" I want to rip out the carpet tack-strip and pry up the tile, Is it likely that the terrazzo underneath the tile can be saved?"

I get this question asked all the time from customers, Replies Al Shulze owner of We Do Floors in Casselberry Fl,  Here is  some advice to those who are confronted with this issue.

The biggest problem having ceramic tile on terrazzo for a long period time, once it removed, You'll have a checker board pattern.. which is caused by the limestone in the grout . This will makes the grout line very porous and susceptible holding moisture & dye from the grout causing it to stain the floor... Plus, depending on what type of adhesive that was used for the tile installation, theres a good chance when removing tile, pitting will accrue which in turn, will need to be repaired,  "a very slow process & costly ". Let me give you some advice on how to remove tile & adhesive from your floor.

1. Safety Glasses & Groves.

2. A Hammer & Scraper is the best tool, Granted, it will take a while...However you'll minimize creating pitting on the floor. Note: IF you mechanically remove the tiles, just make sure your blade on your tile removal machine doesn't gouge the floor.

3. After the tiles have been removed, Do Not Use Water to soften the the thin-set or mastic. Reason for this, You'll activate the dry from the grout causing it to seep deeper in the floor matrix. So hand scrape it dry, its ok to leave some of the adhesive on the floor, I'm sure a restoration specialist can grind the rest off.

Tack-Strip removal.. Too often customer has rip the tack-strips out from their floor leaving the floor damage and having costly repairs. So lets talk about how to remove the strips correctly and the tools needed.

1. Safety Glasses & Groves.

2. Variable Speed Angle Grinder with a cutting wheel.

3. Pry Bar.

Once the carpet has been removed for the room, place you pry bar between the nails that are embedded in the floor under the tack-strip and left. Once you've done this, there should be only the nails left to be grounded flush to the floor. Turn grinder on and adjust to it 6 to 8 thousand RPM's and gently place the cutting wheel at the base of the nail and start cutting the nail. As your cutting, lift the grinder upward, but follow through cutting the nail. By doing this, the chances of damaging the floor for the grinder in minimize.. Now you'll have a barred from the nail, just grind down with you cutting wheel very gently.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, contact the Al Shulze @ http://www.orlandofloorrestoration.com

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If you are looking for a family owned and operated company that is professional about everything we do, We're that company in the Orlando area. We are licensed and bonded and specialize in resurfacing and diamond polishing Terrazzo, Natural Stone, Concrete Floors of the highest quality. Customer service and satisfaction is number one with us and we view you as our most important asset.

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You can read more about We Do Floors here.

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