how do I remove ceramic tile adhesive? Help, advice, information, answers and tips on all types of flooring from laminate and carpet to timber and vinyl

[mikeyoung]

Hi
Any tips on removing old ceramic tile adhesive appart from good old elbow grease, I'm putting new tiles down, and the base is concrete. Do I have to remove every last bit of the old adhesive?

Cheers

Mike

[thedoctor]

It can stay on as long as there are no spikes which will rock the tiles Mike. We are assuming its on the floor so you should use a powdered adhesive and make sure the minimum thickness over the old adhesive is 6mm. Obviously you will use more adhesive and to be honest its a much better job if you get the old stuff off ( ask you local tool hire company about the hire of an electric chisel for a day) but it can be done and as long as there is 6mm over the highest part of the floor its OK to do it.