Concrete Slab Preparation For Tile

Patch little cracks or holes with a cement patching compound.

Concrete slab preparation for tile.

Ideally you want a rh of about 75 to 80. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor. If you have to level a sloped site or bring in a lot of fill hire an excavator for a day to help prepare the site. With ceramic tile you might be able to get away with up to 90 depending on the tile and installation products you are using.

Crack isolation membranes keep imperfections in the concrete slab from spreading up to the tile. There are different kinds to choose from. New concrete must cure a minimum of 28 days before either tiling or putting a dressing onto the new concrete. To prepare your concrete subfloor make sure that it can accept water penetration.

Cracks and depressions may create weak spots that cause tile to crack in the future. Before you get to work take the time to gather the supplies and tools you ll need. There are epoxy coating systems for applying a vapor retardant over the concrete slab surface before you tile over it. With the cracks patched apply a latex modified crack resistant thin set.

There are two reasons for this. These cracks may eventually show up in tile or dressing applied before the 28 day curing period. As with a wooden subfloor a concrete subfloor must be level for successful tile installation. Additionally a steps must be taken to ensure that a concrete floor will create a solid bond.

Some also keep water out of the installation area. Don t lay tiles on a concrete slab with cracks that appear to be spreading or irregularities that prevent you from leveling it. No matter how dirty or clean the concrete floor looks start the process by sweeping the floor. How to pour a concrete slab.

It mitigates extreme moisture conditions. Masons often use a crack isolation membrane when setting tile outdoors. 1 as the concrete cures drying and shrinkage cracks could occur. Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles.

Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature. Then figure on spending a day building the forms and another pouring the slab. Use a trowel to apply and use the edge to ensure the patch has edges level with the surrounding concrete. A sound surface is necessary when preparing concrete floor for tile installation.

How to prepare concrete for a tile installation 1.