Removing self levelling compound

[Jolsand]

Hello all!

Has anybody got any advice for removing self levelling compound from flagstones ??

We did think the flags had been removed and replaced with concrete (if this was the case we we're going to dig a channel around room perimeter) BUT we've made a small breakthrough when removing plaster and rotten door jamb and think the flags are there, but with a self levelling compound on top.

Anybody any advice on if removing self levelling compound is possible without damaging flags?

How?

Anybody had contractor do this for them?

Would if at all possible love to restore them!

Jo

 

[Cubist]

Hi Jolsand and Welcome to the Forum,

A good few years back I took up a floor constructed of such compound that was laid over concrete - a fairly modern house but in the late sixties. That was fairly straight forward as I was able to attack it with a lump hammer and bolster chisel.

Given that your floor may have flag-stones under it I would suggest that you test this same approach but start in an unobtrusive corner to get started. Most of these compounds are fairly brittle and using a point chisel you can break up a small area to confirm whats underneath and to test how easily the compound will split away from the surface to which it has bonded. When satisfied, continue with a bolster chisel, laid parallel to the joint between the flagstone and the compound, and give it a couple of heavy whacks to get the ball rolling. Once you have opened a large enough area you could also make the job a little easier by hiring one of those small impact chisels.

Hope this helps,

Cubist