Removing Granite & Omni Grip Adhesive from Fireplace Surround

RayJak · 11-08-2009, 08:42 AM

I wish I had read this forum a couple weeks ago! My wife and I added a fireplace to our family room addition and were guided by the folks at Home Depot to use Omni Grip adhesive to secure the granite tiles around the fireplace. It was easy to use and did dry in a couple days unlike some of the other posts stated. However, it was a big mistake for other reasons! When we use the fireplace we get horrible fumes and the adhesive starts to liquify and leak out the seams (it eventually starts dripping). How do we remove the granite and adhesive so that we can do this the right way with a thinset? I thought the heat might loosen the tiles enough for me to pull them off, but they are still securely attached. Attached is a picture.

Thanks everyone for your assistance.

- Ray in PA

Scuba_Dave · 11-08-2009, 09:29 AM

Is it attached to sheetrock ?

itsreallyconc · 11-13-2009, 06:44 AM

another diy'er bitten by an apron wearer

but least its not fatal,,, 1st step's to call the mfg'rs customer help line,,, 2nd, run back to your apron store & start screaming ' YOU IDIOTS ! ! ! '

you might get some satisfaction from yelling but not much else other's your $$$ back

step 3's renting a chipping gun from your local rental storee & remove it,,, step 4'd be calling a retired mason so he can share your misery's humor & fix it right,,, doubtful he'd use glue, tho - not if he has any experience at all,,, btw, you're not pennsylvania dutch, are you ? ? ? good luck ! ! !

Bud Cline · 11-13-2009, 04:27 PM

Thinset mortar should be the only adhesive used to install granite in this fashion.

Before you do or damage anything I would call HD and INSIST that they send someone out to remove the tiles and install them properly. This way if the tiles break during removal, THEY can foot the bill next time around. Also look closely to see if the Omni-Grip has stained the tiles from the backside. If so......HD owes you some new tiles anyway.

Bud Cline · 11-13-2009, 04:28 PM

HEY! Is that stuff (Omni-Grip) volitile when it is heated and returned to its liquid state?