Is there a method or chemical for removing the glue and backing from an old vinal sheet floor. Other than a heat gun?

Most installers use a floor scraper that has a 4" razor edge. Time consuming but effective. There are also larger machines the size of a floor buffer that chip and remove flooring, you can rent them.

Most installers use a floor scraper that has a 4" razor edge. Time consuming but effective. There are aslo larger machines the size of a floor buffer that chip and remove flooring, you can rent them.


I have been using a 4 inch razor scraper and a heat gun. Major pain in the but. I was hopeing for a chemical solution to weaken the strength of the mastic to make scraping easier. I am almost ready to just put a new subfloor right over the top and call it a day. Any suggestions for a chemical remover ?

I would venture that any chemical that would attack the glue would probably cause a fire hazard, or the fumes would be toxic, or both. I sympathize with the aversion to scraping.

I have not found any chemical solution but I agree it's a pain. I had to scrape a 24x24 room that had glued rubber paded carpet so I know what you mean.

I have to replace a beam in a barn. It runs down the center from gable end to gable end. I am going to use 2 2by 10s with a piece of 3/4 plywood glued and nailed between them. It is a 20 foot span. Do I have to use a 20 foot 2by or can I use smaller ones and stagger the joints.

A lot depends on the load you are carrying but I would not splice smaller pieces together. Your are creating an engineered beam so stay with 20' 2x10. Your ply will have seams and that's OK.