How to remove old PVC flooring?
Comprehensive analysis of old flooring treatment techniques and precautions
PVC flooring has become the preferred flooring material for homes and commercial spaces due to its natural properties such as wear resistance, anti-slip, flame retardancy, and moisture resistance. However, after long-term use, PVC flooring may age, crack, bulge, and other problems, affecting the overall appearance and functionality. When it is time to replace the new flooring, the treatment of the old flooring becomes the key. This article will explain in detail how to efficiently and safely treat old PVC flooring from the aspects of removal methods, tool selection, base treatment, and environmental safety.
1. Common methods for removing old PVC floorings
Depending on the construction method, the difficulty of removing PVC floorings varies. The following are several common types and corresponding removal techniques:
Double-sided tape + welding line paving
Double-sided tape paved PVC floorings, when removed, just use a crowbar or a spatula to gently pry up along the edge of the welding line, without complex tools. If the tape is loose, you can peel it off directly; if the tape is tight, you can use a hot air gun to heat and soften the glue, and then gradually remove it.
Full glue paving
Full glue paved PVC floorings have a high bonding strength, and professional tools are required for removal. It is recommended to use a shovel machine with manual operation for higher efficiency. After removal, there may be residual glue on the ground, and cement self-leveling treatment is required to ensure the flatness of the base layer and lay the foundation for the installation of the new floor.
Self-adhesive PVC floor
The removal of self-adhesive flooring glue is relatively simple. You can first cut the edge with a knife, and then peel it off piece by piece with a crowbar. But you need to pay attention to the strength to avoid damaging the ground.
2. Demolition tools and operation skills
Recommended professional tools
Hot air gun: used to soften glue, especially suitable for floors with full glue. Pay attention to temperature control during operation to avoid fire risks caused by overheating.
Shovel: suitable for the rapid removal of large areas of full glue floors, saving time and effort, but pay attention to the uneven ground. Scraper and shovel: When manually removing, you can use a plastic scraper to clean up the residual glue and keep the floor clean.
Operation precautions
Start from the edge: Regardless of the paving method, you should pry up from the corners or edges of the floor and push forward step by step to avoid directly damaging the floor structure with force.
Protect the ground: During the demolition process, you need to clean up debris and dust to prevent scratches on the new floor. If the ground is uneven, it needs to be handled in time.
Environmentally friendly treatment: Old floors and glue residues should be recycled in a classified manner to avoid polluting the environment.
3. Base treatment and new flooring installation
After removing the old flooring, the treatment of the base directly affects the installation effect and service life of the new flooring. After the cement self-leveling treatment is removed, the ground may affect the adhesion effect of the new flooring due to glue residue or unevenness. At this time, cement self-leveling is needed to fill the gaps to ensure that the base is flat and dry. Before laying the new flooring, the interface agent needs to be evenly applied to the base to enhance the adhesion between the glue and the ground to avoid hollowing or cracking.
4. Environmental protection and safety tips
Health protection
During the demolition process, you may come into contact with harmful substances such as glue and chemical solvents. You need to wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves and maintain ventilation. Noise and dust control When using power tools, sound insulation measures must be taken to avoid noise nuisance; at the same time, clean up the dust to prevent secondary pollution.
5. Is it necessary to remove the old flooring?
Not all cases require the removal of the old flooring. If the surface of the old flooring is flat, not severely aged, and meets the installation standards of the new floor (such as no oil stains, no bulging), it can be directly renovated.
For example: Sanding renovation: Sand the surface of the old floor with sandpaper, then apply primer and topcoat to restore the gloss. Direct laying: Re-laying new PVC floor on the old floor, make sure the base is properly treated.
