Vinyl over Old plastic floor tiles?

pinkladyjune11

The kitchen in our house (built 1978) was carpeted. On pulling back the carpet we found vinyl tiles, which peel off to reveal 'plastic' looking tiles (thermoplastic?). These plastic tiles are stuck to the concrete floor with black (bitumen?) adhesive.

We would like to lay vinyl. Our local carpet shop came round to quote and told us that we should remove the plastic tiles. We started and have done most of one row, but it is virtually impossible to get them off, and they leave the black, slightly sticky adhesive behind, which I understand may mark the new vinyl if it is laid on top.

Does anyone know if it is possible for us to lay the vinyl on top of the plastic tiles that are there? If so, where could we buy some 'plastic' tiles to replace the broken ones which we started ripping up?

If not, is the only alternative to get the floor screeded? it is a kitchen diner, and it is only kitchen bit which is a problem (will be carpeting dining room area) so would be able to get just the kitchen bit screeded?

Would be most grateful for any advice - we are really stuck and new kitchen being fitted next week, so desperate!
Many thanks.

wallbash

but it is virtually impossible to get them off, and they leave the black, slightly sticky adhesive behind, which I understand may mark the new vinyl if it is laid on top.

last time i had to try to remove stubborn :eek: tiles.
used a 'sharpened' spade , enabled me to be more aggressive

Use as a 'large' scraper

pinkladyjune11

Thanks for your advice wallbash.

Our new kitchen is being fitted next week so we are desperate to get this sorted asap. I don't think pulling the tiles up helps as it leaves the black bitumen adhesive behind, and I think that this is what causes problems with the vinyl.

I am thinking that leaving the tiles in situ would be best, and laying the vinyl on top - anyone know where I can get replacement tiles to replace the ones we broke? Or could we screed over that bit only to level with the rest of the tiles?

Or would it be easier to tile the floor instead over the existing thermoplastic tiles? Is this possible?

devotee

How about putting plywood over the plastic tiles? It would provide a clean and even surface for you to lay your vinyl.

paddypaws101

I am battling with pretty much the same problem, exacerbated by leaking pipes in the floor which has meant digging parts of it up. One concern is that these old tiles may contain asbestos, and strictly speaking they should be removed by a specialist company. ( I am dealing with an insurance company so it's all by the book ) My tiles tested negative for asbestos, but I had already been told that if it was white asbestos it's pretty stable and suitable breathing mask would have been enough protection.
Anyway, I found that using a steam iron over an old towel, then levering up with a pallet knife did the trick pretty easily ( ok, I should have waited and borrowed a wall paper steamer but I am impatient )
Of course if I had not been forced to remove the tiles due to a leak, I would just have chosen to stick vinyl right down on top!
Good luck.