How not to remove bitumen from a cement screed

Bitumen is widely used in road construction and the processing of wooden structures against rot. In addition, bitumen mastic is used as a waterproofing agent for concrete structures. In Soviet times, whole blocks of bitumen were strewn on construction sites - then it was used wherever possible. Including as glue for parquet in apartments. Today, modern apartment owners have to fight this “inheritance” of the socialist era.

Bitumen mastic cracks over time, parquet floors begin to stagger and fall off. When trying to dismantle the old flooring, the apartment owners are faced with an unexpected “pleasant” surprise in the form of bitumen “glue” applied to a cement screed or concrete floor.

It is practically impossible to remove bitumen without damaging the screed layer. This composition has truly amazing penetrating properties - it can stick to almost anything. It is also impossible to ignore the remains of bitumen - firstly, they create irregularities, and secondly, not a single mortar adheres to bitumen, and the primer cannot impregnate the screed. Before you try to remove the mastic layer, you need to know what methods do not work, so as not to aggravate the situation.

How to remove bitumen residues from the surface of the screed

Do not use chemicals. It would seem that it is very convenient to dissolve the vile bitumen with some composition. Yes, bitumen is highly soluble in most solvents, including gasoline and diesel. However, the more you dissolve it, the deeper it will penetrate into the screed. As a result, even if it is possible to remove the main layer, a film will remain on the surface that the primer does not impregnate, and to which the cement mortar will not adhere.

Do not use power tools. Yes, grinders, rotary hammers and grinders are powerless in the fight against this vile viscous substance. When you try to cut the grinder into segments, it instantly melts, which makes the work pointless. The situation is similar when working with a hammer drill - bitumen heats and melts from impacts. As a result, it is impossible to break off a piece from the surface.

What remains to be done in such a situation to the unfortunate owners? There is only one way out - to remove the coating manually by ourselves, or to hire someone.
For work, the most primitive and rude tools are used. To remove the main layer, it is most convenient to use an ax with which small pieces of bitumen are chipped. In this case, of course, the top layer of the screed will suffer somewhat, but there is nothing to be done. Residues of “resin” are removed with a sharp thick spatula or scraper.