So you are interested to learn how to remove mortar from floor?
When you remove them, huge concrete mortar pieces could get stuck on the floor. Sometimes the mortar becomes so hard that a chisel and a hammer aren’t enough to remove it. In those cases, you need the help of something more powerful.
Power tools are an excellent alternative to solve in seconds what it would take hours to do using your own strength. Today you’ll know the most effective way to remove mortar.
What is Mortar?
Mortar is the common name given to the mixture of cement, sand and water used to cover ceilings, floors and walls. When it hardens, the mortar provides a stable and resistant surface.
During the construction of walls and ceilings, a second mortar based on water, calcium oxide and cement corrects imperfections on the first mortar applied. When it hardens, the surface looks more even and smooth.
Mortar is also used to glue tiles, natural stones and other coatings on floors and walls. Many times, the mortar can develop high resistance, especially with high concentrations of cement.
In areas under constant compression, such as floors, mortars can be particularly difficult to remove during demolition work, forcing to require heavy tools.
Guide on How to Remove Mortar From Floor?
Under normal circumstances, removing mortar from floors shouldn’t be such a complicated task. However, when you start demolishing floors, never know what you’ll find.
Sometimes you find mortars as resistant as a high-strength concrete mix. Things tend to complicate if mortar contains wire mesh.
Regardless of the situation is easy or difficult; you should always follow some basic steps to remove mortar and not failing in the attempt. These are:
Security Comes First
Demolition work is always risky. Accidents can occur at any time and the odds increase when you aren’t using the right equipment.
Make your own checklist and make sure you have the following at hand:
- Boots
- Vest
- Gloves
- Face mask
- Lenses
- Helmet
- Auditive protectors
Choose the Right Tools
Demolition demands energy. To do this, you need heavy tools and great torque. A long hammer is the best in these cases. To correct the small details, a chisel and a conventional hammer are more than enough.
For durability, choose hammers with metal handles. Although they cushion better, wooden handles tend to break with impacts. If you don’t want your hammer’s head to end up flying and beating someone else, take this into account.
In case your own forces aren’t enough, you’ll require the extra power of a demolition hammer with a flex chisel.
Use Brute Force
Apply a large energy at a certain point to break mortar. To give the best blow, you must generate enough energy. To do this, lift your long hammer with both hands, holding tightly the lower part of the handle.
When the tip of the hammer reaches the highest point, drop your arms while holding the hammer. This way you’ll be able to apply as much energy as possible to break the hardest mortar.
However, if the principle of force by distance isn’t enough to break the mortar, it’s time to use a demolition hammer.
In an almost horizontal position, place the flex chisel just below the mortar piece. In the line that separates the mortar from the ground. Then pull the trigger and push hard forward.
You’ll see how the piece breaks into pieces in seconds.
Shred the Biggest Pieces
Shred the larger pieces for easier disposal. If there are traces of wire mesh, use cutting pliers to cut it into smaller pieces. The sharp edges of the wire mesh could hurt you. Try to be careful.
Use A Debris Bag
Fill a debris bag with mortar pieces. Use a broom and shovel to collect all the dust and dispose of it with debris. Finally, discard the bag in an appropriate place.
Conclusion
Not even the hardest mortar will be a problem for you if you use the right tools and know how to use them. If you don’t have the necessary tools and don’t feel comfortable doing hard work, it’s better to hire a professional.
If you’re going to use power tools, make sure you use the right accessories to avoid mistakes. Taking a look in the user guide is always a good idea.
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