When we intend to remove the tiles from a surface, we have to consider whether we want to remove all the tiles or just some of them. There are tiles that can be very easily removed, while others can only be removed by using special tile removal tools.

The essential thing here is that you have to try to separate the old tile and the material with which it was bonded as completely as possible. No matter of the nature of the flooring, be it soft or hard, there are many tile removal tools specially designed for this purpose, for the removal of the floor tiles or the wall tiles.

Types of Tile Removal

Tile removal tools are of two kinds. In the first place, we have the installations that may make the power tool necessary, and, in the second place, we have the manual tools. For the choosing of the right tool, you have to make a careful examination of the flooring.

The tiles can be placed on mortar, backer board, or plywood, and this aspect involves the use of different types of tile removal tools. Mortar, for instance, is thick and heavy which makes it impossible to be removed in one piece. For this reason, it is better to cut the mortar and the tile with a diamond dry saw, but remember to cut the joints at abutting surfaces, before working with the mortar and the tile top.

Concerning the removal of the tiles from a wall, things resemble very much to the floor tile removal except for the fact that the surface under the wall tile cannot be saved. The only exception is the case of the heavy masonry walls. Even so, the pre-cutting of the installation into reasonable sizes that can be managed is very important if you use the appropriate tile removal tools.

By using tools like carbide-tipped scrapers, saw and a Dremel or similar rotary tool, you can easily remove the grout that works as an adhesive between the tiles. These tools are the best because they stay sharp for a long time, thus even allowing the cutting of the tiles. Use the above mentioned tools alternatively, in accordance with your needs.

In the case of the non-friable vinyl asbestos floor tile and the floor tile asbestos adhesive (mastic), these tiles can be removed by any person if the right tile removal tools are used. Mastic has to be removed by using wet methods, that is by dissolving it with an appropriate solvent, and then by using a vacuuming device that can remove and absorb the slurry that results.

Methods for Tile Removal

Here are some of the methods based on the tile remover tools, tools that break the bond between the tile and the floor. Put warm water on the floor tile for a day or two - this might allow an easier separation of the tile by using a carpenter saw.

Another method used for the floor tile removal is using a heat source together with a wide blade tool that will permit the scooping up of the tile. If you choose this option, make sure that the room in which you are working is well ventilated. On the other hand, the combination of dry ice combined with a wide blade tool will also break the adhesive by causing the popping up of the tiles.