The Brew Cabin

I am re doing pathway and front door steps of a Victorian terraced house. Need advice please. The path has quarry tiles and the steps are covered in asphalt sheeting. What is the best way to remove asphalt-melt or hammer drill. I do not want to damage the concrete underneath too much. Also is it okay to lay new paving over the existing quarry tiles and what would be anyones recommendation for tiles to cover the existing steps. Thanks for all advice.

Quarry tiles to a path? Is this one of those decorative tiled paths? If so, it'd be a crime to bury it underneath new paving. Can it not be restored?

"Asphalt sheeting" This doesn't sound right, somehow. Do you mean Lino? The easiest way to 'lift' this is to use a tile-lifter, which you can hire from any decent Hire Shop.

Tiles for the steps - you have a rather limited choice. Some for of quarry tile is the best option, as these are frostproof and exceptionally hardwearing. Choice of colour depends on the house itself, and what would look right.

Tony,

Thanks for reply. The house was converted and the existing quarry tiles have been cracked during this. They are not orig Vict ones. Cement has also been mixed on them and they are really not in any condition to replace. The front steps have been covered in what looks like asphalt bitumen waterproofing which has then been heated. This has 'sagged' over time and is now letting in moisture to the room below stairs. I had thought of slate tiles-today and to carry the slate tiling all the way up the steps to the front door. Any views welcome. Still need best way to remove this bitumen/asphalt type stuff-technical term. Thanks agin

(Edited by richab1 at 7:49 pm on April 22, 2004)

The tile stripper will get rid of the bitumen/asphalt lining, or you could use a standard wallpaper stripper and a blow-torch.