Getting old tile out is hard, dusty work, and it is where a remodel either starts cleanly or coats the whole house in grit. In older Arlington homes, tile is often set in a mortar bed an inch or more thick over wire lath, which is far harder to remove than modern thinset.
We remove tile as the first stage of our own projects and as a stand-alone service for homeowners and contractors.
How Dust-Free Tile Removal Works
No demolition is literally free of dust, but capturing it at the tool keeps almost all of it out of the air and out of your house. Dust control is planned before the first tile is touched.
- Plastic barriers with zipper doors at the work area
- Floor protection from the entry to the room
- Vents covered so dust does not enter the ductwork
- Tools connected to HEPA vacuums, with dust shrouds on grinders
- Debris bagged and carried out daily
- A thorough vacuum of the area at the end
What Gets Removed
On floors: the tile, the mortar beneath it and, where necessary, damaged underlayment, taken down to sound subfloor or slab and ground smooth. On walls: tile and backer board to the studs in wet areas, so new waterproofing starts fresh.
We protect what stays, including tubs, cabinets, counters and adjoining floors, and we cap water lines and make drains safe before leaving each day.
Older Homes and Hidden Materials
Homes built before the 1980s can have asbestos in old floor tile, sheet flooring or adhesive, and lead in old paint. If we see materials that may contain either, we pause and recommend testing by a qualified firm before going further. It adds a few days and protects everyone in the house. Once the area is clear, we carry on with subfloor preparation.
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