Vinyl Removal

Getting Started/ Prepping The Work Area:

• Determine if the flooring may be an ACM material: Many vinyl floor products are ACMs' which would require an abatement contractor to safely remove.

• Move Furniture & Content: Get the furniture and content out of the way prior to getting started.

• Drying Equipment Present: If drying equipment is onsite & running, it must be switched off, wrapped up, and moved out of the work area.

• Dehumidifier readings should be collected before moving them, if running.

• It's going to be in the way: It'll just be something else that requires manipulation in the room.

• Dehumidifier(s) should be moved into another area out of the way, and keep it running, as they take a while to start dehumidifying again

  • Ensure that the discharge hose is still in the drain. (even when switched off, the discharge can activate by leaning the unit back for repositioning.)

• Air movers should also be switched off and moved, as they will also be in the way & create issues in production efforts.

• Air Filtration Devices should be be operated as normally while work is ongoing to control dust generated. 

  • Special considerations may be required if they are absolutely going to be in the way. 

  • This requires special shutdown sequences on many situations. 

• Protect Surrounding Areas: Cover adjacent floors with protective material or drop cloths to prevent damage associated with the removal.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, gloves, a dust mask or respirator, and knee pads for comfort.

• Tool Selection: Depending on installation type, different tools may be required, But you'll likely need;

  • A hammer.

  • flat pry bar.

  • A razor scraper

  • A utility knife

  • Wrench & Pliers

• Setup a Containment Barriers: Especially if you suspect there will be mold growth discovered.

• Use Air Filtration: Especially if mold is likely to be discovered during removal. (Negative Pressure is Preferred)

Preparation of the Work Area:

• Remove toilets in areas where vinyl is to be removed.

  • Some exceptions may be made whereas the toilet can be cut around to facilitate removal, leaving the toilet in use.

• Decide if flooring is installed beneath cabinets & vanities.

  • This may necessitate the removal of the cabinets & vanities to remove wet vinyl flooring.

• Remove transition strips carefully.

• Remove whatever trim such as quarter round or shoe molding that may be in the way of removal of the flooring.

Types of Vinyl Flooring and Removal Methods:

Sheet Vinyl:

• • Often glued down.  

    • Typically perimeter glued along the walls.

    • Occasionally, it'll have adhesive covering the entire floor. 

  • A hammer and a flat bar will typically remove the majority of this flooring by prying.

    • The remaining material will require scraping.

Vinyl Tiles:

• • May be peel-and-stick or glued down.

  • Peel-and-stick tiles are generally easier to remove.  

  • Glued-down tiles may require a razor scraper to remove adhesive.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT):

• • May be click-lock or glued down.  

  • Click-lock LVP/LVT is relatively easy to disassemble for removal.

  • Glued-down LVP/LVT may require heavy scraping, depending on the adhesive used.

Multiple Flooring Layers: It's quite common to find multiple layers of vinyl flooring installed one layer over the other.

• You're expected to remove all layers of flooring down to the subfloor in most situations.

• Unless you're told otherwise, go all the way to bare concrete or the wooden subfloor.

Adhesive Removal:

• Scraping: Use a razor scraper to remove as much adhesive as possible.  

  • for demolition associated with water damage, focus on getting any moisture barriers up first.

Underlayment: 

• A large percentage of vinyl floor on a wooden subfloor will be installed over 1/4" underlayment material.

• It's not uncommon to find multiple layers of the underlayment before reaching the subfloor.

• You're expected to take the flooring down to the subfloor in most situations.

• Ensure that all staples, screws and nails are removed.

  • This prevents injuries to occupants & employees as well as leaves a professional looking result that's ready for repairs.

Debris Disposal:

• Bagging: Place the removed vinyl flooring and debris in heavy-duty garbage bags.  

• Disposal: Haul the removed debris from the work area to the container. 

Clean up:

• Sweep the floor after all fasteners and adhesive residue has been scraped.

• HEPA Vacuum the area to remove remaining debris.

Reset Drying Equipment (If Applicable) 

• If equipment was removed from the work area, bring it back into the area & reset it.

Key Considerations:

• Older Vinyl: Older vinyl flooring and adhesives may contain asbestos. If you suspect asbestos, do not disturb the flooring and consult a qualified asbestos abatement professional.  

• Documentation: Take photos before, during, and after the removal process.