Tile Mortar Removal Process From Concrete Floor
Mortar is a type of cement-based paste that is usually made by combining sand, water, and cement in order to bind building blocks or fill gaps betwixt various types of stone and brick surfaces. Mortar is known to last for a longer period of time but removing it from the concrete floor can be a challenging task, whether you are getting rid of the thin set mortar or traditional mortar. Thin set is a thinner, modern variation of the paste that can be used to set tile in modern masonry work. Removing mortar is a difficult task due to the reason that it is cement based & therefore it dries like cement, however it is not completely impossible to remove it. You can get rid of the tile mortar from concrete floor by going through the below mentioned mortar removal process carefully.
Mortar And Thin Set Removal
- Protection: The first and the foremost step is to protect yourself by wearing eye glasses due to the reason that mortar chips as well as dust will fly around. Apart from protecting your eyes, you also need to use respirator or dust mask because while cleaning mortar, a lot of dust will appear around you. When it comes to working with power tools, make sure to use earplugs as well. Also, protect your working area by placing a plastic sheeting so that you don't have to clean the floor again at a later stage.
- Hammer And Chisel: The next step is to get rid of the mortar as much as you possibly can, with the help of a chisel having a wide set blade as well as a hammer. This step may take a lot of time but you will be able to completely get rid of the mortar without having to further move to the next step.
- Chipping Hammer With Scraper: Chipping hammer having a scraper attachment can also be used in order to eliminate the thin set mortar from a concrete floor. By applying short jabbing motions, you can easily reach underneath the mortar and pop it from the floor. However, if in case the mortar is difficult to move, remove, or cure, then the best option is to go directly to the big tools.
- Angle Grinder With Diamond Cup: If the above steps didn't help you get rid of the stubborn mortar, then you can go with the option of angle grinder having diamond cup, which is an affordable as well as best option to remove the mortar. However, this option will produce a lot of dust due to the reason that you will be sanding the mortar rather than popping it off the concrete. Therefore, you need to make sure to wrap up everything around the working area or you can also use a Shop Vac in order to pick up a stray dust. Water spray bottle can also be used and gently dampen the area in order to lessen the amount of dust kicked up. However, be very careful & make sure that you don't get water on the grinder motor. Furthermore, this is a handheld power tool, therefore, this is not the best option if in case you are working with a large area. But, you may also want to break up sessions in order to lessen the physical stress to your body.
- Floor Maintainer: For difficult to remove mortar, floor maintainer is another good option but this is an expensive one. This option also performs sanding process on the mortar, which in turn produces a lot of dust, therefore, prepare the surface before starting the process. Place a plastic sheeting and take out the furniture. Also, protect the entryway to the room with the help of plastic sheeting. This may help reduce the amount of dust that finds its way into other rooms.
The Cleanup
After removing the mortar completely from a concrete floor, it is time to clean the floor. If you place the protective plastic sheeting, cleaning process can become easier.
- Remove Large Pieces: First of all, get rid of the large pieces of mortar and other debris. With the help of small buckets, it may be highly possible to reduce the amount of walking back and forth to your dump pile.
- Use An Outside Broom: Next, you can use an outside broom, having stiff bristles, in order to wipe up the dust and smaller debris. Stiff bristles will help you in picking up more than your typical kitchen broom.
- Use An Inside Broom: Now, use inside broom, which have a soft bristles that will help you pick up finer dust particles. And, it's a good option to ensure that the majority of the loose debris gets cleaned off the floor.
- Shop Vacuum Remaining Dust: After wiping up everything that you could possibly do, use your shop vacuum, which will be very helpful in getting rid of the dust from the hard-to-reach cracks and crevices.
- Mop The Floor: Finally, you need to mop the floor, due to the reason that this will ensure that you won't find mortar dust for a long period of time from mopping.