Removing outdoor carpet glue from concrete can be a tedious and time-consuming process, but with the right techniques and products, it can be done effectively. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to remove carpet glue from concrete surfaces outdoors.
Introduction
Outdoor carpeting provides a softer and more comfortable surface for outdoor spaces like patios, pool decks, and walkways. However, over time the adhesives used to glue down outdoor carpet can become stubborn and difficult to remove when it’s time to change the carpeting.
Outdoor carpet glue is designed to withstand sun, rain, and foot traffic so it bonds tenaciously to concrete. Trying to scrape, chip, or scrub away old carpet glue by hand can be an exercise in futility. Using the proper solvents and tools makes removing outdoor carpet adhesive much more manageable.
This guide will walk through all the steps and techniques for successfully removing outdoor carpet glue from concrete. With some work and the right products, that concrete can be cleared of old carpet glue and restored to a fresh, clean surface once again.
Gather the Right Products and Tools
Removing outdoor carpet glue from concrete requires using the right chemicals and tools for the job. Here’s a look at some of the most important products and tools you’ll need:
- Adhesive remover or solvent: An adhesive remover like Goo Gone or solvent like acetone works to dissolve the glue and separate it from the concrete. An environmentally-friendly citrus-based adhesive remover is ideal for outdoor use.
- Pressure washer: A gas pressure washer with at least 3,000 PSI of power will help blast away glue residue after the solvent has been applied. A pressure washer rents easily from most hardware stores.
- Stiff bristle brush: A tough bristle brush can help scrub the concrete surface clear of glue once it’s been soaked and loosened by the solvents. Look for a brush with thick, stiff bristles.
- Safety gear: Wear gloves, eye protection, and knee pads when handling solvents and operating a pressure washer to remove carpet glue. The work involves caustic chemicals and high-pressure water.
- Putty knife or chisel: A putty knife or chisel with a long, stiff metal blade can help chip and scrape at glue that’s been softened but still clings in spots.
Once you assemble all the right products and tools, you’ll be fully equipped to take on the outdoor carpet glue removal process.
Step 1: Remove the Outdoor Carpeting
If there’s still outdoor carpeting glued down that you’ll be removing, the first step is detaching it from the concrete slab. Here are a few tips:
- Try to peel up a corner or edge of the carpeting. If it lifts relatively easily, you may be able to peel the entire piece of carpeting off the concrete.
- For really stubborn glued carpeting, you’ll likely need to rent a carpet removal tool from a hardware store. This tool has a vibrating head that helps detach the carpet from the glue beneath.
- Cut away and remove any outdoor carpeting that resists peeling up by hand. Removing the bulk of the carpeting first will make dealing with the remaining glue much easier.
- Scrape off any loose or flaking glue with a putty knife or chisel once the carpeting is gone. This prep work helps get a jump start on the glue removal.
With the outdoor carpeting detached and disposed of, you’re ready to tackle eliminating the residual glue stuck to the concrete.
Step 2: Apply an Adhesive Remover or Solvent
The next step is using a chemical adhesive remover or solvent to soften and dissolve the carpet glue. Here are some tips when applying your chosen product:
- Citrus-based remover – For an eco-friendly option, spray on a product like Bean-e-doo or De-Solv-it. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.
- Acetone – A solvent like acetone eats through glue rapidly. Exercise extreme caution when handling acetone and don’t use near plants.
- Goo Gone – This milder adhesive remover works well on outdoor carpet glue. Apply liberally and let soak in for 5-10 minutes.
- Apply the remover liberally over the affected area of concrete using a solvent-safe sprayer. Allow the product to soak in for the recommended time before proceeding.
- Reapply remover or solvent to really stubborn spots of glue until they soften up. The glue will bubble up as the chemicals dissolve it.
Once the adhesive remover has done its work, you’ll then need to use some elbow grease to clear away the loosened glue.
Step 3: Scrub Away Glue Residue
After the glue softens up from the solvents, switch to manual scrubbing to remove residue from the slab. Here are some tips:
- Use a stiff bristle brush and warm, soapy water to vigorously scrub the concrete surface. This helps lift the glue as it’s been softened by chemicals.
