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Green Floor Tile: What is the Best Way to Reuse My Existing Floor Tiles?

   
Question:

Mike asks: We would like to reuse raised floor tiles in an existing building, but need to remove glue from the floor tiles. Is their a recycler or vendor who economically cleans existing floor tiles and then returns them?

Answer:
Advice provided by: Kirk Anthony Hamilton, LEED AP, Kirk Anthony Hamilton Design
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Mike, thanks for an interesting question.

As adaptive reuse becomes an emerging method of development, we find more and more companies offering these niche services, such as those for the reuse of floor tiles.

One of the keys to building green in existing structures is utilizing a building's existing components instead of completely demolishing and rebuilding. 100% reuse (i.e. eliminating the need for replacement altogether) is unrealistic, but there are usually portions of any building that can be refurbished, reused or recycled.

For your needs I recommend you check out this site http://www.cfcs-floorcare.com/?gclid=CMrvjoKfg6MCFSFN5Qod3CrVZA

They seem to offer a wide range of options which I hope will suit your needs as they pertain to tile.

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Expert Advice and Comments

I want to remove my tiles...

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 21:49 — fusion (not verified)

Is it possible to remove tiles that have been installed (but not yet grouted) over a warming mat without damaging the mat? My tiles were positioned rather badly by the contractor and I want to reposition them. They are 12"x12" ceramic tiles installed over (the warming mat then) plywood.

high pressure cleaning

I want to remove my tiles.

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 21:51 — fusion (not verified)

Is it possible to remove tiles that have been installed (but not yet grouted) over a warming mat without damaging the mat? My tiles were positioned rather badly by the contractor and I want to reposition them. They are 12"x12" ceramic tiles installed over (the warming mat then) plywood.

high pressure cleaning

saving

Fri, 12/02/2011 - 00:40 — Shine (not verified)

That's a good idea - using used materials instead of getting new ones. My mother wants to build a new house and she plans to use the materials from her old house.
http://www.autotransportplus.com/

That is one of the eco

Fri, 12/09/2011 - 11:11 — Mikaru (not verified)

That is one of the eco friendly form. "This revolutionary carpet makes being green an easy choice for you."

great idea

Wed, 12/14/2011 - 06:36 — Nicole (not verified)

You can save a lot by using recycled or used materials. It will probably take more time taking out the materials and cleaning them but it's worth it...saving time and energy.
http://www.boothkoskoff.com/

There are lots of ways to

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 13:56 — Joy (not verified)

There are lots of ways to save and your suggestion of reusing materials is a good one.

I think as long as the used

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 08:33 — Andrew Jones (not verified)

I think as long as the used materials are still in good condition, there's no point throwing them away when you can still reuse them.

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