FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Removing VCT

Robrehm | Posted in General Discussion on June 29, 2006 03:08am

I have about 350 sqft of VCT over concrete in a resturant, the ideal is to remove.This stuff is on there to stay. I had 2 young guys go at the first section with sidewalk scrapers. 5 hours later they had it up. I tried heating it with a torch today and it works. Kinda. I’ll be old & grey by the time I get it all up. The space is fairly tight too, just to make it more fun. I have 16″ ceramic that is to go down  (waitress station & restrooms). ANy other ideas? I keep thinking it’s so tight to the floor I should just put the ceramic over it.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. DML | Jun 29, 2006 06:33am | #1

    I've never done it myself, I guess like you it just seems wrong, but I have demo'ed places that have put ceramic straight over VCT, and seemed to stick.

    It might be worth doing a little web searching and see if there's a product that will ensure proper adhesion with thin-set, or if you have the option to add a little height pour a self leveling mixture over this then tile.

     

     

  2. DaveRicheson | Jun 29, 2006 01:01pm | #2

    Rent a floor tile chipper. Any flooring supply house will have them, for about $30-$35 a day. Plug it in, put on hearing protection, and have at it. Two hours max. including the clean out with your two men, and you are done.

    Make sure the plade on the rental unit is sharp.

     

    Dave

  3. JeffinPA | Aug 29, 2007 01:38am | #3

    Robrehm:

    Question:  A year later on your VCT removal and ceramic installation project.

    What did you end up doing?

     

    I am in the same situation.  150 SF of old VCT stuck good to the floor with the old black tar like crud. 

    I am thinking it would be better to adhere to tile than the remnants of the old mastic which i imagine is tar based.

     

    thanks

    1. Robrehm | Aug 29, 2007 01:43am | #4

      Tile stripping machine & snading the gunk off with a squaRE FLOOR SANDER FROM DEPOT. not pretty , not cheap but it worked

    2. rasconc | Aug 29, 2007 06:05am | #9

      I did not see anyone else mention it but IIRC a lot of that "cut-back adhesive" is asbestos laden.  The original poster probably needed to get it out for the restaurant use but like someone else said if it is really stuck consider leaving it.

  4. joeaustinlocal281 | Aug 29, 2007 04:12am | #5

    as the son of a commercial flooring contractor, i'll tell you what i know: if it's stuck good, leave it. use a good thin-set with a latex additive for your ceramic. the problem with removing v.c.t. is two part- the first part is the obvious butt busting work it takes to tear it out, the second is the adhesive that is underneath it - it doesn't play well with mortar- and can you imagine how many sanding discs your going to buy to remove 350' of tile glue? save yourself and tile over it. tile chippers from rental places are over rated, ask anyone who has actually used one on a well stuck tile floor.

    1. JeffinPA | Aug 29, 2007 04:45am | #7

      I like your ideas best Joe, since yours is the easiest.

      This is my In laws laundry/mudroom, so if the bond fails, I will have to hear it from my wifes 5 younger brothers and sisters for years. 

      Has your father done this plenty over the years?

       

      Thanks

       

      Jeff in PA

      dancin with the devil putting in a floor for the inlaws

      1. Burkebuilders | Aug 29, 2007 05:15am | #8

        3m safest stripper

    2. Robrehm | Aug 29, 2007 03:07pm | #10

      The floor we took out was in a fairly new strip center, been down for maybe 7 years. NO black mastic & the glue came up fairly easily with the sanding. It only took about 4 sheets of the course paper to get it to the point where it was ready for thinset.  As for the rental tile removers, it depends alot on where you are renting them. We have done a couple other floors since then and found a main difference is to stay with the narrower 4" blade. It's still work but it goes a lot quicker & easier with the small blade & sure beats the hell out of a scraper. 

  5. DougR | Aug 29, 2007 04:21am | #6

    Two recent experiences:

     

    Restaurant with 1100 sq ft of carpet glued down over concrete. FloorCare USA (not sure if it's local or a national franchise) came in with a crew of three and some specialized equipment. Pulled the carpet in about 4 hours, leaving an incredibly sticky mess of glue on the floor. Used something similar to a rotary floor sander, except with diamond blades, and had all the glue up in another 4 hours. Next day, concrete polished and sealed. They did a great job and charged about $7.50 a square foot for everything. I don't see why this wouldn't also work on the black VCT mastic.

     

    Residential basement with 900 sq ft of old 50's VCT. I did this one myself. The old tiles came up easily in about 3 hours. This left all the concrete covered in a thin but very stubborn layer of black, asphaltic (probably with asbestos) mastic. I rolled on about three gallons of mastic remover and let it sit overnight. The next day I and a helper spent about 6 hours scraping, scrubbing and rinsing the gunk off. It was miserable, filthy, backbreaking work that I would NEVER do again. But it did work. The concrete was spic and span and ready for the new floorcovering. The remover I used was Bean-e-Doo, a soy-based product. I thought it worked okay but have never used another product so I can't compare. I must say, though, there was really NO odor - which was a huge hit with the homeowner.

     

    -Doug Ranney

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program

The end of this program will likely lead to higher energy bills and fewer business opportunities for the American people.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data