Choosing the Best Concrete Floor Scraper for Your Next Job

During the installation of a flooring system on an already-covered floor, the original system will need to be removed. It might be ceramic tile, wood plank, carpet, or gypsum-based underlayment. Whatever the system, it will need to be removed without destroying the substrate.  

Floor scrapers come in varied sizes and power requirements. They have a blade attached to the front that can get under the system and remove it. The key is to select one based on what is being removed, the size of the project, and the environment you will be in.

Identifying the Task and Concrete Surface

During the job site evaluation, there are things that need to be figured out. The substrate type, weight-bearing capability of the substrate, what is being removed, and how it is bonded, and what type of power can be used in the area.

The substrate in projects like this will be concrete. If something is different such as wood structure, a lightweight machine will be used. A residential wood joist flooring system will not manage the load of a heavy scraper.

A concrete floor designed to be in an industrial facility will have the structural integrity to use the largest floor scrapers. Concrete can also be used in elevated decks. These can be a completely different story. A 2” thick slab can be placed on a pan deck. A pan deck is designed to support the load of the floor. The design engineer will take into account the traffic, all items that will be set on the floor, and the concrete itself. The added weight of a large scraper is not in that design list, so a smaller unit will need to be used. 

The current condition of the floor will come into play. The surface could be so rough that it will require a certain piece of equipment. Slabs that have cracked and heaved are another issue. The scraper blade rides on the floor. It there are cracks or joints that are not level, the blade will catch on the high side potentially damaging the machine or harming the operator. 

Power requirements are always a concern. Scrapers come in 3 power types, propane, electric, and battery. There are geographical areas of the country that will not allow propane to be used in certain types of buildings. Every building has electrical power running to it but is it enough? Small scrapers require as low as a 110v 15-amp service. This will come from the typical wall outlet. But large scrapers require much more power. That amount can be as high as 480v 50-amps. This is not available in every facility.

All flooring materials are not bonded in the same way. Solid surface tile and underlayment’s use a ridged mortar and carpet and VCT use a flexible adhesive. Then there are thick, resinous systems that can be very well bonded. Once you have selected the equipment size, there are different scraper blades available for each machine based on what is being removed. If you are not comfortable in making a blade choice, contact a distributor that sells a full array to guide you in the right direction.

Types of Concrete Scraper Tools

Floor scrapers come in varied sizes. The size is based on the material being removed, the size of the project, and the load-bearing ability of the substrate.

Pole razor blade scrapers are used on all sizes of carpet, tile, and VCT removal projects. They are very maneuverable, lending themselves well to small areas. On large projects, there will be areas where a ride-on floor scraper will not reach. A pole scraper works well in this situation. The attached razor blade can be replaced as needed. The handle can be as short as 12.00” or as long as 7.00’. The scraper head is the same, only the handle length changes.

Handheld Pole Scraper

Walk-behind power scrapers are the next step up in size. These compact machines, such as the DiamaPro SCR-84 and SCR-394, are designed to be transported in the back of an SUV or pick-up truck and store easily without taking up room in your shop or trailer. They are lighter in weight but built well to remove most flooring systems. Whether removing ceramic tile, wood flooring, carpet, VCT or adhesives, this size machine is a perfect floor scraper for projects that might be small or in tight quarters.

With ride-on scrapers, there are assorted sizes. The smaller ride-on models, like the BlastPro BRB-1600, are usually battery-powered and suited well for smaller, less ventilated rooms. A machine that is all electric that produces zero emissions. It makes removing a wide range of materials faster, easier, and more efficient than jackhammers and hand scrapers. It has zero-turn capability to maneuver in tight areas. The low sitting position of the operator offers comfortable operation and excellent work surface visibility.

When the job is large and calls for the most productive ride-on floor scraper, models like the Blast Pro BRB-4500 will be an excellent choice.  These machines are very heavy due to the amount of down pressure needed to remove the most material in one pass. They are powered by liquid propane (LP). These machines are designed to tackle the largest and toughest projects with unmatched production.

Best Practices for Using a Concrete Floor Scraper

Inspect your equipment for defects or damage.

• Having a mechanic go through the equipment after every project.
• Reduce issues before getting on site.
• Environment and flooring type

Equipment Selection

• Match equipment to the environment!
• Match the blade to the flooring type.
• Install the proper scraper blade for the job.

Training

• Perform a safety check with the operator present.
• Discuss and wear proper PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
• Make sure the operator has the knowledge and skill to run the machine.
• Adjust wheels and handle for safe and comfortable operation.

Operation of the equipment

• Start your power scraper.
• Use the Safety Shut off showing how and when to use it.
• With the help of the machine supplier, have the operator run the machine.
• Move at a consistent pace.
• Do not be in a hurry!

Process

• Start in an area where the flooring is already lifting.
• If 100% adhered, lift a part of the flooring with a hand scraper.
• Scrape in long runs.
• If there are uneven joints or cracks in the substrate, scrape diagonally over the void.
• Scrape to ensure a smooth and clear floor ready for the next step.

Conclusion

A scraper is a piece of equipment that has a single purpose: to work its way under a flooring system and then remove it from the substrate. They come in sizes to fit all project sizes. From a simple hand-held scraper with a 4” wide razor blade to a 4500lb ride-on beast used on large removal projects, there is a model that will fit you, your project, and your budget. Before you start looking into the actual scraper model, you must know the parameters of the project. The size of the project, the flooring system being removed, access to the area, and the load-bearing ability of the substrate are key components. The machine you select will be based on this information.

Once you have the pertinent information to select a scraper, a knowledgeable supplier will be an immense help. Niagara Machine sells every size scraper on the market. We can walk you through the scraping process while guiding you to the right scraper for your project.

Before you begin to tackle the removal process, perform a complete evaluation of the site. Once you have done that, contact Niagara Machine to help guide you in the right direction. Jumping in with both feet might be the norm, but obtaining the guidance available through Niagara will push the job in the right direction!