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How to Remove Old Linoleum

By: Ramona Mackgil

One of the biggest challenges that homeowners face is removing old linoleum. It's a daunting task, but there are tricks you can use to make the job a little easier. The level of difficulty really depends on several underlying factors, like the type of adhesive and the age of the linoleum. If you're putting down a new floor it may be easier just to leave the linoleum intact, especially if it's solidly bound and not cracked or heaving. If it needs to go, you're in for a big job.

It would be great if the linoleum and adhesive lifted together, but that's usually not the case. Taking up the old flooring is usually the easiest part of the job, and the real work begins when you're faced with a layer of adhesive. Concrete floors can withstand heavy scraping, but wood floors require a more gentle touch. Many home renovators use razor blades or scrapers to take up the old adhesive. Be prepared to stock up on supplies. The adhesive can be so tough that it actually snaps metal blades.

One piece of advice is not to try and remove everything at once. Many people instead cut the linoleum into strips or sections, and peel that off. You should pull up most of the surface, and likely a good portion of the backing. Doing it this way will make it easier to get at the adhesive underneath as well.

After the top layer is taken up and you're down to scraps, you have options for removing the adhesive. Chemical solvents such as Krud Kutter can be effective. Research these products and read the customer reviews. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully, and wear protective gloves and a mask. Work with a small area at a time and take a breath of fresh air before moving to the next.

Boiling water can be used to soften the underlying adhesive. Try pouring very hot or boiling water directly on the remaining backing and adhesive, section by section. Give the hot water a few moments to sink in, and then scrape the softened glue. You can also fold an old towel over the adhesive and pour the hot water onto the towel. Let it set, remove the towel and scrape.

Direct heat is a great way to soften old linoleum adhesive. Find an inconspicuous area of flooring, and use a hair dryer and putty knife to scrape away the glue. On hardwood floors, you must push the scraper in the same direction as the natural grain of the wood, or you'll be left with a damaged floor. Keep a durable pan nearby to hold the scrapings, and be sure that it won't melt or burn if it comes in contact with the heat source or hot materials.

You may wish to move up to using a heat gun after you become comfortable with this process. If so, be careful not to overheat the wood and char it. You should also know that using this technique may allow some of the softened mastic to flow into the joints between the floorboards. Keeping the heated area small, constantly moving the heat source and scraping as quickly as possible will all help improve the outcome.

Bear in mind that this trick will never remove all of the old adhesive. Trying to scrape up all the old adhesive is likely to damage the wood. Scrape up the amount that will come up readily, sweep and vacuum, and consider your next step. In some cases a gentle sanding may be best. In other cases you may be able to scrub enough of the residue off with rags dampened with turpentine, mineral spirits or some similar solvent to get the floor ready to refinish. If you were going to apply a new covering that required new mastic, seal the wood and go ahead.

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

Author Ramona Mackgil is a regular contributor to numerous popular online magazines, on home builder and lowes home improvement themes.
This and other unique content floor articles are available with free reprint rights.

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