Vinyl Floor Tiles

laurajd28

Hi,

When I moved into my flat, there was vinyl flooring in my bathroom, but the colour of the flooring didn't really match when I painted the walls! So I had a brain-wave and put down some vinyl floor tiles, on top of the existing vinyl!

The only problem is that the tiles start to lift at the corners every few months or so.

My flat is now up for rent, and I obviously can't just leave the flooring how it is, as the tenant can't be expected to replace a tile every now and again when they start to lift!

The tiles seem fairly easy to remove when I warm them up with a hairdryer, but the only problem is the glue remaining on the existing vinyl flooring.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get rid of the glue?

Thanks!
Laura

jee

I don't know about removing the glue. It sets quite well so it'll take a lot of time to clean. I think the best option would be to get rid of the tiles and vinyl underneath and get some new vinyl.
Is there any particular reason as to why you stuck tiles on the floor covering rather than take it out?

tigeress289

It sounds like you used self adhesive tiles but if you didnt, then the problem is clearly the adhesive. To remove the new tiles you put on is simple, the glue that is left can be removed using a solvent like white spirit and gently use a paint scrapper to take up the surplus. I would be more sense to lay a new vinyl one piece over the top and silicone seal the edge. Good luck

laurajd28

jee wrote: »

I don't know about removing the glue. It sets quite well so it'll take a lot of time to clean. I think the best option would be to get rid of the tiles and vinyl underneath and get some new vinyl.
Is there any particular reason as to why you stuck tiles on the floor covering rather than take it out?

Basically, the vinyl flooring that is already down runs from the kitchen, straight through to the bathroom (it's one piece of vinyl). It's an open-plan apartment.

It's been sealed down round the edges really well, so instead of having to remove the sealer, and then cut the vinyl by the bathroom door, to separate it from the kitchen, it was just easier to put the new vinyl tiles straight on top (if that makes sense!)

laurajd28

tigeress289 wrote: »

It sounds like you used self adhesive tiles but if you didnt, then the problem is clearly the adhesive. To remove the new tiles you put on is simple, the glue that is left can be removed using a solvent like white spirit and gently use a paint scrapper to take up the surplus. I would be more sense to lay a new vinyl one piece over the top and silicone seal the edge. Good luck

Yep, they are self-adhesive tiles. The glue is so strong on them! I pulled up one tile last night, and the tile itself came off in one piece (I heated it with a hairdryer).

I tried heating up the glue with the hairdryer and then scraping it, and it did work, although the floor was still really really sticky I ended up putting a new tile back down to replace it, and will see what the estate agent thinks I should do when he comes round tomorrow!!

I did think about getting someone to come round a put a sheet of vinyl straight over the top...might make a few phone calls now for some quotes!