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Laminate is one of the most popular flooring choices for many people. It has a lot of good traits. Besides being very durable and requiring little maintenance, it is also produced in many different styles. Choosing the laminate flooring is also very good for the budget. It is cheaper than many other flooring solutions. And best of all, it can look like hardwood!
The laminate offers an entire spectrum of colors, patterns, textures and it is a designer’s dream. There is an option for almost all home decor styles. It can create a warm effect in the house just like real wood. Also, it doesn’t require professionals to install it. With a little preparation and a few articles on how to install it, you can consider it as a DIY project.
But, as with every material, laminate flooring has its good and bad sides. The flaw of the laminate flooring is it does not last as long as hardwood. On average, the flooring needs replacement after 15 to g 25 years. It depends on where the laminate is. It will wear off faster in places with high foot traffic than in a private home. While the maximum for laminate flooring is around 30 years, for hardwood it goes up to several decades.
Of course, the reason to remove laminate flooring doesn’t always have to be because it is worn off. Sometimes it is all about the aesthetics and changing the room design. Removing the laminate flooring is not difficult. It is even easier than installing it. The basic thing is preparation and also how to start. In this article we will make it clear how to remove glued down laminate flooring.
Removing glued laminate flooring
Sometimes people use glue to stick the laminate boards to be more firm. It also serves as additional protection from any liquid that may be spilled on the floor and go through the planks.
If the glue goes through the boards to the subfloor, this can make removing the planks a bit harder. However, there are ways to remove it even if it is stuck to the floor. As we already mentioned, prepare tools and follow the steps we will present to you in this article.
You can purchase all the needed tools in the home improvement store or a local hardware store. Here is the list of what you need to get:
- Pry bar
- Pliers
- Floor scraper
- Heat gun
- Glue remover solution
- Protective footwear
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
- Work gloves
- Mop
Tips before you start to remove glued down laminate floor
Before you start doing anything, pay attention ad read these tips. It is got to how to remove glued down laminate flooring properly. That will make the job easier and save you money and nerves.
Try to empty the room – working area. Remove all the furniture if you are can. Clean space will make it easier and faster to move as you work.
Don’t push it and work slowly. If you pull or push too hard, you might end up with cracked floor planks. You will maybe need these planks and re-use them. This is why you have to be patient while working to keep the boards whole, without any scratches or cracks.
If you want to replace only a few damaged boards, place the removed boards in a certain order. This will help you put them back in their place later. Being well-organized always makes the job easier.
There will be a foam underlayment under the laminate boards, so you will have to remove that too.
Preparing the glued down the laminate floor for removal
Tearing apart something is always less difficult than putting something together. This also goes for the laminate floors. Here we will present to you how to remove glued down laminate flooring.
Remove all the objects out of the room and free as much space as you can. You will get easier access to all the areas of the floor. If the laminate planks are glued, you will have to melt the glue down to separate the boards.
The first way to melt the glue is with hot water. Mop the floor with hot water and let the floor soak it. The water will go through the planks, reach the glue and melt it. The water and warmth soften the glue making the boards easier to separate.
Another way to melt the glue and separate laminate boards is with the heat gun. Simply use a heat gun all over the floor surface until the glue melts. Use protective gear while operating with the heat gun. Start working from the edge of one piece and slowly move from one piece to another.
The third and faster way is by using the motorized floor stripper. It is constructed with claws that can detach the laminate board from the subfloor. The only two problems are getting this machine (it can be quite expensive) and you won’t be able to reuse the removed planks.
Lift the planks
If you decided to use one of the first two methods to melt the glue, you will need a pry bar after the glue softens. Use its short end to lift the edge of the board. We recommend you start from the corner of the room. You should already have a couple of inches gap between the wall and a laminate board. It will be easier to get the pry bar under the plank.
Even if you already melted the glue, it will cool down and harden again. Have the heat gun by your side, because you will need to use it again as you remove the planks. Also, use while lifting the board slowly if the glue is not melted enough.
After the plank becomes loose enough, pull the plank towards you under the 90-degree angle. You should hear the glue snap.
Do this for every next peace you’re removing. And be patient if you don’t want to damage the boards. Every next plank will be easier to remove.
Adhesive removal
So, the first step was removing the laminate boards, but there will be leftovers. Some of the melted glue will remain on the floor. Use a floor scraper to clean all the waste left. The glue will harden again, so have the heat gun prepared.
