When starting a bathroom remodel to change a shower, one may wonder what the best way is how to remove and replace shower tile, and if it could be an easy do-it-yourself weekend job.
We have the answer here, including videos clearly showing the dust free process done by the trained and DustRam® System Certified crew at Arizona Home Floors, LLC.
Removing shower tile can be one of the dustiest and challenging things that happen with a bathroom remodel, which is precisely why contractors usually do not show the process unless in quick snapshots of the project.
Since we have over 10 years of experience of the best way how to remove old shower tile from the floor or wall while the customer is home, we thought we would show the world how it is done dust free.
Here is a video showing Arizona Home Floors using the patented DustRam System to capture all of the dust before it goes airborne while removing tile from the shower, the drywall, and the shower tile pan:
Call us TODAY for your shower tile floor removal project: (480) 418-1635 or if you have questions regarding our dustless tile removal process.
If you are still inclined to remove shower tiles from the wall, floor, and shower pan yourself, it can be done. Once one has the appropriate safety gear such as goggles, long sleeves and pants, goggles, and hearing protection, then the homeowner can try and rent the equipment necessary from a big box store to begin.
A grout remover and tile lifter or breaker can be used on the tiles. For the adhesive, usually a grinder with a dust skirt and attached to a strong vacuum will help to remove it. Or possibly, just cutting out the drywall and putting up new may be more constructive.
Be cautious of pipes and other hardware hidden behind the walls. After purchasing the personal protection gear, renting or buying the equipment, factoring in time spent on completing the project, cleaning the dust from the home, air conditioning vents and units when done, and the sore muscles later, the tile removal cost for DIY may not be worth it.
Our experienced crew spent nearly a full eight hours working the master bathroom tile shown in the video, not only the shower but also the tub surround and backsplash. (We will be providing more video links to those pages in the future.)
Most contractors claim they can keep the dust down by hanging plastic, using negative air machines, and by using fans or water. This is false because if the dust were under control, there would not be any need for containment efforts.
The capture of dust when removing tile from a shower wall is critical as it is potentially hazardous to all members of a household. The dust often contains traces of silica, which is toxic and can cause many types of breathing problems from exposure.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has requirements regarding mandatory protective gear and methods to minimize the length of time of exposure to silica dust. Any exposure to silica dust causes an immediate and irreversible reaction in a person’s or pet’s lung tissue and depletes the capacity for the lungs to function properly thereby affecting breathing ability.
Under no circumstances should a contractor be removing bathroom shower tile using the traditional approach in a home occupied with people who have even the smallest type of breathing issue, let alone asthma or COPD. This applies to households with children, pets, or elderly parents, as well, as they too are in danger of getting sick when standard methods are used.
Other local companies remove the tile in the shower and many displays before and after photos, but before hiring one, request a video of their process, so you are able to compare the work done and the results—the final product and the aftermath of their version of “dust free.” Our guess is they will not be able to show any videos. One must always compare the value received with the price paid.
In our experience, we can do 1,000 square feet of tile removal on a typical concrete floor using four people in one day or less but removing shower tile is very much a team effort. This is especially true when completing the project dustless.
Photo of the PulseRam® Vacuum. This is just one of the many components in the DustRam® vacuum system used when removing the tile in a shower.
We utilize custom made and patented PulseRam® vacuums with a DustRam® attachment for the chipping hammer; click the image on the left to zoom in on the vacuum.
These vacuum systems (notice we say, “vacuum systems” and not just the vacuum itself) made in the USA cost over $12,000 each and suction all the dust as the tile and drywall are coming out, so one can remain home and breathe easily during the removal.
To demo, a tile shower is very loud but safe within the home as all the dust is captured before it has a chance to release into the air.
Arizona Home Floors, LLC brings eight of these vacuum systems utilizing large metal tanks, instead of the inefficiently designed plastic bagging vacuum system to a home. There is never a danger of dust escaping; plus, we typically leave our vacuums outside the house unless the work is being completed upstairs.
Call us TODAY: (480) 418-1635 to discuss how having over 10 years of experience in removing tile dust free has given us a huge advantage by allowing us to remove shower tile dust free whether on the wall, the floor, or the shower pan. And, we guarantee in writing that your home will be cleaner when Arizona Home Floors, LLC leaves than when we arrived.