New ceramic tile installation - substrate problem

18 years ago

I got volunteered to update my "outlaws'" kitchen by replacing the indoor/outdoor carpet (don't ask) with tile. The foundation is concrete slab. The house is about 25 years old. The problem is there is a layer of vinal or linoleum in between the carpet that has to come up and the concrete slab. Mid-80's vintage increases the odds that there is asbestos either in the backing or the adhesive. Remediation isn't an option. So...assuming that the vinal/linoleum is adhering to the slab, what are my options to provide a workable substrate for 12" tiles? I don't have a lot of height to work with in order to maintain a reasonable transition with the dining room carpet. I'm researching Hardibacker and DITRA...not sure if hardibacker is a suitable option since nailing/screwing into 2-decade old concrete will be problematic. Any ideas? If it helps, the room is small--about 7 x 9 floorspace. thanks.

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Comments (3)

bud_cline
18 years ago
You can not use Hardi or any cement backer board on concrete. You CAN use DITRA. The vinyl needs to be removed and the remaining adhesive scraped up as best you can. Then get a look at the slab - you may not need anything but the right thinset.

If the slab is cracked an isolation membrane may be needed, of which DITRA is one. There are others. If the cracks are living cracks and one side of a crack is higher than the other side of the same crack you may not be able to use tile.

Get it cleaned up and then talk about it when you know what you are dealing with.
glaciers
Original Author
18 years ago
I'm thinking (hoping) that cracks will not be an issue--by now it should have been noticeable through a 1/4" of i/o carpet. then again... my real concern with the vinal (or whatever is down there) is the possibility of asbestos. not touching the vinal solves the asbestos quandry. so, with such a small area to work with, a solution that leaves the vinal in place is "easier". I understand it is not the "best" solution by a long shot. so, no to hardibacker...would DITRA work over the vinal? would I improve things if I lay 1/2 or 5/8 plywood over the vinal then added the DITRA? remind me not to get volunteered in the future. thanks
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bud_cline
18 years ago
STOP wanting to lay something on top of the concrete for God's sake. It doesn't work that that.

YES, you can install the DITRA over the vinyl. Go to the Schluter website and get the rest of your information there. Always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.

http://www.schlutersystems.com