There is another and easier way to get rid of the excess glue left around the floor. Use the special glue remover solution. You can buy this product at any home improvement store.
This remover is a strong chemical, so be sure you open all windows while working with it. You may also use a protective face mask to prevent breathing in unpleasant fumes. Also, wear gloves because the solution might also hurt your skin.
Spread the solution all over the glue leftovers and scrape it with a putty knife. Use the vacuum cleaner and mop to clean the floor with water afterward. After the subfloor is neat and completely clean from all the residue, then you can begin to install a new laminate flooring.
As you can see, this is not such a difficult task. The process is quite simple. Follow a couple of tips on how to remove glued down laminate flooring and you will easily remove the flooring in no time. You won’t need to hire a professional to do this kind of project. You can find all the tools and materials needed at your local improvement store.
Of course, don’t forget that safety comes first and be sure you have some protective gloves, glasses and a mask. It may seem difficult at first, but as soon as you remove the first couple of boards, you will see it actually isn’t. After you finish the removal, you may start another project. If you also decide to install a new floor all by yourself, you will have double satisfaction! You will gain a whole new set of skills, which is surely something to be proud of.
FAQs about removing glued down laminate flooring
1. What tools do I need to remove glued down laminate flooring?
You will want a few necessary instruments, such as a hammer, a pry bar or scraper, a utility knife, and safety goggles, to remove laminate flooring that has been put down. To make the operation more effective, you might also want to think about renting a power scraper or a floor grinder.
2. How do I determine if my laminate flooring is glued down or floating?
Try to raise a plank gently with a pry bar or scraper to see if your laminate flooring is glued down or floating. If it is difficult to remove, it was probably cemented down. It is most likely a floating floor if it is lightweight and not attached to the subfloor.
3. Can I remove glued down laminate flooring without damaging the subfloor?
It can be difficult, but it is feasible to remove laminate flooring that has been glued down without harming the subfloor. Use a scraper or power scraper carefully to minimize damage, and move slowly and deliberately as you work.
4. What is the best method for removing glued down laminate flooring?
The best way to remove laminate flooring that has been glued down is to start in a corner and gently raise the planks with a pry bar or scraper. Once a part is free, you can use a power scraper or grinder to cut through the adhesive and entirely lift the boards.
5. How long does it take to remove glued down laminate flooring?
The size of the area, the thickness of the planks, and the kind of adhesive used are just a few of the variables that will affect how long it will take to remove laminate flooring that has been glued down. The process can take several hours or even days to finish.
6. Can I reuse or salvage the laminate flooring after it has been removed?
After it has been removed, laminate flooring can still be salvaged and used, although cleaning and refinishing the planks may be more labor-intensive. Planks that are harmed or bent could also need to be replaced.
7. Do I need to wear any protective gear when removing glued down laminate flooring?
To protect your eyes from flying debris when removing laminate flooring that has been glued down, safety goggles are a smart idea. You might also want to put on gloves, a dust mask, and ear protection, depending on the size of the space and the tools you are using.
8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when removing glued down laminate flooring?
Avoid applying excessive force or prying at an angle, which can harm the subfloor or the planks themselves, while removing laminate flooring that has been bonded down. Lifting the planks requires careful, systematic movement while applying light pressure.
9. Will removing glued down laminate flooring affect the resale value of my home?
The market value of your home won’t likely be greatly impacted if you remove laminate flooring that has been glued down. However, it might have an effect on the value if you hurt the planks or the subfloor when removing them.
10. Do I need to hire a professional to remove glued down laminate flooring, or can I do it myself?
Depending on the size of the area and your degree of competence, you may or may not need to engage a professional to remove laminate flooring that has been glued down. To ensure the project is done properly, it can be worth hiring a professional if you are unsure of your skills or are working with a huge space.
If you enjoyed reading this article about how to remove glued down laminate flooring, we also wrote on how to install laminate flooring without transitions, how to end laminate flooring at doorways, how to install laminate flooring on a concrete basement floor, how to dry laminate flooring with water under it, how to seal laminate flooring seams, how to install laminate flooring on walls, how to repair swollen laminate flooring, how to repair laminate flooring, how to install laminate flooring on stairs, and how to stagger laminate flooring.