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Tiling
Floor tiling in bathroom in 2nd floor flat
Hello
I looking into redoing my bathroom in a 2nd floor flat. The floor is concrete in a 1990s purpose built flat. I have been advised not to tile the bathroom floor as it could crack. This is really disappointing from my perspective. Shall I follow this piece of advice or find a different tiler?
13 Answers from MyBuilder Tilers
Best Answer
Please ignore what you’ve been told.
With the right process and materials you could have a tile installation no problem.
Answered 26th Jun 2022
In most cases, it is OK to lay tiles directly onto concrete. But make sure the surface is free of any contaminants, dust, moisture, etc, as these can prevent the adhesive from bonding. If the concrete floor is not in good condition, or may be at risk of cracking, an uncoupling membrane is recommended. To prevent those movements from transferring to the tile floor, consider installing an uncoupling membrane between the concrete and tile surfaces. This flexible polyethylene layer is easy to install and can protect the tile from both cracking and moisture.
Answered 26th Jun 2022
Hi Julie,
First you must know why they told you not to tile it.
If the floor is concrete you need to see if the floor have any cracks, If there are no sign of any damage then its fine to tile over it but, you have to prepare floor for tiling using material the make the floor stable for tiling and prevent tiles from cracking.
Answered 26th Jun 2022
There should be no problem tiling straight on to this, or for peace of mind you could always lay a decoupling matting before tiling.
Answered 26th Jun 2022
find a different tiler it shouldn't crack if done correctly.
Answered 26th Jun 2022
Tiling can be done as long as the preparation is done correctly cracking shouldnt become an issue
Answered 26th Jun 2022
This is nonsense. If there is a chance of any movement (unlikely in a 30 year old house) then yes you wouldn’t want to tile direct to the concrete. However, even if there was movement, there are many products on the market that can absorb it. Any decent tiler would advise you to lay a decoupling membrane prior to tiling. This is an anti fracture mat which gets stuck down then tiles can be laid directly on top.
Good luck.
Answered 26th Jun 2022
Thanks so much
Answered 26th Jun 2022
You should be fine if floor is concrete,as stated. If floor need reinforcement install cement boards on top of floor, although with the floor you have that seems abit OTT to me. If your floor is solid and you have not subsidance in your home you should be fine.
Answered 26th Jun 2022
Hi if the romans can tile on concrete then good enough for me as they did invent it. So If the concrete floor is not in good condition, or may be at risk of cracking, an uncoupling membrane is recommended. Use Kerakoll adhesive but there are others just as good so adhesives are designed to flex with heat and cold conditions it’s very rare for a tile to crack. It would be more so if it was a floating floor but even then if done correct with Hardie backer boards then again very rare for a tile to crack. Do not use plywood on a floating floor it’s outlawed and prone to fail. again preparation of the floor is key.
Answered 26th Jun 2022
Flat floor, rapid adhesive over the whole tile with right tile, porcelain or the right recommended ceramic floor tile it will not crack. You can also use a matting,I would swap tiler
Answered 27th Jun 2022
Hello.
I found this situation a very interesting one and I amnkeen to know what the true answer is as to why it would crack?
As to my knowledge of tiling, I would have said to use a flexible tile adhesive.
Thanks
Answered 27th Jun 2022
You can use anti crack durabase dittra matt and lay any tiles on the floor
Answered 28th Jun 2022
