Tile removal is done for a variety of reasons. These may differ from one job to the next.

Now, there are tile demolition and removal options that are performed to fit certain basic needs. The type required depends on what the situation is.

You’re probably reading this because you want to know what’s involved.

We’re ever ready to show you what you need to know about tile demolition. By the end of the article, you should be better informed about the topic under discussion. A wide range of problems could arise with tile installations.

These range from broken tiles, cracked expansion joints, and broken tiles.

Sometimes, a tile may not exhibit any problems but may need to be demolished for remodeling purposes. Whatever the needs are for demolition, this article will discuss the removal options available to you.

Getting Ready For Tile Demolition

Tile demolition is a procedure that involves much more than just prying them off the floor or walls. Several preparations toward eventual demolition need to be made.

These include deciding on the procedure to follow, getting the tile demolition tools necessary, and picking your preferred demolition contractor.

Other preparatory measures include clearing out or emptying the demolition area, renting a dumpster truck, and disconnecting utilities around demolition areas.

These are key areas of planning necessary for a successful tile removal process. Let’s discuss each of these points below.

i. Deciding on the Procedure to Follow

One of the key decisions you’ll need to make involves deciding the demolition procedure to follow. Two key options are available; to perform a DIY procedure or call a professional.

Another thing you’ll need to figure out is whether to conduct complete or partial tile demolition.

DIY tile demolition is possible, however, that isn’t the best as mistakes are common. In other words, the job is unlikely to be performed satisfactorily when there’s no guidance. This is especially true for first-time DIY’ers.

However, DIY tile demolition offers certain advantages.

The most obvious benefit is the elimination of cost. Here, you get to carry out the procedure without having to worry about tile demolition costs.

However, carrying out tile removal yourself won’t eliminate costs as you might have to rent tools. Nevertheless, the costs involved are insignificant compared to calling or professional help.

Hiring a demolition contractor is one demolition option that’s considered to be more reliable. Reputable technicians provide comprehensive demolition services with expected outcomes resulting.

Here, your involvement in the demolition process is only limited to paying the fee for such a service.

  • Partial or Complete Tile Removal

Tile demolition can be categorized into two; full, and partial removal. The names alone speak volumes about what’s involved. For partial tile demolition, only a portion may need to be removed.

This approach could be due to many reasons as clients will always have their unique preferences.

Complete demolition considers the entire tiled surface for demolition.  No tile is left behind as the demolition process is more thorough.

With complete demolition, you’ll be dealing with a lot of debris compared to partial demolition which produces a limited amount.

ii. Getting the Tools Necessary

If you’ll be performing or handling the tile demolition process, there’s a need to have all the tools necessary for a successful job.

Tile removal tools are of different types ranging from wheelbarrow, power grout removal tool, jackhammer, demolition fork, air hammer, hammer, sledgehammer, and masonry chisel.

Other demolition tools include a floor scraper, hand gloves, safety goggles, noise cancellation headphones, and nose masks. These are crucial to getting the job done properly.

When calling a professional to handle your tile demolition job, there’s absolutely no need to be concerned about what tools to use. This is figured out by the demolition technician.

In other words, the technician conducting a tile removal procedure will bring along all tools necessary for the job.

iii. Picking a Preferred Demolition Contractor

Deciding who gets hired isn’t one to make on a whim. You’ll need to be sure that the demolition contractor is up to the task. There are reputable contractors or technicians with excellent records of client satisfaction.

This is seen in the number of positive reviews dropped by clients.

The more positive such reviews are, the better the contractor is likely to be on the job. Also, consider making inquiries from friends and neighbors.

Having contacted a contractor, you should be able to know if they’re really up to the task or not.

You should get at least 3 estimates from local contractors handling tile demolition jobs within your area. The need for verification is also paramount. Ask about a contractor’s bond status, license, as well as insurance.

A reputable contractor should be forthcoming with such information.

You’ll need to ask for a written contract that outlines key details about the demolition project. Such a contract should include information on payments and dates among other things.

Your ability to keep track of developments is also important. Such may include invoices, photos of the progress made, as well as contract copies, etc.

iv. Clearing out the Demolition Area

The demolition area needs to be cleared out as part of the preparation for the commencement of work.

There should be ample space to allow for the free movement of technicians and tools. Belongings can be taken to other sections of the home where there are no tiles.

Also, the demolition area should be cordoned off to prevent entry, especially by kids. Here, the homeowner will need to work with the demolition contractor to ensure the worksite is made ready.

v. Renting a Dumpster Truck

You’ll need a dumpster truck for easy evacuation of debris. Tile demolition comes with all sorts of debris or mess that needs to be cleared. You’ll need to rent the right dumpster truck size for your demolition job.

vi. Disconnecting Utility Lines Around Demolition Area(s)

The disconnection of utility lines might be necessary during tile demolition. This is determined by whether such utility lines get in the way of demolition work.

Ordinarily, turning off utility switches should suffice. However, each tile removal job poses a different challenge. You’ll need to act based on your unique needs.

Can Asbestos Tiles be removed through DIY Means?

Asbestos contains hazardous materials that could easily poison when handled improperly. As such, the answer is a resounding no! You shouldn’t consider DIY removal strategies for asbestos tiles.

This is best performed by a trained expert.

Asbestos tiles won’t be dangerous while intact. However, when demolished, it becomes a safety concern as its dust gets dispersed into the air.

Tile Demolition Guide: Step By Step

To commence demolition, there should be a starting point from where tile removal spreads out.

This is followed by breaking up the tiles, inspecting underlayment, and removing adhesives. The process is completed by removing underlayment and cleaning up the area.

  • Choosing a Starting Point

It’s best to start the tile demolition procedure by picking a starting point. It’s better to begin from points where tiles are nonexistent. Also, areas having cracked or loose tiles may be great starting points.

Not every tile removal job presents you with such points to begin from. You might have to create yours.

  • Removing Tiles

With the help of a hammer and chisel, cut through broken tile pieces to expose underlayment.

Next, you’ll need your pry tool (pry bar) to lift stuck tile. This procedure is repeated across the entire floor or wall area.

You mustn’t use excessive force during the tile removal process.

Doing so could increase your chances of injury. Also, you might end up damaging the floor. With the help of your shovel, scoop up broken tiles and load them into a wheelbarrow for onward disposal in the dumpster.

Tiles closest to walls will need to be tactfully removed to avoid damage to such walls. At this point, you’ll need to revert to your chisel and hammer to carefully get them off.

  • Inspecting Underlayment

With tiles gone or removed, what remains in some cases is the underlayment.

Underlayment could be made of a variety of materials. If you wish to have new tiles replaced, then there might be a need to replace a faulty underlayment with more stable material.

Sometimes, the underlayment may be good enough to reinstall a new tile. For total demolition jobs, an underlayment will also be targeted for removal.

  • Removing Adhesives

Different types of adhesives are used on tiles. These range from thin-set or tile mortar among other types. For tile mortar, your chisel and hammer will come in handy as these look like cement.

For other types of adhesives, an adhesive remover should be used as recommended by the manufacturer.

  • Cleaning Up

With tile demolition completed, what remains is the cleanup of the demolition area. Using your shop-vac, vacuum the entire area to pick up fine dust particles.

This will be necessary for tile replacement jobs.

Tile demolition and removal options have been discussed so far with tips provided on how to carry out the procedure. Tile demolition jobs don’t need to be complicated anymore.

This is because you’re better informed about how to proceed and what specific actions to take.