What is the best way to get glued down carpet off of a concrete slab floor?

Answer 1

There is no best way - just a lot of hard work and elbow grease. The key to carrying it out it to cut the carpet into smaller strips, and roll it up and strip it off. You can do this using a good utility knife. After that you will probably be left with glue still left on the concrete slab floor. This is where you will need to scrape off the glue left back on the floor. You may want to rent a floor stripper as slaving over it manually is not going to be the best of jobs. Otherwise you can get razor scrapers and wire brushes to get the stuff off the concrete floor. I don't begrudge you - you have a lot of work ahead of you. Good luck!

Answer 2

I've done this many times. All you need is a strong person. While the carpet is attached to the floor, cut it into 3 or 4 ft. strips with a utility knife. Then grab the corner with pliers to get it started and pull away. The carpet will peel up with a little effort. Of course the old glue will still be stuck to the floor. If you are installing new carpet this is no problem just leave it there. If you are having a new floor installed by a professional they can tear up the old for you. I just removed/replaced an entire basement and charged $100 for rip up, so maybe that's a thought.

Answer 3

I tried to find out everywhere how to do it and there is no good way. I was going to install a vapor barrier and then put in a sub floor and go over it with the new covering.
I don't know if it would work but maybe rent a heavy floor sander and wear a mask and see if you can wear it off of the floor.

Answer 4

there may be a chemical consult the depot guys but they sell a huge blade for a scraper and then we just run a belt sander or an industrial round then ask the flooring folkes about wether to prime for adhesives or to just mat over for carpet