OK,I need to set some 13′ x 13′ ceramic tile on the floor of a house which now has vinyl over concrete slab.
The vinyl is in good condtion, for the most part. I know that I can set tile on the vinyl, have done it several times.
Here is the problem:
One of the areas is a mud room that was added on at some time,also with a slab floor….but the person who placed and finished this slab was probably drunk and doped out. I have never seen a worse job. Mind you, I can’t see the concrete through the vinyl,but it is hard not to trip on the humps and dips in this floor!
The owner said that the vinyl installers couldn’t believe what they saw when they came to install, and that they had quite a time prepping and placing leveling toppings on to try to make it better.Part of the reason the owner wants tile is to fix this floor.
So…..Is it possible to place a leveling compound of some sort directly on the vinyl? I would be placing from a depth of 3/4″ to a feather edge..not trying to level,really,just trying to smooth it enough to set this size tile without leaving gaps underneath. What type of compound?
I will be setting the tile with a modified thinset.
There is no room to pour a thin topping overall-(dooways,matching heights,etc.)
Any suggestions?
Help, Please….:-)
what the heck
was I thinking?
Replies
There are many good leveling compounds on the market. Most I believe will recommend several thin applications rather than one thick one. You should also be able to find some that will feather to almost nothing, even "self leveling" products. Check with your local concrete products retailer. Be forewarned. these are not cheap. But, you are a pro and want a satisfied customer, right?
You must remove the vinyl.
Thanks for responding,TK...I know of leveling products that will serve if I were to remove the vinyl.
I have never had a failure due to leaving well adhered vinyl in place.Is this experience really atypical?Could you relate your experience with failures of this nature? Have you known of or seen failures from this approach? Does the tile come loose or does the grout crack and powder out?
I consider myself a pro, and a durable installation is in my and the clients' best interests.I am willing to listen and learn to provide the best service possible to my customers.
Again,thanks for the response.JWwhat the heck was I thinking?
Why is it a problem removing the tile? Unless it is vinyl asbestos I would strongly prefer removing it. If it is VA you are correct to overlay it.
The product that is now on the floor is sheet vinyl,fully adhered....my experience is that it is very dificult to remove. It usually delaminates and tears apart with a substantial portion remaining stuck to the slab,which then has to be scraped off.Several hours on your knees in an existing house with small spaces to deal with and no room for large scrapers.Many times the adhesive used cannot be removed short of air chiseling or grinding.
It may be that this is the approach I should take with the mud room floor that is so wavy.JWwhat the heck was I thinking?
Just a thought. But, why not chip out the obvious high spots and ridges before putting down the levelling compound?
There would be less to level and it might be easier in the long run than trying to level the whole floor with bumps and ruts as large as you suggest.
Air chisle is what I was thinking, even if you have to rent it and pass the cost on to the customer. If you try to take the shortcut and don't remove it while he's paying for it, you may have to own it later. Now's the time.Excellence is its own reward!