How do I remove carpet backing that is glued to a concrete floor?

Question

We are removing carpet that was glued directly to a concrete floor. As it is pulled up, the back webbed part of the carpet is stuck to the floor. What can we use to get it off?

Answer 1

I'd use the answer from the guy with the cowboy hat (theWrang), I was just about to say the same thing, but he's said it all.

*******Floor Scraper

Answer 2

A floor scraper and lots of elbow grease.... I'd use a long handled scraper... looks something like a hoe, but with the end straightened out, instead of at a 90 degree turn to the handle.  I've got one that I keep sharp, and it does the trick.

If you resort to using any solvents... just remember, most of them are flammable.  Use them on small portions of the floor at a time, and keep the area well ventilated.  WELL ventilated.  Acetone, MEK, etc, are solvents you could find at most hardware stores, or paint departments of other stores.  All it takes tho, is a spark....

The floor scraper, while the hardest on the body, is the safest approach.

Have Fun

Answer 3

you could try using a scraper the kind that have a stanley blade attatched to them good luck :)

Answer 4

Try a floor scraper. Nail polish remover may loosen the glue a bit on tough spots.

Answer 5

Try using a hair dryer to heat up the glue to soffen it.With a scrapper it should come right off.Careful with solvents such as paint thinner and acetone.Not only due to ventilation they leave a oily residue could cause those spots to become slippery.GL

Answer 6

I usually use a shovel with a flat scoop or a ice scraper

Answer 7

I used a heavy duty wallpaper scraper from Home Depot for about 12 bucks. It has about 20 blades stored in the handle...

Answer 8

You can try to remove it with an ice chopper