Cork tile removal

[keithrutter]

I have had to use a bolster chisel and 2lb hammer as well as a scraper to remove tiles laid 20 years ago. I am only removing them as some have been damaged when the dishwasher leaked, the insurance company insisting on replacement with ceramic tiles.

[Guest]

Guess there's no easier way then? I've tried to remove some today and ended up with the same tools - plus a hot air stripper and two broken scrapers!

Anyone know if you can use self-levelling compound over broken cork tiles?

David

[Anton]

Is that Keith Rutter of Jersey/ex M/C? Surely there can't be another one!

[Guest]

No, I am not the Keith Rutter in New Jersey, I am the keith Rutter in Wales, UK, but the tiles stick just as well over here. A sharp scraper was the only thing that had any effect. I tried wire brush, even a wire brush on an angle grinder, but it just melts the old adhesive.

[Anton]

No Keith, not New Jersey. Jersey, Channel Islands. But no matter.
But thanks for answering

[Guest]

I've just had to remove 30 year old cork tiles from a bathroom floor. Hitting with chisels and hammers was too heavy for me as I have girly muscles so I had to find a different way. I used an old iron, set it on cotton/linen and left it on the cork floor for several minutes. Then I was able to scrape up an iron-shaped area quite easily as the glue had melted. It took ages but worked and most of the glue came up as well. I timed the work for when I was doing something else close by so that I could be getting on with something while I was waiting yet could keep an eye on the iron.

[Hamiltonandy]

Genius. Great use of iron!
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