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Carpets, Lino & Flooring

Removing bitumin layer on concrete

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.30 PM

Following a leak from pipes within the concrete, we have had to strip down the floor (oak boards, electric underfloor heating, original parquet) and are now at the bitumin layer. We have to remove this before the insurance company will get the industrial driers in and give us a certificate of drying, so we can rebuild the room. I've had a quote to remove the bitumin but that builder advised we'd need to dig it down and remove 3 inches or so of the floor. This doesn't sound right, I just want the thin bitumin layer removing. Any advice on how this is best done (chemicals, blow torch etc?) and whether it's one for a pro or we can do it ourselves, would be much appreciated. Thank you

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4 Answers

RPMTrades

Rating: 5 out of 5

Lewisham, London

So to remove bitumen you could buy a chemical which will help you to remove the layer or layers of bitumen. You can find these in screwfix or any good hardware store but be prepared for the work.

Answered2 September 2022

RMG Flooring

Rating: 5 out of 5

Stockton On Tees

Grind it off. Takes me about 2 hours per 15m2 depending on how soft it is. I only have a basic diamond grinder though.

Answered6 September 2022

The Flooring Guy

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bournemouth

Best way to remove is to grind off with a grinder, apply 2x coats of a resin DPM, prime and level. Most levelling compounds won’t stick to bitumen.

Answered8 September 2022

Gary Martin

Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Sutton Coldfield

Be very mindful that when stripping bitumen from floors, that depending on the age of the material some bitumen substances contained asbestos which would harm your health if not removed professionally, it may be worth checking this out first

Answered20 September 2022