Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some opinions about laying ceramic tile on a concrete floor with a couple hairline cracks that have been there without change since the owner has been in the house(8+years). Should I fallow certain steps to be sure it won’t affect the tile floor(12″)? Also, for the first time anyone can remember people out her in central Saskatchewan, Canada (the middle of the prairies) got so much precipitation that they got some water in their basements. Although certain precautions were taken (ie; new gutters, adding a pump that works in the pit!) to prevent this from happening again, would a regular installation be adequate should this happen again?By regular I mean thin set, tile, grout and sealer.
Thanks for your help!
Replies
Unless someone has been monitoring on a seasonal basis, is doubtful that any one knows if crack is active or not. Homeowners are quick to say, no it hasn't moved, as they want the job done quickly and cheaply. Of course you will be on their speed dial if the crack telescopes into the tile.
I've used a number of methods for spanning cracks (trowel on products, and even builders felt years ago) but am now using Tavy Thin-Skin underlayment system - but do not know what it will do in 5 or 10 years.
Reg
Thank's Reg!
I live in LA and we membrane any slab. Period. I won't warranty a thing without a membrane.You have quite a choice for membranes--Laticrete Blue 92, a paint on variety; NobelCS; Ditra; or any of the PVC varieties.But I'd membrane that rascal.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
Sounds good Scooter. Thanks.
Are you installing membrane over the whole floor, or just along the cracks?
I membrane the whole floor. I use a PVC product.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
Would you membrane a slab that has #4 rebar on 16" centers in each direction?
BruceM
I membrane all slabs. Period. But I live in California, where earth movement is more frequent. I would membrane over any new slab anywhere. I would membrane over any old slab with obvious cracks.On the crack thing, you can use Laticrete Blue 92 and bridge the gaps should you desire. This product is made for that specific application.I just say f u c k it, and membrane the whole thing. I mean why c o c k around it. PVC is cheap, about $2 a square foot.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
Ditra seems to be the favorite lately, expensive but very slick and effective.
I'd advocate a membrane as well, and Ditra is what I'd use.
I get Ditra and Kerdi through Tile Protection. Just had a roll of Kerdi, a Kersi drain and some corners delivered. They're prices are pretty good, a roll of Ditra at about $1.10 a foot, several rolls for less than $1.00 a foot.
http://www.tileprotection.com/home.php?cat=4