Ceramic tiling over a composite floor

coolagarry

I intend to tile my laundry room and when I removed the present cover I found that the floor underneath had the old style of plastic/composite tiles laid.
They are the brittle type that was popular in the 80's. Some strips are missing around the edges and the floor underneath is a black 'adhesive' type of finish which is completely dry (presumably that was how the tiles were stuck down).

Other than giving the surface a good clean has anyone any advice about whether or not I need to seal the floor with something before using the conventional tile adhesive

TILER

Hi

You can tile straight onto it, use an ordinary fast setting adhesive and add a few drops of pva to the mixing water

Tiler

handyman.

TILER wrote:

Hi

You can tile straight onto it, use an ordinary fast setting adhesive and add a few drops of pva to the mixing water

Tiler

any comments
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/tiling/diy_Tiling_Why_not_to_use_pva.htm

Where did you get the info on putting pva in the mixture? Did you just make it up?

handyman.

I would go for a cement based (powder) adhesive that isnt rapid set, just to give you more time to tile (unless your happy to work fast!)

Topp tiles sell BAL adhesive. You just clean the existing surface, and tile away. The existing surface must be solid and stable

Alan_M_2

coolagarry wrote:

I intend to tile my laundry room and when I removed the present cover I found that the floor underneath had the old style of plastic/composite tiles laid.
They are the brittle type that was popular in the 80's. Some strips are missing around the edges and the floor underneath is a black 'adhesive' type of finish which is completely dry (presumably that was how the tiles were stuck down).

Other than giving the surface a good clean has anyone any advice about whether or not I need to seal the floor with something before using the conventional tile adhesive

It really depends on how well these tiles are stuck to the existing floor, ideally they should be removed, which often you'll find is easily done with a scraper or a small spade.

If the tiles are stuck so well it's a major operation to remove them then tiling straight over them isn't a problem, You will need an adhesive with an additive though to increase the bonding strength. BAL Rapidset flexible or similar.

Ignore the PVA advice above it's just plain wrong.

handyman.

alan, any difference between bal rapid and non rapid?.......other than the obvious, of course;)

Alan_M_2

Not really, it's just habit always using a rapid for flooring, not being able to walk on something for 24hrs is an utter nuisance.

handyman.

Alan_M wrote:

Not really, it's just habit always using a rapid for flooring, not being able to walk on something for 24hrs is an utter nuisance.

thats what i thought. Was just saying to him not to use rapid, as he may need a little more time than rapid allows to tile his floor.

Must agree, rapid is the dogs danglers:D

coolagarry

Thank you all for your advice. I feel much more confident now in getting on with it.
I think I will remove the tiles and lay the new ones over the black stuff...it's really dry and firm.