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Ceramic tile install over a sealed concrete floor? Alex 07-20-2007
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Posted by Alex on July 20, 2007, 5:39 pm

Hi all -

Getting ready for a ceramic tile install this weekend in my basement & ran
into a possible last minute "uh-oh"

...I'm installing 13x13 tile using VersaBond thinset from Lowes over part
of the concrete slab in my basement. Someone just mentioned to me that it
can't be installed over a sealed concrete floor.

I _think_, but am not entirely sure that the floor was sealed after it was
poured around 10 years ago. On the VersaBond bag it does say to remove
sealant before applying.

I did a test with some water on various parts of the area I'm going to
install the tile. When I poured the water onto the concrete it did pool a
little... but after it either all soaked in (for smaller pours) or I wiped
it up (on the larger pours), it did leave the concrete a wet color. Some
of the dark areas were uniform in color, others had a snakeskin sort of
pattern going on.

Will I be ok putting down the thinset as long as liquid does absorb into
the floor - and leave it discolored - basically leaves a 'wet spot'?

Thanks!

Posted by Ken on July 20, 2007, 7:41 pm
Alex wrote:
> Hi all -
>
> Getting ready for a ceramic tile install this weekend in my basement & ran
> into a possible last minute "uh-oh"
>
> ...I'm installing 13x13 tile using VersaBond thinset from Lowes over part
> of the concrete slab in my basement. Someone just mentioned to me that it
> can't be installed over a sealed concrete floor.
>
> I _think_, but am not entirely sure that the floor was sealed after it was
> poured around 10 years ago. On the VersaBond bag it does say to remove
> sealant before applying.
>
> I did a test with some water on various parts of the area I'm going to
> install the tile. When I poured the water onto the concrete it did pool a
> little... but after it either all soaked in (for smaller pours) or I wiped
> it up (on the larger pours), it did leave the concrete a wet color. Some
> of the dark areas were uniform in color, others had a snakeskin sort of
> pattern going on.
>
> Will I be ok putting down the thinset as long as liquid does absorb into
> the floor - and leave it discolored - basically leaves a 'wet spot'?
>
> Thanks!

        Installing ceramic tile is not cheap. Do it the correct way. If you
do not and it fails to adhere to the floor, you have one expensive mess.

        On the other hand, if you do it right it will last for years and you
will be glad you installed it.

Posted by Alex on July 21, 2007, 12:06 am

>> Will I be ok putting down the thinset as long as liquid does absorb
>> into the floor - and leave it discolored - basically leaves a 'wet
>> spot'?
>>
>> Thanks!
>
> Installing ceramic tile is not cheap. Do it the correct way. If
> you
> do not and it fails to adhere to the floor, you have one expensive
> mess.
>
> On the other hand, if you do it right it will last for years and
> you
> will be glad you installed it.
>

Trying to! That's why I asked the question... thanks...

If water soaks into the floor and leaves it discolored - rather than
beading and staying on top does that mean I'm getting enough penetration
for the thinset?


Posted by dadiOH on July 21, 2007, 7:29 am
Alex wrote:
>>> Will I be ok putting down the thinset as long as liquid does
>>> absorb into the floor - and leave it discolored - basically
>>> leaves a 'wet spot'?
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>
>> Installing ceramic tile is not cheap. Do it the correct way.
>> If you
>> do not and it fails to adhere to the floor, you have one expensive
>> mess.
>>
>> On the other hand, if you do it right it will last for years
>> and you
>> will be glad you installed it.
>>
>
> Trying to! That's why I asked the question... thanks...
>
> If water soaks into the floor and leaves it discolored - rather than
> beading and staying on top does that mean I'm getting enough
> penetration for the thinset?

Yes.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico




Posted by valvejob on July 21, 2007, 10:09 am

>
>>> Will I be ok putting down the thinset as long as liquid does absorb
>>> into the floor - and leave it discolored - basically leaves a 'wet
>>> spot'?
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>
>> Installing ceramic tile is not cheap. Do it the correct way. If
>> you
>> do not and it fails to adhere to the floor, you have one expensive
>> mess.
>>
>> On the other hand, if you do it right it will last for years and
>> you
>> will be glad you installed it.
>>
>
>Trying to! That's why I asked the question... thanks...
>
>If water soaks into the floor and leaves it discolored - rather than
>beading and staying on top does that mean I'm getting enough penetration
>for the thinset?

It is practically impossible to screw up when installing ceramic tile
on concrete.

Even if it is sealed, you just have to let it dry longer before
walking on it. Might take 2 weeks to set firmly so spend a few extra
minutes and remove the seal best you can.

Page 1 of 2       1 2 > last >>
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