How to remove carpet underpad/foam stuck on concrete floor?

Question

Recently moved into new house and putting new carpet in basement. When lifting old carpet, the underpadding/foam is stuck to the cement sub floor. The carpet lifts off, leaving pretty much 100% of the foam stuck behind. Any idea's on way to fix this to make the foam lift off/easier to remove.

Answer 1

Hi i am a tradie with some experience having laid and pulled up old carpet. I am assuming you have pulled up hession backed carpet this is a good thing ! the underlay will mainly be sticking to the main walk ways. Go to a good hardware store and buy yourself a long scraper (this will allow you to scrape off the underlay standing up rather than sitting down and giving yourself blisters) this tool will cost you around $40-$50 from memory . Good luck

Answer 2

Besides the scraper, I would get a bottle of white vinegar and a spray bottle. Add vinegar to a gallon of warm water. Spray the foam thoroughly. Let it sit for a while. Then scrape floor. The vinegar breaks up any glue so it should come off relatively easy. The vinegar smell will only be temporary.

Answer 3

i would rent a floor scraper.  you can rent one for about $20, or you can buy one for about twice the renting price.  it's basically a long handle with a razor blade at the end of it.  it's most commonly used with scraping linoleum off of concrete floors, but it should do the job.  

you could, also, get a hand scraper or even a drywall taping knife, which costs about $5.  the only problem with that is that you will be on your hand and knees...and it will take a long time!  good luck

Answer 4

just use one of those long handled scrappers!!!!!! they work great!!!!!!!