1/22/2024 0 Comments Large concrete tiles indoorYou need to “uncouple” the tile from the concrete. Thankfully, there is a solution to this problem. The shifting that produces the cracks in the concrete slab will also produce cracks in the tile and/or grout. To make matters worse, the grout that is used to fill the seams also has no flexibility and will crack as well. As the concrete shifts, the tile will shift with it. Porcelain floor tile cannot compensate for these shifts. When the foundation of the home shifts, and most do have minor shifts over time, the concrete slab can develop hairline cracks that can grow larger over time. Although your floor may look relatively good now, the condition can change over time. Very small cracks of 1/8 th of an inch may be filled using a high-quality modified thin-set mortar. Installing tile directly on a slab that has even minor cracks can be an issue. Foundation shifts can adversely affect your concrete slab. If you do not find moisture, the second issue you need to address is cracks in the slab. You should seek the help of a professional to seal the slab before moving forward. ![]() If you do find moisture, you should not apply the tile directly to the concrete since the moisture can damage the mortar which will loosen the tiles. After three or four days, check to see if there is any moisture on the underside of the plastic. Be sure you keep your thermostat at a constant temperature during this test. Tape it securely to the concrete slab so no air can get in. Lay it on the slab in an area that is not affected by sunlight. There is a simple way to test for moisture. Moisture can come up from the concrete slab and affect the underside of your tile as well as the adhesive you are using. Let’s look at Moisture and Foundation Shifts in greater detail. Generating a flat, dramatic tile floor doesn’t have to be hard if you plan ahead and take the necessary steps. The two most important factors are Moisture and Foundation Shifts. ![]() What You Need to Know Before Laying Tile on ConcreteĪlthough putting tile directly over concrete is a common practice, there are a couple issues that need to be addressed to be sure your project stands the test of time, and won't cause issues down the road that could have been easily addressed up-front.
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