Concrete Slab Preparation For Tile

The basics the bulk of the work for a new slab is in the excavation and form building.

Concrete slab preparation for tile.

How to prepare concrete for a tile installation 1. Some also keep water out of the installation area. Use a trowel to apply and use the edge to ensure the patch has edges level with the surrounding concrete. Cracks and depressions may create weak spots that cause tile to crack in the future.

Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature. Additionally a steps must be taken to ensure that a concrete floor will create a solid bond. To prepare your concrete subfloor make sure that it can accept water penetration. Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4.

New concrete must cure a minimum of 28 days before either tiling or putting a dressing onto the new concrete. 1 as the concrete cures drying and shrinkage cracks could occur. There are two reasons for this. With ceramic tile you might be able to get away with up to 90 depending on the tile and installation products you are using.

These cracks may eventually show up in tile or dressing applied before the 28 day curing period. Then figure on spending a day building the forms and another pouring the slab. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor. Ideally you want a rh of about 75 to 80.

It mitigates extreme moisture conditions. There are different kinds to choose from. 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. A sound surface is necessary when preparing concrete floor for tile installation.

Masons often use a crack isolation membrane when setting tile outdoors. The substrate for tiles shorter than 15 inches must be so flat that it varies no more than 1 16 inch per foot according to the ceramic tile education foundation. No matter how dirty or clean the concrete floor looks start the process by sweeping the floor. With the cracks patched apply a latex modified crack resistant thin set.

How to pour a concrete slab. As with a wooden subfloor a concrete subfloor must be level for successful tile installation. Patch little cracks or holes with a cement patching compound. Before you get to work take the time to gather the supplies and tools you ll need.

There are epoxy coating systems for applying a vapor retardant over the concrete slab surface before you tile over it.