In fact, it can be backbreaking work, especially with older installations.
The mortar bed usually was applied over a layer of tar paper covering the subfloor.
Be prepared for a long, hard weekend of work if you’re dealing with this kind of installation.
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The process involves a lot of hammering, prying, and cutting the metal lathe into manageable pieces.
A similarly difficult job is ahead of you if the tile was installed on a concrete slab.
The job is somewhat easier if the tile was installed over an underlayment of plywood or cement board.
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This system quickly replaced the traditional mortar-bed system.
With a thin-set installation, the bond between tiles and underlayment is relatively easy to break.
The process is largely the same if you have cement board as an underlayment.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Although we are using hand tools, there are also power tools available to simplify the job.
Hammer drills and roto-hammers can be rented at tool lease outlets or home centers.
Sometimes, tiles will pop loose in whole units.
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This may replace the need to break up every tile with a sledge.
Be aware that tile removal can generate a huge amount of dust.
Always wear a dust mask, eye protection, hearing protection, and heavy-duty work gloves when demolishing tile.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Ceramic tile demolition can generate a significant amount of waste, especially for large floors.
You may want to consider leasing a roll-off dumpster to handle the debris.
This prevents them from getting damaged or covered in dust during demolition.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Cover heating ducts and open doorways with sheets of plastic to control dust.
Tile demolition can generate a significant amount of fine dust that can travel throughout the house unless controlled.
Be extremely careful, especially when dealing with porcelain tile.
The sharp edges can cut like glass.
Warning
Be judicious in the use of a sledgehammer.
Repeated heavy blows can damage floor framing.
Slide a floor scraper under the attached remnants of tile and pry them off of the subfloor’s surface.
Put a little muscle into it and they should pop off.
A flat shovel can also work for this job.
Using it the right way can make this task much easier.
Alternate hammering and scraping to make your way across the entire room, removing all tiles.
Your new flooring will likely require a smooth underlayment and these smaller tools can help you achieve that.
Once the underlayment is cut into sections, it can be unscrewed or pried up for removal.
Clean Up
Use a scoop shovel and broom to remove debris.
Sturdy contractor trash bags can be used to hold debris for disposal.
Complete the cleanup by using a shop vacuum to remove any remaining dust.
