Many a time following a peril, the flooring need to be removed, which leave some form of glue behind. we have researched the varieties of ways to remove glue from concrete, whether it be carpet backing, vinyl tiles, ceramic tiles or cardean etc.
The Two Common Types of Glue
The first type of glue is the beige/yellow/brown looking type that hardens in chunks.
and…
The second type of adhesive is the dreaded black asphalt type that dries into a level coating. This is usually found beneath vinyl tiles and flooring.
Beige/Yellow/Brown Looking Glue
Using elbow grease to remove glue from concrete
The same rules apply to removing vinyl glue and carpet glue from concrete.
Unfortunately, when a floor covering is removed from a concrete subfloor, it often leaves behind remnants of carpet glue. Any restoration technician who has been through this process knows how frustrating is is to remove carpet glue from concrete. Carpet adhesive is stubborn and difficult to remove. Leaving the glue on the floor is not a good option because it can be a vapour barrier,
To ensure the the drying process is as short as possible, all of the glue needs to be removed
The good news is removing carpet glue from a concrete floor is possible. All you need is the right #tools and methods to get the job done. Here are our recommended steps to take.
Scrape off as much of the concrete glue as possible. You will want to use a scraper with a sharp razor edge. Removing carpet glue from carpet with this method takes some elbow grease.
Depending on the specific glue used and its age, you may be able to simply boil a pot of water and apply it to the dry glue in order to loosen it up. Allow the hot water to mix with the glue for 1-2 minutes.
If chemical strippers are ineffective at removing glues and mastics – even after repeated applications – you may have to resort to a carpet glue remover machine method, such as using a floor sander or buffer fitted with a sanding disk for the main part of the floor and a handheld grinder along the walls and in the corners.
Tools required
- Scraper
- Knee pads
- Gloves
- Effort & persistence
Using chemicals to remove glue
Goo Gone Original Liquid
Sticker Lifter | Surface Safe Adhesive Remover Safely Removes Stickers Tape Chewing Gum Grease
- Safely Restore Your Surfaces – The surface-safe formula removes the goo without harming your surface. Formulated with citrus cleaning agents and a pleasant citrus scent
- Trusted #1 Brand For Removing Gooey Messes – Try it on stickers, wax, markers, crayons, glue, tar, window decals, glitter, gum, labels and so much more
- Multiple Uses Around The House – Everything from wine glass label remover, scuff eraser, window sill cleaner, adhesive remover, tar cleaner, crayon drawing eraser, to glue remover
- Great For Teachers and Parents – Use this to remove gum, tape, crayon and sticker residue left behind by kids
- Perfect For Collectors and Thrifters – Safely remove price stickers from gifts, wine glasses, clothing, drinking glasses, used video games and much more
HG Floor Glue Remover
- Tough & Powerful This extra strong and fast working floor adhesive remover is suitable for the removal of the most stubborn glue types
- Gentle on surfaces, tough on unwanted glue The product is biodegradable & can be used on tiles, wood, laminate, linoleum, brick, metal, concrete & more
- Easy to use glue cleaner Removes carpet glue, but also vinyl, resin, parquet, cork, tile, wall & floor covering glues, as well as construction adhesive
- 750ml Glue Remover Use a brush to cover adhesive residues liberally. Cut away the residues with a filling knife after approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse the surface well with water
- Attention The surface must be properly dry before applying new wall or floor covering
ECOPROTEC Resin, Polymer & Epoxy Residue Remover
- Removes all types of resin, grout polymer & epoxy residues
- Non-hazardous, low odour
- Suitable for interior & exterior use
- Drip free formula
Using machinery to remove glue from concrete
Using a grinding machine is the perfect way to remove glue from concrete in large areas.
We would recommend additionally using a dust extraction machine that connects to the grinder that will therefore catch all the grit and dust created by the grinder.
Please ensure the correct attachment on the grinder is used for the job at hand
Janser Colibri Grinding Machine
- Light machine, only 35kg
- High performance of 2600 rpm
- High torque of 43 Nm
- Easy tool change
- High surface performance
- Foldable
- 110v / 240v
Wolff Monodisc Grinding Machine Mambo EVO
- Multipurpose – use for sanding, polishing, cleaning, grinding, scarifying and milling
- Variable speed control – from 150 to 450 rpm
- Variable handle height positions – adjusts to different users, can be folded for easy transport
- Vacuum port – easily adapts to most dust containment systems
- High torque – effective, fast work with high abrasion capability
- Heavy duty metal construction – tough and durable
- Additional weight (40#) – increased abrasion capability
- Uses Ninja disc and segments, or any Wolff 375mm or 400mm grinding or milling disc
Using machinery to remove floor coverings from concrete
When you are struggling to remove the actual floor covering alone, before you even get to the carpet glue on concrete, the following machines will save your back.
Floor tile stripper
Mainly for removing the initial carpet / vinyl tiles, but will additionally remove some of the glue as it goes
This easy to operate electric floor tile stripper offers the user a solution for commercial and domestic applications for the quick removal of tiles and other fixed floor coverings, such as sheet vinyl, linoleum, cork, bonded carpet tiles and sport flooring.
Wolff Turbo stripper
Will remove any type of flooring, due to the added weights ensuring the blade does not bounce, hence removing a lot more glue too and the machine is self-propelled.
- New clutch system for smoother operation
- 2.6 kW motor with starting current limiter
- Self-propelled with hand-operated clutch for more convenient operation
- Emergency stop button for safe operation
- Detachable weight and handle for easy transportation
- Charging port for USB-devices in the control panel
