What's on this floor?
by
Cathi
+19
After spending most of today tearing up the floor in our back entrance (multiple layers of tile and particle board) I came across this paper substance under the last layer of tile. It's stuck down pretty well and would take quite a bit of work to scrape it all off. What is it? Is this a vapor barrier or something?
What is this paper substance?
12 answers
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I have this too, under both linoleum and leuon....I would like to know if it's something other than thick glue, too! I thought it was the fabric backing of the linoleum but it's under the leuon, too! Can't wait til someone identifies it for you (us)!
Treasuredchaos.com
on Dec 27, 2015
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It appears to be a vinyl adhesive that was put down prior to the tile. Try using a steam mop to aid in lifting it off. Once it is soft enough use a good floor scraper.It is recommended to make sure all of this is removed should the tiles have had abstestos in them
Janet Pizaro
on Dec 27, 2015
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I think it might be tar paper, it was commonly used as an underlayment prior to plywood.
Amy Lauzon
on Dec 27, 2015
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Tarpaper???
Bebe Pitts
on Dec 27, 2015
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It's not uncommon for linoleum and/or carpet padding to leave behind this material after a long time stuck to the wood floor, especially if there is any moisture involved, i.e. spills, leaks, shampooing, whatever. The best way to remove it, as far as I'm concerned, is to get a good stiff paint scraper and scrape it off . Whatever method you choose will require some "elbow grease". Once the floor is scraped, it can be vacuumed with a decent shop vac and the floor can then be either sanded or scrubbed, using a cleaner meant for wood, like Murphy's Oil Soap. Just don't let the wood get soaked or the grain will raise and it's not easy getting it smooth again.
Sam Corlis
on Dec 27, 2015
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Since my home is over 114 years old, I don't want to take chances with asbestos, so I'll be purchasing 1/4" plywood to cover the floor before tiling it.
Cathi
on Dec 27, 2015
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I agree, Cathi. Better safe than sorry not knowing if asbestos was present. I wouldn't steam it or try removing it unless you know for certain there is no asbestos involved.
MN Mom
on Dec 27, 2015
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ohhh ok thanks!
Brn2714373
on Dec 28, 2015
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The first house we owned had tar paper under the kitchen vinyl flooring. We used hot wet towels to soak the tar paper and putty knife to scrap it up. Worked great.
Clyde Stewart
on Apr 22, 2016
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Clyde, that's just what I did. It took me a month of weekends to get it all done, but it's finally finished. Here's a picture of the end product. Now to address the walls, cabinets and baseboards!
Cathi
on Apr 23, 2016
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Looks like it could have been the leftover remnants of the foam like backing if indoor/ outdoor carpet that had been glued down, then half-assed removed. Had this problem in a previous house, and it took a lot of elbow grease to gently scrape and sand to remove.
Cheryl
on Aug 06, 2016
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It's tar paper I think they used to use it to insulate between the the subfloor and the top layer. I removed this once by soaking it in ammonia and scrubbing it off. Use good ventilation and a mask but it did come off.
Brn9882410
on Oct 27, 2016
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