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A: It’s perfectly acceptable to put tile directly on concrete — with a couple of caveats. First, it is important to determine if there is moisture coming up from the slab. Those products should help prevent any cracks in the slab from damaging the newly installed tile.
Can I tile straight onto concrete floor?
In most cases, it is OK to lay tiles directly onto concrete. But make sure the surface is free of any contaminants, dust, moisture, etc, as these can prevent the adhesive from bonding. If the concrete floor is not in good condition, or may be at risk of cracking, an uncoupling membrane is recommended.
Do you need underlayment for tile on concrete?
Although you don’t need to install an underlayment between the concrete and the tile, you need to prepare the surface before placing the tile. After all, cracks and uneven areas in the concrete can cause damage to the tile above, and uncontrolled moisture in the concrete can destroy the mortar and loosen the tiles.
Do you need a moisture barrier under ceramic tile?
During patching, most people usually wonder if they would need a moisture barrier under tiles. Well, yes. A moisture barrier should be installed to protect the flooring against moisture or moisture vapor.
What kind of Thinset do you use for concrete floors?
Modified thinset is the product of choice for most tile installations because of its increased strength and bonding with minimal shrinkage, which means a reduced chance of cracks forming in the tile. WarmlyYours Radiant Heating recommends modified thinset mortar for nearly all tile and stone installations.
Do I need to waterproof concrete floor before tiling?
Cement is actually a very porous material and can easily absorb water. Therefore, any concrete that may come into regular contact with water, such as under tile or for a pool, will need to be waterproofed. If cement is not waterproofed, it can cause issues with the mortar used between the tiles.
Can you put ceramic tile over sealed concrete?
Attaching any tile product to sealed concrete is strongly advised against without first removing the sealer. The unmodified thinset would be the recommendation for use ON TOP of the DITRA when porcelain tile was used. DITRA is in fact a crack membrane but really isn’t intended to SOLVE any moisture problems.
Can I lay porcelain tile over concrete?
You can install the tile directly on the concrete. You can install a CBU or cement board on the concrete, then the tile on top of that. Finally, you can use an uncoupling membrane between the tile and the concrete.
Do I need a vapor barrier under tile flooring?
A moisture barrier helps control the water vapor’s movement to help protect your floors. Therefore, if you’re installing floors in an area that sees moisture, even a little, a vapor barrier is needed.
Can you tile over a damp floor?
Short Answer: Yes, you can tile a damp basement if it’s rising damp, but it’s very important to use breathable tiles, such as unsealed quarry tiles or natural stone tiles that have been treated with a water-based sealer, such as LTP Mattstone H2O.
Does tile need an underlayment?
Tile may be strong, but it needs a solid, supportive base. An underlayment is the solid stabilizing layer directly below the tile and the tile adhesive (usually a thinset mortar). Using the wrong one can spell disaster for your tile installation. These poor tiles were installed improperly; they never stood a chance.
What is the difference between white and GREY thinset?
The most common adhesive for setting tiles is thinset mortar—that is, mortar designed to be applied in a layer no more than 3⁄16 in. If you intend to use a dark-colored grout, choose a gray mortar; choose white if your grout will be a light color.
What is difference between modified and unmodified thinset?
Unmodified thinset has been around forever. Unlike unmodified mortar, which consists only of a blend of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents, modified thinset includes additional retention products, such as latex polymers, which can increase its performance and strength.
How do you waterproof a concrete floor before tiling?
For that reason, it is best to use an elastomeric, crack-prevention membrane to both seal the floor and protect your tile installation from failure. These membranes prevent water from seeping up through the concrete and into the mortar as well allowing the thinset to cure and preventing future mold or mildew growth.
What to use to seal concrete floor before tiling?
There are specific preparation requirements for anhydrite screed – assuming these have been done, you will then need to use a good quality acrylic primer to seal the floor. Two coats will be required at 90 degrees to each other i.e. one coat one way across the room and another coat the other way.
How do you prepare a concrete floor before tiling?
Preparing Cement for Floor Tile Clean. Start by sweeping your concrete floor to get rid of all dust and debris. Then clean with a wet mop of plain water. Dry. Ensure your floor has thoroughly dried before proceeding. Level. Use floor leveling compound for large holes or flaws in your cement floor.
Can you put flooring over sealed concrete?
While concrete sealer may appear dry, it cures slowly over time. It is best to wait several weeks after application before installing your tile.
Can you tile over finished concrete?
Tiling can be done over stained concrete with proper preparation. You will need to either restore the concrete so it is close to its original condition or cover the stained concrete with a material such as cement board before tiling over it.
How do you remove sealer from concrete?
Start by removing any visible peeling and flaking and use a solvent based stripper such as Xylene to remove the previous sealer. (If concrete was dyed or stained, using Xylene can damage or change the color of the concrete.) Pressure wash the surface and allow concrete to completely dry.
What kind of mortar do you use for porcelain tile?
ANSWER – Porcelain Tile should be installed with a latex modified thin-set or a polymer modified thin-set. The Custom Marble Granite Mortar I believe is a polymer modified thin-set. For larger tiles 12×12 or larger should use a 1/4″ sq. notch trowel.
Can you lay 10mm porcelain tiles outside?
The short answer to this question is yes. Porcelain is ideally suited to use outdoors as it is extremely strong and hard-wearing. Standard 8-10mm thick porcelain tiles are not recommended for external use, as they are not strong enough to withstand heavy furniture and harsh weather conditions.
