How can I glue vinyl tiles that have loosened off the floor?

Question

1. The tiles have been on the floor since about 1966.
2. I do not have the money to replace the floor at this time.
3. I will probably put wood floors in the future, so this is a temporary fix so don't tell me crazy glue which may not ever come off.
4. Yes, I was the one who pulled off the tile in the first place.
5. The tiles are 9 inch by 9 inch, and do have slight spaces between them.
6. I do not know if either the glue on the back of the tile or the tile itself contains asbestos, but I am pretty sure that it does not.
7. I really do need your suggestions, this tile is in my way!

Answer 1

Um, if they're 9x9, they are PROBABLY asbestos. You shouldn't mess with it at all unless you're sure. They still manufactured these things in 1966, so you could have a very bad situation on your hands.

Once asbestos is disturbed, it is considered friable, meaning that the little particles are lighter than air and can float around. If you inhale it, it will go very deeply into your lungs and scar them. You may as well be smoking 10 packs/day, dude.

Put a rug down if you can't afford to replace the floor (which needs to be professionally removed).

P.S. Don't stick them in the oven! Good God, what an awful piece of advice.

Answer 2

ok.. so lets assume that the tile came up INTACT.

1) Go to the hardware store and get the same glue it was placed with. It will come in a pint can which is prob. all you will need

2) Clean off the area as best as you can from the back of the tile.

3) Clean off the floor area where the tile is going. A warmed scraper will help with that.

4) Warm your oven a bit and but the tiles in there on a cookie sheet or something like that. Do not get it HOT.. just warm. This makes the tile felxible.

5) Apply the glue as directed.

6) Reinstall the tile(s). Since you obviouly will not have spares do it carefully and do not tear or break the tiles.

7) When the time comes to re-remove them use a propane tourch and warm them up.. they will usually lift right off with a scraper.

good luck......

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Answer 3

As long as you lay the tiles properly, you will end up w/ a very professional looking floor....always measure and start in the middle, placing tiles outward in even distribution. And be sure to double check the pattern; the backside of each tile will have an arrow on the paper backing, keep all arrows pointing in the same direction. the tiles will stick to the old flooring extremely well, as long as you give that old floor one last very good cleaning w/ a non-residue solution.

Answer 4

a little Liquid Nail

Answer 5

Use a good contact cement.