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Advice for a tiled subfloor adhesion.

  |  Advice for a tiled subfloor adhesion.

HOW TO adhere to a tiled sub floor

We really need to look at this in regard to the condition, potential movement and potential moisture issues.

TWO TYPES OF TILED SUBFLOORs

We understand that there are two main types of tiled sub floors that most contractors come across and will try to deal with these below. Additionally we need to point out that the adhesion of the tiles, as well as surface contamination and potential moisture issues should be taken into account and any advice we offer is based on industry practices and the products that we stock in the UK.

 

Ceramic Tiles

Theoretically, it is possible to adhere to the top of the tile surface but it is important to consider the potential issues before you start work. If your final floor covering is likely to be a wooden floor then you need to consider the tension created, the sub floor surface and the suitability of the sub floor itself. Whilst it is difficult to gauge the strength of the adhesive bond below the tile, you should look out for hollow spots as a new floor created with primers, adhesives and wooden flooring will likely tighten everything below it and could create additional problems.

If you are satisfied that the tiles are suitably strong and well bonded, you must then check for moisture in the Joints. Often times this is not an issue but it should be checked. Always keep in mind that the British standard is 65RH or less for all sub floor readings and we would not deviate from this

The next thing to be aware of is the likely contaminates on the surface of the tile and how best to deal with them. All tile surfaces must be cleaned with Wakol R4515 tile cleaner before any other procedures can be carried out.

Tiles need to be abraded after cleaning  to create a better bond. A diamond abrasive on a single disc machine or similar can achieve this. Scratches created should be visible after the process. Once complete, the floor will need to be thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned before any adhesive can be applied.

When the sub floor is completely dry, the relevant Wakol adhesive can be used to install the new wooden floor. In general terms Wakol MS228 or Wakol MS230 is recommended for engineered floors and Wakol MS260 is recommended for solid wooden floors up to 180 mm in width.

 

Stone and Quarry tile

This is a slightly different area to ceramics as the product has an absorbent surface. Additionally, it is possible that these types of product are in older buildings with no mechanical DPC. Just as with ceramics, it is important that the contractor assesses the situation for potential moisture issues and structural integrity before any work is carried out.

Once the contractor is satisfied, then the same processes and products can be used with one exception. As the surface is absorbent, it must be cleaned as described above and Wakol MS330 or Wakol PU280 should be applied before the relevant Wakol adhesive.

If you need help and advice on something that is not covered, please contact us and we will try our best to answer your questions.