Removing vinyl tile (at least I think it's some sort of vinyl)

natecase13

I have been removing carpet in my house in order to expose the hard wood floors. The whole house has gone pretty smoothly, with an exception to the dining room. In the dining room, underneath the carpet I found that there was some sort of vinyl tile laid down, probably over 25 years ago. I have been using an ice chipper to try and muscle the tile out, but it is turning into an uphill battle. I am wondering if there are any other ways to go about removing the tile, maybe some chemical I can use to help and release some of the adhesive holding the tile to the floor. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

rusty baker

Could be asbestos tile and asbestos containing adhesive. They were allowed to sell all existing stock after they quit making the tile. Some estimates are that it sold until the early 90's. Any chemical could soak into the wood floor and be impossible to get out.

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Semi-Retired Installer
Installing since 1973