Concrete Slab Prep For Tile

Use a large bucket and.

Concrete slab prep for tile.

If you attach the tile to concrete you need to take special precautions by uncoupling the tile from the concrete. How to prepare concrete for a tile installation 1. With a trowel scoop out and spread enough mortar on. Follow the directions on the packaging to properly mix the thin set mortar.

Patch little cracks or holes with a cement patching compound. Lay down a sheet of crack isolation membrane before tiling if your concrete floor is severely damaged or aged. Identify and fill any cracks in the concrete. Don t lay tiles on a concrete slab with cracks that appear to be spreading or irregularities that prevent you from leveling it.

Crack isolation membranes keep imperfections in the concrete slab from spreading up to the tile. Stir the thinset thoroughly with a trowel. Never lay tile over a damaged concrete floor without repairing it or your tiles may crack or lift. Before you get to work take the time to gather the supplies and tools you ll need.

Some also keep water out of the installation area. No matter how dirty or clean the concrete floor looks start the process by sweeping the floor. Rather than using cement boards cbus the favored method is to use an uncoupling membrane. Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles.

How to prepare for laying tile over a concrete floor things you will need. Mix up a bucket of tsp tri sodium phosphate solution. Tsp is a high strength cleaner which is useful for removing dirt grease and oil from your existing surface. With the cracks patched apply a latex modified crack resistant thin set.

Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature. Use a trowel to apply and use the edge to ensure the patch has edges level with the surrounding concrete. Mix thinset mortar with water in a bucket according to package instructions. Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4.

Masons often use a crack isolation membrane when setting tile outdoors. A sound surface is necessary when preparing concrete floor for tile installation. Before you begin to lay the tile over your concrete slab make sure the concrete is properly prepared. Cracks and depressions may create weak spots that cause tile to crack in the future.

There are different kinds to choose from. 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.