Concrete Adhesive

Concrete adhesive on floors and walls present a complicated problem. The concrete adhesive is in reality very tricky to remove. If the concrete adhesive is not taken off properly with an adhesive solvent, it could not stick effectively. Also if the concrete adhesive is older than twenty years, chances are that it could contain asbestos fibres which could cause serious and harmful diseases. The answer to the issue of concrete adhesive on surfaces is dependent on the concrete adhesive type and its expected use. 

Identification of Concrete Adhesive: Concrete adhesive are of two types. Black concrete adhesives can be found under old asphalt flooring, vinyl tiles or vinyl sheets and could also contain asbestos. Concrete adhesive containing asbestos can be tested using a asbestos test kit that can be found at an home improvement store. If the concrete adhesive contains asbestos, it could be very harmful and chances are that the flooring would also contain asbestos. Asbestos fibres in the flooring are unlikely to become air – borne. However to be hundred percent sure and risk free, it is important to get the concrete adhesive removed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. The second type of concrete adhesive that is used on flooring is yellow in colour and has a rock solid form. The yellow concrete adhesives do not pose any health risks. However the chemicals that are used to remove these concrete adhesives can turn out to be harmful.

Strong and harsh solvent concrete adhesive removers are very effective in dissolving and removing stubborn solvent based concrete adhesives. Solvent concrete adhesives contain unstable organic compounds which emit noxious fumes and are highly flammable. Therefore make sure you always work with a good amount of ventilation and away from heat sources and open flames. Also after the use of concrete adhesive remover, dispose off any material that is remaining. It is a good idea to look up the hazardous waste regulations in the community and then do the needful.

Citric acid has the properties of a weak solvent which is an alterative to potentially hazardous solvents. Concrete adhesive removers which contain citric acid come in a liquid or paste form and are useful for vertical surfaces. While these concrete adhesive removers are safe, the citric acid removers do not remove all types of concrete adhesives that are found. For best results, follow the product instructions accurately and allow the concrete adhesive remover to immerse into the concrete adhesive thoroughly before scuffing the excessive concrete adhesive from the surface.

Concrete adhesive removers at times interfere with the work of the freshly applied concrete adhesive or concrete painted surface. If the surface requires application of a concrete adhesive or paint, it is favourable to remove the old concrete adhesive mechanically. A four or eight inch razor scraper along with a lot of elbow grease is needed to remove the concrete adhesive. Sometimes, depending on the concrete surface, a grinder may also be needed to remove tricky and difficult concrete adhesive lumps. To avoid the left over residue from interacting from the new concrete adhesive, apply a concrete sealer mastic compatible with the new concrete adhesive.
Removing concrete on concrete surfaces is a very labour intensive job. It can become so complicated and confusing that many people leave the old flooring and concrete adhesive in place and install the new flooring over it. If you are going to use a carpet, it can be installed properly over the old flooring. However if you are using flexible surfaces like vinyl flooring, it may get difficult. Finally if you are planning to set up tiles, get rid of the old flooring and concrete adhesive from the surface and then do so.