Super Home Center Article

Q) Over 30 years ago my father tiled the concrete floor of the basement with linoleum squares, some of which have lifted off the floor. I do remember him using a huge tub of black goop and a trowel when he first laid the floor. The remnants of the black cement are still on the floor and the back of the tile. How do I stick these squares back down to the floor securely and easily?

A) First of all, I would not mess with this floor at this stage due to what you just wrote. The black adhesives could be "Cut Back" and it was outlawed many years ago. When found, most floor companies want to float over the floor and not remove the tile or adhesives because it could have Asbestos in it and can really be harmful to you and your families' health. I would start with a floor company that understands the old adhesives first and let them guide you through this so you are protected. Don't scrape or try removing any tile at this time until you get a professional out there, OK? If it's safe, they will tell you and give you a new floor adhesives to use.

Regards, Jim Neidner

Top         Articles Index