How to Remove Vinyl Flooring

Prior to the 1980s, asbestos vinyl sheet flooring was very popular in homes. Are you are removing the original vinyl floor from a home installed prior to 1980? If so, you will need to locate a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to test your floor. That's because asbestos removal is a hazardous process best undertaken only by a qualified professional.

But what if you suspect your vinyl floor has asbestos, but don't want to remove it? Fortunately, it is possible to lay a new floor over the old floor. However, the vinyl must not be damaged. And you must ensure that it will not be disturbed in any way that will release asbestos fibers. Consult with a professional before you start any project that could disturb asbestos.

When learning how to remove vinyl flooring, the first step is emptying the room. Take all furniture out of the room to clear the work area.

Baseboards generally cover the edges of flooring. So, they will need to be removed before you remove vinyl flooring. Here's how to remove the baseboards:

• To protect your walls, place the wood block a few inches above the baseboard.
• Place the wider end of a prybar where the trim and wall meet.
• With a rubber mallet, swiftly tap the top of the prybar to force it under the trim.
• Gently pry the trim away, little by little. Yanking it back quickly may break the trim.
• If you plan to reuse the trim, mark the back of the trim with its location for easier installation later.

Typically, vinyl flooring is perimeter installed, meaning there's no glue or adhesive in the middle of the floor.

• Use the utility knife to cut straight down the middle of your vinyl floor.
• Next, move about 12 inches to the right or left, and cut a strip parallel to the first. Cutting in narrow strips makes the task more manageable.
• Roll the vinyl as you make your way down the length of the strip.
• Once it's cut, gently lift the strip of vinyl until you encounter resistance from the glue near the perimeter.
• Use a 5-in-1 scraper to loosen the vinyl. If it doesn't come off, you will need to use the prybar and hammer to chip at the hardened adhesive.
• For vinyl plank flooring or vinyl tile flooring, pry up a corner of one of the tiles with a putty knife. If it comes up far enough, slip the putty knife underneath it. You can then pry the tile or plank completely off.

Once you get all the glued down sections removed, it's time to deal with the glued perimeter.

• Use the flat end of the prybar to chip away at the glue underneath the vinyl.
• Remove as much glue as you can with the prybar.
• Use the 5-in-1 tool or any floor scraper tool to scrape off the rest of the adhesive.

• If there is still adhesive on the subfloor, use warm water and soap to soak the glue. Then, wipe away the excess.
• If water and soap won't remove the remaining glue, hold a heat gun over the adhesive long enough to soften the glue. You can then scrape it away.

Removing vinyl from concrete is similar to removing it from subfloor. However, getting the adhesive off the concrete may prove to be more difficult. Start by scraping the glue with a prybar or scraper. If that doesn't get the glue off, you will need to use a commercial adhesive stripper to soften and remove the glue.

• Once all the vinyl floor is removed, use a broom or wet/dry vacuum to pick up all the debris in the room.
• Some areas offer vinyl recycling. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept used vinyl flooring.