removing ceramic tile glue from timber floor

[juliestewart]

I have removed 20 sq metres of ceramic tiles from my kitchen floor with the aim to sand the floor boards.(They look very good from what I can see). However the tiles were glued with a black tar looking substance that won't seem to budge. I'm worried the tar will clog the sander. I have also been told that the tar substance is quite unhealthy and will catch alight if I use heat in the removal process! I seem to have a lot of negatives. Has anyone got any good news??

 

[chappers]

If the stuff is actually a very dark grey/ black and a bit sticky it sounds more like a pre-mixed flexible adhesive and to be honest I wouldn't fancy getting rid of it to then sand the boards, you might however like to try using a wallpaper steamer to loosen it. Any left on will clog the sandpaper quicker than you could say "oh **** the papers clogged".
Good luck. I think you will need it.

 

[breezer]

dont know if its ethical but why not take the floor up and put it back upside down?

 

[juliestewart]

Thanks everyone. It has made me even more determined!.... and my Chiropractor will be very happy!