Removing Concrete Step

Q: We have a poured patio with two steps down from the door. We need to remove the top step in order to build a deck over the whole thing. It appears it was done in a single pour-we think we will probably need to board up the slider for protection and rent a jackhammer for the day. Anything we should consider before taking on this endeavor?

A: It is highly unusual that the steps and pad were done in one pour (but anything is possible). Usually the steps sit on the pad.

A couple of points - remember your neighbors - jackhammers can be heard for hundred's of yards. Get a dumpster to get rid of the concrete - safety - glasses, gloves, steel toed boots, there will most likely be rebar or wire mesh in the concrete, heavy duty bolt cutters are best to cut wire mesh, power saw with metal blade for rebar.

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Removing Glue From Hardwood

Q: The previous owner of my house put some linoleum over a hardwood floor. I have ripped up a big part of it and now have some glue residue left in spots. Could someone tell me a good way to get the glue off or does it just need to be sanded. I cannot afford to have the floor refinished like it needs to be right now and thought maybe if there was a way to make it look a little better for a few months until I get it done I would.

A: Without knowing what type of adhesive was used, you will have to have some trial and error. Use a fiberglass pot scrubber, gently, in circular movements over the adhesive - first try acetone (nail polish remover), if that doesn't work, try alcohol (rubbing alcohol from the pharmacy will work fine), then comes varsol and if none of the above work, anything else will probably damage the wood. After using any of the above chemicals wash that area of the floor with some warm water and dishwasher detergent. Try not to breath in the fumes as you are leaning over the spot and scrubbing, they will give you a good headache. Best if you can pick a day when you can open the windows.

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Brick Fireplace Surround- How Do You Remove It?

Q: We have a large and ugly brown brick fireplace in the middle of the longest wall in our living room. i know it can be removed, my neighbor took his out, but alas now he has moved away so i cant ask him how it was done.

It is one layer of brick on the wall, about 5 feet tall. It does not connect to an out side wall, (we live in a condo) the hearth part is about one foot W by 5 feet L and it is 4 bricks tall.

What is the best tools or way to do all this? I am concerned mostly about the hearth, I think the wall will be easy.

A: The trick, in order not to make a monster mess is to remove the bricks from the top down. The first couple of bricks are the hard ones. Using a 3/8" carbide drill bit, drill into the mortar below the top set of bricks. Then using a concrete chisel, break away the rest of the mortar. Use a small hand 2.5 lb. hammer and tap the brick on the face until it comes loose. Once you have removed the first couple using the drill, the rest will just
break away once hit on the face.

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