Replies

1. 
   CAGIV | Jan 27, 2003 09:35pm | #1

   Search the archives here, its come up a lot in the past few months,

   Some suggest dry ice to break the bond, some suggest heat some suggest elbow grease followed by a lot of sanding.

   Are you sure theres no asbestos in the linoleum, if its old it probably wouldn't hurt to get it checked.

   Good luck

1. 
   bziff | Jan 27, 2003 10:24pm | #3

   I've been using elbow grease so far, and I will probably end up taking a belt sander to it.  Too bad you told me about the asbestos, I didn't think about that, and now that you mentioned it I'll have to!  Rats! 

   thanks for your input..., and I'll check out the sites you mentioned.

   Brian

1. 
   CAGIV | Jan 27, 2003 10:32pm | #4

   How bigs the floor your doing?

   are you planning on refinishing the floor yourself or having it profesionaly done?

   Either way leave the belt sander on the self and go rent a floor sander, it will be faster, give a much better/even result and also keep you off your knees not to mention a few feet away from the flying dust,

   Id also recommend a resperator or dust mask of some sort

1. 
   bziff | Jan 27, 2003 10:39pm | #6

   The floor is about 12' x 15'.  It was originally a sun room off the master bedroom.  Someone had the idea to build a closet down the middle of the room , creating a small bathroom on one side, and a hallway with the closet on the other.  I am ripping out the closet and everything that was added, and I will make the whole thing a big master bathroom.  Only the portion that was bath has the linoleum...  Should be a great room when I ever get it done.  Three big sunny windows, only access directly from the master bedroom.  My only problem is trying to work ( I work out of my home) while all I want to do is rip out old drywall, studs, flooring etc.

   Brian 

2. 
   CAGIV | Jan 27, 2003 09:43pm | #2

   Since your a new poster, I will first say welcome and advise the search feature here sucks to say the least so heres some reading to get you started that I found

   http://forums.prospero.com/n/find/findRedir.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&mg=C2076AF9-7E1B-4AB0-9D37-0CEB2B4C57C9

    

   http://forums.prospero.com/n/find/findRedir.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&mg=C01509AB-6082-43DC-8F0D-E8C0D13B66D2

    

   http://forums.prospero.com/n/find/findRedir.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&mg=746B5E83-5823-4D2F-954A-5AD60B88F515

    

   http://forums.prospero.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=25658.1&maxT=11

1. 
   bziff | Jan 27, 2003 10:33pm | #5

   interestingly, most of the threads refer to a black 'tar-like' mastic.  Mine is a light grey.   I think I will try the warm water first, as it would be the easiest, then maybe the dry ice, then chemicals. 

   Thanks again,

   Brian

3. 
   beasto | Jan 28, 2003 01:07am | #7

   Everytime I run into this situation I tell the homeowner to install a new hardwood floor over the old one. Lots of time involved and floor guys don't want to trash a $6,000 drum sander with all the mastic that you won't get up. If you can, rent a nailer and do the floor yourself. pay someone $2.00/sf. to finish it.

1. 
   beasto | Jan 28, 2003 01:11am | #8

   If you do rent a sander do not tell therental co. what you are doing. The mastic will take serious life from the machine.

2. 
   bziff | Jan 28, 2003 01:53am | #9

   Well, I finally caught a break.  Usually my jobs end up with the worst possible circumstances...  But in this case, I lucked out.  The mastic is water-soluble!  A soaking, warm sponge on the stuff for a couple of minutes, a little rubbing with a dishwashing pad, and poof!  It's gone!  Tedious yes, but I can't even say there is a lot of elbow grease involved.  I am a happy guy...!

   Brian

1. 
   fredsmart48 | Jan 28, 2003 03:11am | #10

   If that is the case a floor buffing machine and a pad will cut the work if you know how to run one. If not send the video tape to funnies home video as you get thrown across the floor.  :)