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SV-09

Tile Removal in South Africa: Get Free Quotes

Get free quotes for tile removal in South Africa: lifting old floor and wall tiles, screed repairs and rubble removal. No fee, no obligation.

  • Quotes from: tilers and tile removal teams
  • Area: all nine provinces
  • Cost to you: free
A worker lifting old floor tiles with a breaker in a bare room, with a pile of rubble bags near the door
A worker lifting old floor tiles with a breaker in a bare room, with a pile of rubble bags near the door

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Know the size? Enter it and we add the area to your request. Skip it if you are not sure.

0 m² to order

Roofs, walls and steps: measure each face and add them up, or type the total in the form.

Get a free quote

Tell us what you need and where. A slate supplier, tiler, cladding installer or roofer who works in your area quotes you directly.

Measure sheetMS-58956
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Free and no obligation. By sending you agree that we may share your request with a suitable supplier or installer. See our privacy policy.

Careful tile removal is the first step to a new slate floor or wall that lasts. SlateTiles.co.za is a free quote service. We pass your request to independent tilers and contractors in your area, and they quote you directly. There is no fee and no obligation. We do not do the work ourselves. Tell us the area, the type of tiles and what you want to lay afterwards, and compare the quotes that come back.

Types of tile removal work

Not all tile removal is the same. The method depends on how the old tiles were fixed and what you want underneath.

  • Floor tiles: lifted with breakers and chisels, including ceramic, porcelain and old slate tile removal.
  • Wall tiles: taken off kitchen, bathroom and feature walls, often with the plaster behind.
  • Screed repair: patching or levelling the base once the tiles are up.
  • Rubble removal: bagging and taking the waste away.

Tiles stuck down with strong adhesive take longer than tiles on a weak bed.

Where tile removal is needed

Most tile removal happens before something new goes down. Slate is thick and heavy, so the base must be sound before it is laid.

  • Renovations of older homes and townhouses.
  • Kitchens, bathrooms and passages being updated.
  • Patios and stoeps with cracked or lifted tiles.
  • Commercial floors in shops, restaurants and offices.
  • Hollow or loose tiles, damp patches and old water damage.

In older buildings, check for old fibre-cement products before work starts, as some may contain asbestos. Do not break or drill them yourself.

How good removal is done

Careful removal protects the base and keeps dust and noise under control. Ask the contractor about these points:

  • Dust control: sheeting, wetting down and closing doors, with a vacuum where possible.
  • Services: checking for pipes, floor heating and electrical conduit under the tiles.
  • Base: removing old adhesive and checking the screed for cracks, hollow spots and damp.
  • Levels: keeping the new floor height in mind at doors and thresholds.

Body corporate and HOA complexes often limit working hours, so say where you live.

What affects your quote

Tile removal is quoted on the job, not on a standard rate. These details help contractors quote properly:

  • The area of floor or wall in m² and the type of tiles.
  • How well the tiles are bonded, and the number of layers.
  • The floor level or storey, and access for carrying out rubble.
  • Screed repairs, levelling or waterproofing needed afterwards.
  • Whether the contractor must also lay the new slate tiles.

Photos of the room and any loose tiles help the installer judge the job.

Comparing quotes for tile removal

The lowest figure is not always the best deal. When your quotes arrive, check:

  • Scope: exactly what is included, from surface preparation and materials to cutting, sealing and clean-up.
  • Materials: the slate, adhesive, grout, sealer or fixings allowed for, and who buys and delivers them.
  • Timing: when the work can start, how long it takes, and curing or drying time before the area can be used.
  • Guarantee and terms: any workmanship guarantee, deposit, payment stages and how long the price holds.

What to include in your request

  • State the area in m² and whether it is floor or wall.
  • Name the tile type: ceramic, porcelain, slate or stone.
  • Say what will be laid afterwards and when.
  • Mention the floor level, access and any stairs for rubble.
  • Say if screed repair and levelling must be included.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need tile removal before laying slate?
Often yes. Slate needs a sound, flat, solid base. If the old tiles are loose, hollow or uneven, they should come up. Laying over sound tiles is sometimes possible, but it raises the floor height and relies on a good bond. A tiler can assess this on site.
Will tile removal damage the screed or plaster?
Some damage is common, especially if the tiles were fixed with strong adhesive. Screed repairs and levelling are usually part of the job afterwards. Skilled workers aim to limit damage, and the quote should say how repairs are handled. Plan for patching before new tiles go down.
Is tile removal messy and loud?
Yes, breaking up tiles creates dust, noise and rubble. Good contractors use dust sheets, wet down the area and clear waste daily. In townhouse complexes, check for working-hour limits and tell your neighbours beforehand. Remove furniture and cover vents before work begins.
How do I request tile removal quotes?
Complete the free form with your town, the area in m² and what you want afterwards. Your request goes to independent tilers and contractors, who contact you directly with quotes. There is no fee and no obligation to accept any quote.

Tile Removal by province

Tile Removal by city and town

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