Ceramic tile is a very popular upgrade for kitchens bathrooms patios and foyers.
Imstalling cermic over moist floor.
It is resistant to water and scratches making it more durable than hardwoods or vinyl tile for these areas.
It the tile is still hazy wait for the water to completely dry and then wipe it again but this time with a damp rag.
Pull the tile back up and look to make sure the adhesive is in contact with all of the bottom of the tile.
Tiles can be applied directly to a clean smooth concrete slab with a latex portland cement mortar.
We ve installed a number of ceramic and stone floors.
For years the only solution to installing hardwood floors over tile was rip it out and install the wood floor.
Two types of grout are available for ceramic tile sanded and unsanded.
Here the tile won t completely adhere to the subfloor making it loose and prone to shifting.
Whereas the image above has a metallic wood like distressed quality given the parallel striations the one below has a worn paint old world quality from the impression of layered patterns and colors over concrete.
However in a moist ventilated crawl space this insulation will eventually rot and become soaked with moisture this will cause it to fall off the ceiling and on to the floor.
Check with the manufacturer of the epoxy moisture barrier to make sure it will be suitable for your situation.
Sanded grout contains sand and works best with wider joints typically an 1 8 and larger.
How to grout a ceramic tile floor.
A poor ceramic installation will.
But done wrong it can leave a homeowner with a feeling of defeat.
In tile floor installations there are a few things that can be an indication of moisture issues in the floor.
Guide to installing tile over concrete slabs.
If the rh is over 80 then you have to use an epoxy coated system with a cementitious self leveling underlayment to seal the concrete.
The concrete should be properly cured be level to 1 4 inch in 10 feet and have a steel trowel or fine broom finish.
The job isn t difficult when it s done right.
What types of installations over tile.
Fiberglass insulation on the floor joists in a crawl space will help keep the floor above warm.
Installing hardwood floors over tile.
Wait until the grout is completely dry then wash the entire floor using a wet rag.
Hold the notched edge of the trowel at about a 45 degree angle to the floor and apply the adhesive to the floor.
Since grout is porous a grout sealer closes the pores of the grout therefore minimizing moisture absorption mold and stains.
Excess moisture in a subfloor can cause the adhesive between that subfloor and the tile to fail.
Press the tile in place while twisting it back and forth to secure it into position.
An example of the distressed reclaimed look in tile trend for bathrooms in a large format tile that looks like concrete.
After the ceramic floor tile has set for 24 hours grout the floor.
Let the grout dry for another 48 to 72 hours before applying the g r out sealer.
Then install the tile over it.