Concrete Slab Preparation For Tile

With ceramic tile you might be able to get away with up to 90 depending on the tile and installation products you are using.

Concrete slab preparation for tile.

Masons often use a crack isolation membrane when setting tile outdoors. Crack isolation membranes keep imperfections in the concrete slab from spreading up to the tile. As with a wooden subfloor a concrete subfloor must be level for successful tile installation. Additionally a steps must be taken to ensure that a concrete floor will create a solid bond.

Then figure on spending a day building the forms and another pouring the slab. Use a trowel to apply and use the edge to ensure the patch has edges level with the surrounding concrete. No matter how dirty or clean the concrete floor looks start the process by sweeping the floor. How to pour a concrete slab.

Patch little cracks or holes with a cement patching compound. These cracks may eventually show up in tile or dressing applied before the 28 day curing period. There are different kinds to choose from. Some also keep water out of the installation area.

To prepare your concrete subfloor make sure that it can accept water penetration. 1 as the concrete cures drying and shrinkage cracks could occur. Cracks and depressions may create weak spots that cause tile to crack in the future. There are two reasons for this.

It mitigates extreme moisture conditions. Ideally you want a rh of about 75 to 80. Before you get to work take the time to gather the supplies and tools you ll need. Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature.

There are epoxy coating systems for applying a vapor retardant over the concrete slab surface before you tile over it. New concrete must cure a minimum of 28 days before either tiling or putting a dressing onto the new concrete. The basics the bulk of the work for a new slab is in the excavation and form building. Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4.

A sound surface is necessary when preparing concrete floor for tile installation. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor. Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles. Don t lay tiles on a concrete slab with cracks that appear to be spreading or irregularities that prevent you from leveling it.

If you have to level a sloped site or bring in a lot of fill hire an excavator for a day to help prepare the site.