Dec 2019 09:43
knifflig schrieb:

Thanks to all of you. I've also heard about the asbestos. We will definitely wear respiratory protection since the tiles are from 1979.
[...]

Respiratory protection plus a sealed disposable coverall. The vacuumed dust should then, of course, be properly packaged and disposed of.
K
knifflig
8 Dec 2019 09:45
The grinding discs are probably coarser, like this example, right?

Close-up of a blue grinding disc with segments and NTAC label
B
Bookstar
8 Dec 2019 09:46
I would first try using Hilti with the correct attachment—a angled wide scraper! That is exactly what it is designed for.

Sanding is certainly possible, but it creates a lot of dust.
D
Domski
8 Dec 2019 09:52
@knifflig that is a cup brush for the angle grinder. You use it for corners where the larger grinder can’t reach. It’s not suitable for large surfaces—you’d end up having to file manually. Also, dust extraction doesn’t work very well with these tools.