Floor Prep For Ceramic Tile On Concrete

Inspect the floor and repair cracks pits holes or other uneven patches.

Floor prep for ceramic tile on concrete.

Installing ceramic tiles over concrete can help to create a more inviting indoor or outdoor living space. As with a wooden subfloor a concrete subfloor must be level for successful tile installation. Seal off the area with poly sheeting. Using an acid based cleaner or deep cleaner of your choice clean the concrete and allow it to dry thoroughly.

When you take time to prepare the concrete floor you ll have a better chance of creating an even tile design that looks great and is built to last. To prepare your concrete subfloor make sure that it can accept water penetration. Multiply length times width of the room. Determine how much flooring and materials will be needed.

If you re going to install tiles in wet areas such as bathrooms and balconies you need to apply a waterproofing membrane or paint first. If you discovered any defects on the floor fill them with a concrete patch or self leveling compound to achieve a flat surface that s ready to receive ceramic tiles. If you have a vinyl floor you may be able to install your flooring directly on top of it. Peel and stick tile has come a long way since the days when it was a cheap and easy if not very attractive way to give old floors new life.

Tape a 3 foot square piece of scrap vinyl to the concrete with duct tape sealing the edges tight. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor. Test the floor for moisture. How to prepare a floor for peel stick tile.

Self leveling compound can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Prepare the subfloor repair cracks and holes. Leave the vinyl in place for 72 hours. 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.

If you re unsure about yours remove a tile and send it to a local asbestos abatement firm for testing. However laying vinyl flooring over concrete requires a bit more preparation. Remove any carpet or other flooring. Most floor tiles made from the 1920s to the 1960s contain asbestos and require special procedures for removal.

Additionally a steps must be taken to ensure that a concrete floor will create a solid bond. Use concrete filler or a similar floor patching compound to repair the damage. If it tests positive follow these asbestos abatement procedures.