- Switch to a putty knife or chisel and carefully scrape to remove any really stubborn spots of glue not loosened by scrubbing.
- Be patient and thorough in working over every square inch of concrete until all traces of glue are removed from the surface and pores.
- Go over the concrete a second time with solvent, letting it sit briefly before scrubbing again to clear residue from small pores.
- Rinse the concrete thoroughly with clean water after scrubbing to wash off chemical residue and prepare for pressure washing.
Scrubbing up the glue takes some real elbow grease, but it’s the only way to get the concrete totally clean after using remover products.
Step 4: Pressure Wash the Slab
The last step is to pressure wash the concrete at high pressure. Here are some tips when pressure washing:
- Rent a heavy duty gas pressure washer (3000 PSI or more) from a home improvement store or rental center. Electric models lack the power needed for this job.
- Use the pressure washer’s highest pressure nozzle and hold it close to remove remaining traces of glue. Adjust pressure lower if it begins damaging the concrete.
- Take your time and methodically pressure wash every inch of the slab to restore the porous concrete to a pristine condition.
- Let the slab dry fully in the sun for 24-48 hours after pressure washing so it’s suitable for new flooring installation.
A thorough pressure washing rinses away the last remnants of glue and solvents. When done, the concrete should look freshly poured and ready for new outdoor carpeting.
Tips for Avoiding Issues with Glue Removal
Removing outdoor carpet glue from concrete takes work, but you can avoid some headaches with these tips:
- Apply painter’s tape around the perimeter before removing carpeting. This protects walls and curbs from glue overspray when cleaning the slab.
- Avoid working in direct sunlight on hot days. Solvents evaporate faster and dry out glue before it can be removed. Work early or late in the day when cooler.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when using aggressive solvents like acetone to dissolve glue. Don’t let it contact skin.
- If concrete cleaning isn’t improving the glue, switch to a more potent solvent like acetone. Additional dwell time may also be needed.
- Trying to chip off glue without softening it first will likely damage the concrete. Always use solvents before scraping.
With the right process and products, removing even extremely stubborn outdoor carpet glue from concrete is very doable. Just be patient and persistent in your glue removal approach. The hard work will pay off when you reveal a fresh, clean slab ready for new flooring materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to remove old carpet glue from concrete?
The easiest method is to soften the glue with an adhesive remover or solvent before scrubbing and pressure washing the concrete. Letting the chemicals work first makes scraping and scrubbing much more effective.
What should I avoid when removing outdoor carpet glue from concrete?
Avoid using excessive force when scraping at glue without softening it first as this can gouge and damage concrete. Also avoid applying removers in direct sun when the concrete is hot, causing the chemicals to dry out too fast.
How can I remove old carpet glue smell from concrete?
Pressure washing helps rinse away residual glue smell from concrete pores. Wipe down the slab with a mix of water and vinegar after cleaning to neutralize odors. Sealing the concrete after glue removal also locks in any lingering smells.
What kind of solvent removes carpet glue the best?
Acetone is the most aggressive solvent for dissolving stubborn carpet glue. Goo Gone also works very well when you need a less harsh remover. Avoid using gasoline since it can stain concrete and harm plants.
Can I use muriatic acid to remove old carpet glue?
No, avoid using muriatic acid or products with hydrochloric acid to remove glue. These concrete cleaners are too strong and will etch and damage the slab. Use milder adhesive remover products.
Conclusion
Removing outdoor carpet glue from concrete takes an investment of time and effort, but the results are worth it. With the right combination of remover products, tools, and techniques, you can eliminate stubborn carpet adhesive from your concrete slab. Just remember to work in manageable sections, allow removers time to penetrate glue, and thoroughly scrub then pressure wash the concrete.
With a little perseverance, you can give new life to an outdoor concrete surface previously covered in old, messy carpet glue. Just follow the steps outlined here while taking proper safety precautions. Before long, you’ll have a fresh, inviting concrete space ready for new flooring materials or to be left naturally bare.