Carpet removal advice (1 Viewer)

[SkyRattlers]

This question is about real carpets not ladies "carpets", that's in the thread next door...

Alright men, I've never removed carpet before. I'm at the part where you remove the tack strips. They are nailed to a concrete floor and every nail that I remove is leaving a small gouge in the concrete. Is this normal? Or were they installed poorly and now I'm screwed?

 

[MindCrime]

That's normal. Use a pry bar and pull up slowly, it will lessen the damage. But either way, if you are putting down tile or anything other than new carpet, grab a small container of concrete patch and fill them in, just like you would fill in nail holes on a wall before painting.

 

[ChiefD]

That's normal. Use a pry bar and pull up slowly, it will lessen the damage. But either way, if you are putting down tile or anything other than new carpet, grab a small container of concrete patch and fill them in, just like you would fill in nail holes on a wall before painting.

This. 

If you are reinstalling carpet, you may leave the tack strips there if they are still in good shape.

 

[SkyRattlers]

This. 

If you are reinstalling carpet, you may leave the tack strips there if they are still in good shape.

It'll probably be several years away and I've got little kids so not an option I'm afraid.

Good to know I'm doing it wrong.

 

[ChiefD]

It'll probably be several years away and I've got little kids so not an option I'm afraid.

Good to know I'm doing it wrong.

Sounds like you are doing it just fine. I just meant if carpet was going right back in they can usually use the old tack strips.

 

[BowieMercs]

Wear eye protection. 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

You're doing it right. Those little chips aren't anything to be worried about. 

Previous poster is correct. They sell the lightweight concrete mix in a premixed container or powdered in a bag that you mix with water. 

The best way to remove the carpet is to pick it up from a corner and roll it over to expose a few feet of the backing. It will be extremely easier to cut the carpet at its backing as  opposed to the carpeted side.    Not only is it easier, you will save a lot of razors too. You should change your blade often. 

Cut the carpet into 3 foot strips and roll it up. This will make it easier to get in and out of doorways make the weight manageable. 

After the carpet is removed, you can roll the pad up in big chunks or stuff it into big contractor bags. 

 Use a prybar to remove the tack strips if you're not putting down new carpet. 

Hint-  you can tape a piece of that extra carpet to your prybar to make it a little easier on your hands removing those text trips.  

Or you can use one of these I'll be at a cheaper version:https://www.amazon.com/Bully-Tools-92202-7-Gauge-Beveled/dp/B0031575ZE

Good luck