Expert: Stephen Hayes - 10/6/2007

Question
i have a up coming job and we have to remove VCT tile and there is Black mastic under the VCT. The mastic is Black and looks to be hard. 1. Do you have any idea on what equipment might be avaiable to remove the VCT in a timely matter? 2. What would be the best way to remove the Mastic. We are installing a 2 broadcast epoxy system when all is removed. Scope of the job 26,000 sqft.

Answer
First; Are you sure the existing tile is VCT and not VAT.  Black cut back adhesive was usually used to install vinyl asbestos tiles.  MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT DEALING WITH ASBESTOS.  If you are, you MUST have a Company who deals in asbestos removal do the job.  If a concrete subfloor, it is just about certain that you will never remove that type of adhesive, even if the tiles are VCT.  What happens is once you scrape off the visual remnants of that adhesive, and apply new adhesive, a chemical reaction takes place that makes both the remnants of that old adhesive and your new adhesive gooey, causing the new installation to totally fail as time passes.  Suggestions are to either put a new underlayment such as approved plywood over the existing tiles and install the new tiles, or seal the existing tiles in a heavy application of white milk latex, allow that latex to totally dry, and then apply a new 'green' (meaning environmentally safe) adhesive over the latex and install the new tiles.  If you decide to install a plywood underlayment, be very careful when adhereing the plywood to the old tiles not to crack them and have asbestos flying around.  If you have any other questions, please call us.

Cordially,

Stephen Hayes
MBD Floor Covering Inspection Service
(steve@mbdinspectfloors.com)
973-334-9747
We inspect all types of floor coverings.  We do not sell, install, or maintain floor coverings