how do you remove ceramic floor tile and the thin set mortar easily?
Answers:
Rent a chipping hammer it is smaller than a jackhammer and not as heavy if held at a 45 degree angle it will skip right over the surface of the concrete slab and remove the thinset with ease. Also I do use a sledge hammer and hit the tile at an angle with the pressure directed at the portions of tile you have already broken. That way the impact travels away from the solid tiles. Get ready for alot of dust wear goggles and replace dust mask as needed. I just did a floor like that. It sounds like they added an acrylic addmix to their thinset. Always remember to protect your ears as well. Drape and tape painters plastic over doorways to prevent the dust from traveling into other rooms. Also close all doors it the house and remember to open doors and windows to allow for proper ventalaion in the project area only.
Other answers:
There is no real easy way. Keep in mind that most floors, carpet and floating wood, can be installed right over existing tile. If there is no cracks in the tile or grout, after using a self leveling mortar, tile can also be installed over existing tile. In removal we always went with a hammer and chisel. If the area is too large rent a jackhammer with a WIDE bit and try not to dig into the concrete too much. After you get the floor as smooth as possible use the self leveling morter mentioned earlier to finish the smoothing of the floor. I also recommend useing a rubber membrane morter, usually just a skim coat about 1/16" to 1/8" thick to prevent cracks in tile or grout in the future.
There is no real easy way. Keep in mind that most floors, carpet and floating wood, can be installed right over existing tile. If there is no cracks in the tile or grout, after using a self leveling mortar, tile can also be installed over existing tile. In removal we always went with a hammer and chisel. If the area is too large rent a jackhammer with a WIDE bit and try not to dig into the concrete too much. After you get the floor as smooth as possible use the self leveling morter mentioned earlier to finish the smoothing of the floor. I also recommend useing a rubber membrane morter, usually just a skim coat about 1/16" to 1/8" thick to prevent cracks in tile or grout in the future.