Concrete Slab Prep For Tile

Don t lay tiles on a concrete slab with cracks that appear to be spreading or irregularities that prevent you from leveling it.

Concrete slab prep for tile.

How to prepare for laying tile over a concrete floor things you will need. A sound surface is necessary when preparing concrete floor for tile installation. Never lay tile over a damaged concrete floor without repairing it or your tiles may crack or lift. Some also keep water out of the installation area.

Before you get to work take the time to gather the supplies and tools you ll need. Identify and fill any cracks in the concrete. Pour the thinset in any cracks to about 1 4 inch 0 6 cm above the floor surface. Use a large bucket and.

Lay down a sheet of crack isolation membrane before tiling if your concrete floor is severely damaged or aged. If you attach the tile to concrete you need to take special precautions by uncoupling the tile from the concrete. Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles. With the cracks patched apply a latex modified crack resistant thin set.

Follow the directions on the packaging to properly mix the thin set mortar. With a trowel scoop out and spread enough mortar on. Tsp is a high strength cleaner which is useful for removing dirt grease and oil from your existing surface. Crack isolation membranes keep imperfections in the concrete slab from spreading up to the tile.

Patch little cracks or holes with a cement patching compound. The substrate for tiles shorter than 15 inches must be so flat that it varies no more than 1 16 inch per foot according to the ceramic tile education foundation. Mix thinset mortar with water in a bucket according to package instructions. Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature.

Cracks and depressions may create weak spots that cause tile to crack in the future. Mix up a bucket of tsp tri sodium phosphate solution. Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4. Masons often use a crack isolation membrane when setting tile outdoors.

Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. There are different kinds to choose from. Scrub the floor with a brush and tsp and allow it to dry thoroughly. Rather than using cement boards cbus the favored method is to use an uncoupling membrane.

Stir the thinset thoroughly with a trowel. Use a trowel to apply and use the edge to ensure the patch has edges level with the surrounding concrete.