Taking up glued engineered wood flooring primarily involves the strenuous task of removing the adhesive that binds the planks to the subfloor, a process distinct from that of floating floors.
Understanding the Challenge of Glued Engineered Wood Removal
Unlike floating engineered wood floors, which are typically installed using a click-lock system or simple Tongue & Groove joinery without being directly attached to the subfloor, glued engineered wood flooring is permanently affixed with strong adhesives. This fundamental difference means you cannot simply pry up the boards as you would with floating floors. The adhesive creates a durable bond that requires a more intensive removal method.
The Essential Step: Removing the Adhesive
The core of removing glued engineered wood flooring lies in systematically detaching the adhesive.
Required Tools
To effectively remove the glued flooring, you will need specific tools to tackle the adhesive:
- Scraper: A heavy-duty floor scraper is essential for shearing off the adhesive layer.
- Chisel: Chisels can be useful for stubborn spots or for getting under the edges of boards to break the adhesive bond.
The Removal Process
The key to a successful removal is to pull up the adhesive beforehand using a scraper or chisel. This involves getting beneath the glued sections of the planks and physically separating them from the subfloor by breaking the adhesive bond.
- Begin at an edge or a section where you can access the adhesive.
- Use your scraper or chisel to wedge under the board and apply leverage to break the glue's hold.
- Work systematically across the floor, focusing on removing the adhesive as you go.
This entire process is inherently lengthy and strenuous. The strength of the adhesive, combined with the often large surface area, makes it a physically demanding task.
Why Consider Professional Help?
Given the challenging nature of removing glued engineered wood flooring, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance. As stated, "This process is lengthy and strenuous, which is why we recommend hiring a professional to handle it and ensure the job is done properly."
Professionals often possess:
- Specialized equipment: Beyond basic scrapers, they may use power tools designed for adhesive removal, making the job faster and more efficient.
- Experience: Their expertise ensures the flooring is removed safely without unnecessary damage to the subfloor, which is crucial for future flooring installations.
- Efficiency: They can complete the job much quicker, saving you significant time and physical effort.
- Proper disposal: Professionals are also typically equipped to handle the disposal of the old flooring and adhesive residue.
By understanding that glued engineered wood flooring removal centers on the difficult task of adhesive separation, you can better prepare for the job or make an informed decision to hire a professional.
