Les Couvre-Planchers
LeBlanc Inc
140, rue Edmonton,
Gatineau QC

map
819.771.5897

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Wednesday:
9:00am to 5:30pm

Thursday and Friday:
9:00am to 8:00pm

Saturday:
9:30am to 1:00pm

Sunday:
Closed

Home Consulting

Getting Ready to Install Ceramic

After the selection, the most important element of a successful installation is the condition of the surface to be tiled.

A properly prepared surface is smooth, stable and free of any defects. It also satisfies the requirements of any special conditions that may exist, such as waterproofing.


Floors

Old floor coverings such as carpet, resilient tiles and sheer floor coverings and their existing glue residues should be removed. Exceptions are non-cushioned sheet vinyl and old flooring known to contain asbestos where encapsulation may be preferred to removal. Concrete floors in good condition are a sound base for a thin-set installation. Minor cracking may sometimes be repaired by applying an anti-fracture membrane which would also allow a thin-set installation. Severely cracked concrete will require a thick-bed. Placing new ceramic tile over old, sound, properly prepared ceramic tile is quite acceptable as tile provides an excellent rigid base.

Walls

Wall surfaces should be inspected for defects. Extensive running cracks will eventually work through to the tile unless the cause is corrected and the surface is patched. Paint, especially water based latex paint, should be removed completely wherever possible. Walls in severely poor condition require a new backing surface before a thin-set installation can proceed.

Wet areas

Health clubs, saunas, and residential baths are some indoor areas where heavy water usage occurs. Preparing the area to be tiled is an important consideration. Before tiling, a waterproof backing or membrane should be installed on all surfaces where direct water contact occurs. These include the walls of tub and shower enclosures, bathroom floors, and any areas exposed to high temperatures from steam. In addition to waterproof membranes, latex modified mortars and grouts, a thick-bed installation is usually recommended.

Outdoor areas

Exterior masonry or cement must be in good condition to receive a thin-set installation. For severely cracked or damaged surfaces, the thick-bed method should be used.

Newly constructed floor areas such as patios and courtyards will require slopes to drains and appropriately spaced expansion joints.
Terraces, balconies and roof decks require the same considerations as above and must also be designed to protect against water leakage to the space below. A waterproof membrane should be applied before tile installation.

Swimming pools must be constructed of concrete in order to be tiled. The tank should be tested by filling it with water before the tile work is started. For residential pools, a thin-set installation is generally acceptable.

Source: RoyalCeramic.com