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Historic Preservation - Technical Procedures

Spectitle:
Removing Old Resilient Floor Adhesives From Concrete

Procedure code:
0371003R

Source:
Hstrc Concrete: Investigation & Rpr/Pre-Conf Training - 1989

Division:
Concrete

Section:
Concrete Cleaning

Last Modified:
02/24/2012

Details:
Removing Old Resilient Floor Adhesives From Concrete



REMOVING OLD RESILIENT FLOORING ADHESIVES FROM CONCRETE


THE CLEANING OR REMOVAL OF ADHESIVES FROM CONCRETE MAY REQUIRE
THE USE OF LIQUIDS, DETERGENTS OR SOLVENTS THAT MAY RUN OFF ON
ADJACENT MATERIAL, DISCOLOR THE CONCRETE OR DRIVE THE STAINS DEEPER
INTO THE POROUS CONCRETE.  USE THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS AND
TECHNIQUES ONLY FOR THE COMBINATIONS OF DIRT/STAIN AND CONCRETE
SPECIFIED.


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

    A.   This procedure includes guidance on stripping concrete
         floors to remove old resilient flooring adhesives.

    B.   Safety Precautions:  

         1.   DO NOT store any chemicals in unmarked containers.

         2.   EXCELLENT VENTILATION MUST BE PROVIDED AS MOST
              STRIPPERS HAVE A SOLVENT ODOR.  USE RESPIRATORS
              WITH SOLVENT FILTERS.

         3.   Provide adequate clothing and protective gear where
              the chemicals are shown to be dangerous.

         4.   Have available antidote and accident treatment
              chemicals where noted.

    C.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
         reviewed along with this procedure.  These guidelines
         cover the following sections:

         1.   Safety Precautions

         2.   Historic Structures Precautions

         3.   Submittals

         4.   Quality Assurance

         5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling

         6.   Project/Site Conditions

         7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

         8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

         These guidelines should be reviewed before performing
         this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
         along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
         Preservation Officer (RHPO) or designated representative.


PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS

    A.   ProSoCo, Inc.
         755 Minnesota Avenue
         P.O. Box 1578
         Kansas City,  KS  66117
         800/255-4255 or 913/281-2700

2.02 MATERIALS

    A.   Commercial stripper such as "Sure Klean 509 Paint
         Stripper(ProSoCo, Inc.)", or approved equal.

         1.   Effective in removing high-strength clear coatings
              from masonry; also effective in removing asphalt,
              tar and grease stains.

         2.   Fast-acting; surface neutralization NOT required.

         2.   Suitable for use on vertical surfaces.

         -OR-

         "Standoff Non-Meth Stripper" (ProSoCo, Inc.), or approved
         equal.

         1.   DOES NOT contain methanol or methylene chloride.

         2.   Suitable for interior and exterior use on masonry,
              wood and metal surfaces.

         3.   Suitable for use on vertical surfaces.

         4.   Rinses easily with water; surface neutralization
              NOT required.

    B.   Cleaner for use after adhesive removal or for prepping
         the surface for a new coating or flooring material such
         as "Sure Klean Degreaser and Etch" (ProSoCo, Inc.), or
         approved equal

2.03 EQUIPMENT

    A.   Solvent-resistant brush or roller

    B.   Pressure water rinsing equipment (Follow stripper
         manufacturer's recommendations for equipment fittings and
         pressure ratings)

    C.   Metal scraper

    D.   Stiff bristle brush


PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 PREPARATION

    A.   Surface Preparation:  

         1.   If high pressure water is used, learn floor
              drainage characteristics and procedures for
              handling water and runoff.

         2.   The surface must be dry before applying any paint
              strippers for removing adhesives.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

    A.   Apply a uniform coat of stripper (approximately 1/8"
         thick) to the old adhesive material working in small
         areas at time (approximately eighty square feet).

    B.   Allow stripper to dwell until adhesive is lifted from the
         surface or dissolved.  Scrub the surface periodically
         with a stiff bristle brush.  Reapply if stripper is
         absorbed into the concrete.

    C.   Scrape adhesive buildup and residue from the surface
         using metal scrapers and wire or stiff bristled brushes.

         -OR-

         Thoroughly rinse the surface with high pressure water,
         following manufacturer's instructions.  Be sure to
         contain water runoff and keep surrounding areas to be
         cleaned as dry as possible.

    D.   Reapply stripper as necessary following above procedures
         to completely remove adhesive; shorter dwell times are
         probably sufficient.

    E.   When all of the adhesives have been removed, rinse the
         surface thoroughly with hot or cold water to neutralize
         the surface and remove all traces of stripper.

    F.   If the floor still looks dirty or needs a surface
         coating, apply a chemical cleaner such as "Sure Klean
         Degreaser and Etch" or approved equal.  

         1.   Dilute with 2 to 6 parts water depending on
              severity of staining and degree of etching desired.

         2.   Apply liberally to the concrete surface and allow
              to dwell for 3 to 5 minutes.

         3.   Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean, clear
              water and allow to dry.  Rinsing may be
              supplemented with the use of a stiff bristle brush.

                         END OF SECTION