tile removing machine
Ceramic floors were once used for rooms such as hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens. It was almost unthinkable for tiles to find their way to the living room or bedroom. However, as home decorating trends have changed, this type of flooring has become very desirable in almost all rooms.
There are good reasons for this. Ceramic tiles look very elegant and can be found in various designs and sizes. They are suitable for buildings that have underfloor heating because they emit heat very well. Plus, these floors are easy to maintain. However, the installation is not easy, nor is the removal, if you want to change the tiles one day.
Luckily, you can use power tools that can make this job much easier. That means using a tile-removing machine or power scraper with suitable blades. These are handy for removing ceramic floors from larger surfaces and tricky parts of the rooms, like corners. But like any power tool, this machine requires careful handling.
Know Basics
Power scrapers are versatile devices. You can use them to remove all kinds of materials, from vinyl and old paint to ceramics. You just have to use proper blades and set the working angle. But if you're not careful, it could cause you to cause more damage and have unsatisfactory results. You can damage the surface or even cause it to buckle backward.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when using a power scraper is safety. In fact, that goes for any power tool. It should never be pulled, yanked, or carried by its cord. Always hold the device for the handles as they are insulated and keep you safe from electric shocks.
Working with different floor materials requires different types of blades. Those intended for tiles should be sharp as they work at an angle. Make sure you level the blade's pitch well. Try different ones before you find the best edge level that will efficiently remove the old floor. If you don't do that, the work can be sluggish as the machine will only break the tiles, not peel them from the surface.
Follow Manufacturer's Instructions
For homes and DIY projects, handheld and walk-behind machines are the best choices. These scrapers don't require you to be a professional. Still, you have to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the safe use of this power tool. It can be dangerous if you're not careful. So if you don't want to take any risk, you can hire a professional to do the tile removal for you.
The electricity and fumes are potential dangers when you work with tile-removing machines. It's best to protect yourself from these hazards by inspecting the machine before you start using it. You should also check the skid shoes to ensure safe and efficient operation.
When you use a power scraper, make sure to work in an area with proper lighting. This way, you will easily spot all the dust and pieces of floor that you need to remove to continue working. Don't allow piles of scrapes and dust to form while working with a power scraper. If a blade hits a piece of tile at a wrong angle, it can rebound and hurt someone.
More tips on extending the scraper blades’ life see below:
man using tile removing machine
No Rush
Efficient work doesn't always mean fast work. Tile removing tasks need to be done slowly. So push the machine gently along the imagined routes. Find a pattern to follow and thus prevent an empty walk. That way, you will be sure that all floor pieces have been removed and that the surface is even and prepared for laying new material.
You have to remove all furniture before turning the power scraper on. Start with tile removal from one corner of the room. Move evenly and at a slow pace so that the razor can go under every tile and separate it from the surface. If you rush, the blade will dull out quickly.
Once in a while, use a broom or brush to sweep away tile pieces and dust. If a piece of ceramic gets stuck on the floor, slacken it with a blade corner. Also, remove any exposed nails and use a vacuum cleaner to clean all dust and dirt before laying the new flooring down.
Wear Safety Equipment
A power scraper can produce a lot of dust and noise. As you mainly use this tool indoors, you can inhale dust and dirt particles. So using a face mask is a must to prevent breathing difficulties. Also, you're at risk of an electric shock or hearing damage if you're not careful. So you'll need to wear safety glasses, gloves, and headphones when using a power scraper for tile removal. More safety tips find on this source.
Regular Machine Maintenance
Make sure you keep your power scraper well-maintained. Regularly changing the scraper's oil will ensure that it runs efficiently and safely. Keep cords well-insulated. After every use, you should clean or blow out the dust from the machine. Do that outside when it's turned out and not attached to the power supply.
A floor tile scraper is a mighty machine that can be of great help with home renovation. But the safety tips on using it shouldn't be overlooked. By following these, you'll remove old tiles safely and effectively and make an even and clean surface for a new floor without doing damage or risking an injury.
