Ceramic tile removal can be tricky, but with some tips and tricks the removal process can go much smoother. According to OnlineTips.org, removing tiles from a cement-based board or tiles that are mortared into the wall will almost always require breaking the tiles. However, taking ceramic tiles off a wall board can be less damaging to the tiles.
Ceramic tile removal can be tricky, but with some tips and tricks the removal process can go much smoother. According to OnlineTips.org, removing tiles from a cement-based board or tiles that are mortared into the wall will almost always require breaking the tiles. However, taking ceramic tiles off a wall board can be less damaging to the tiles.
Heat Gun
Use a heat gun to soften the caulk and grout around the ceramic tiles. Once it is softened you should be able to dig it out with a utility knife. Take a putty knife and try to pry off one of the tiles. Heat guns can be purchased at a hardware store and these are used for smaller tile removal jobs.
Start Removal Where Tile Ends
Always start tile removal where other flooring begins like carpet or hardwood. Never start removal in the middle of the ceramic, according to AsktheBuilder.com. Start at the edge and try to remove a group of tiles so you have some room to work with bigger tools.
Garden Spade
If your ceramic tiles are connected to a cement board, a garden spade works well to remove the tiles all together. You can slide the garden spade underneath the cement board and pry up to get group of ceramic tiles all at once. This technique works if you are removing a lot of ceramic tile so that you will not have to remove one tile at a time.
Shovel
If you do not have a garden spade, a flat head shovel works the same. Get enough tiles pulled up so a shovel will fit underneath the next chunk of tiles. Work the flat head shovel up under the cement board and tiles, and then start to pry off. This will remove the ceramic tiles in chunks.
Hammer and Chisel
Dealing with just a small area of ceramic tiles can be done with a hammer and chisel. Once you have one tile up, stick the chisel underneath the next tile and hit the other end of the chisel the hammer. This will loosen the tiles and they will begin to break off.
Warning
According to ServiceMagic.com, if you are removing older floor tiles, you will need to check for asbestos. If asbestos is present, by law, you will have to call a professional asbestos contractor to have your ceramic tile removed.
