Thinset is a Portland cement product that hardens to a concrete finish beneath the tiles. If you have old thinset still on the subfloor, it is possible to tile over it, but you may need to prepare the floor in one of several ways first.
Can you pour floor leveler over thinset?
Yes you must remove all of the thinset - FOR SURE. Thinset is not meant to be exposed and a leveler on top of it will not protect it enough. From walking and moving furniture you will end up with chunks of thinset/leveler and it will just be a mess.
Can you pour concrete over existing tile?
Generally speaking, it is possible to lay concrete over a tile floor. As long as the tile is in good condition, sound, and there are not any problems with what is under the tile, then the concrete can be laid successfully. Putting down concrete overlayment is a rather tedious process.
Can I use thinset to level a concrete floor?
You can use thinset to install tile over an uneven cement floor and leave the floor perfectly level. You can also use thinset mortar to level out an uneven cement floor or fill small holes in the floor without installing tile.
Does old thinset need to be removed?
Unfortunately, you can't simply reapply thinset and install your new floor. Even after doing your best to remove most of the old thinset, having any remnants of old thinset makes new floor installation nearly impossible. This procedure is not only hard work but extremely important to new floor installation.
15 related questions foundWhat is the best way to get thinset off concrete?
We tried everything to get it off, and finally found the one solution that actually works!
- The best way to remove thinset from a concrete floor.
- One tile down, many more to go!
- Reciprocating saw / tile scraper blade.
- The thinset on the floor.
- Flooring removal machine.
- Angle grinder with thinset removal disc.
What removes concrete thinset?
To remove thinset, start by pouring boiling water over the thinset to weaken the material. Leave it for an hour, then hold a sharp putty knife at a 45-degree angle and hammer the back with a hand maul to break up the thinset.
How thick can you float thinset?
Most thin-set mortars have a maximum thickness of 1/4" (6 mm) and medium-bed mortars have a maximum of 1/2" (12 mm).
What can I do with leftover thinset?
Pour any liquid mortar that has been mixed with water into a bucket, and allow it to thoroughly set and harden. Break the mortar up with a hammer and chisel, and transfer the pieces into a trash bag. Dispose of small amounts of material in a garbage can.
What happens if thinset is too thick?
If the thinset is too thick, this creates an uneven surface that's difficult to clean and maintain. It also increases the drying phase causing the project to come to a halt. It's recommended to be methodical with the use of thinset mortar.
Can you pour self leveling concrete over ceramic tile?
Do not use self-leveling compound over glazed ceramic tiles, or over floors where a majority of the installed tiles have cracked. Wear work gloves, safety goggles and a particle mask when mixing and applying the compound to avoid skin, eye and lung contact.
Is concrete overlay a good idea?
They're Strong and Durable
You can expect your floor coatings to last as long as your floors – which can be your whole life. You won't have to replace your floors every decade or so, the way you would with other flooring types. The only reason you'll have to change your floors is if you want a new look.
Can you pour polished concrete over tiles?
According to Concrete Network, this can be done, but again precautions should be taken to ensure the existing surface is up to the task. They only recommend pouring concrete over existing tiles if they are in sound condition and firmly affixed.
Does vinegar remove thinset?
While vinegar is a weak acid solvent and won't damage dried concrete, it wukk help to loosen up the bonding elements of thinset cement, allowing you to wipe up limited dried residue with your sponge.
Why does thinset not stick to tile?
There's an appropriate ratio of water (or polymer) to powder that must be mixed, and if you've used too much or too little water, your thinset won't work as well as it should. If you don't use enough water, it'll be too dry and won't stick to the floor or your tiles. If you use too much water, it'll be too runny.
Can you lay vinyl flooring over thinset?
While thinset mortar could hold vinyl tile in place, it is not necessary. The cementlike consistency of thinset is important with heavy tiles such as ceramic and stone, but with vinyl, which is light and resilient, you can use different adhesives.
Can you save thinset overnight?
Place the container in a cool location that is out of direct sunlight. Mortar will keep like this for several days without hardening.
Can I mix half bag of thinset?
Never mix a whole bag of thinset at once. Don't make the rookie mistake of mixing up the whole 50-pound bag of thinset and then only being able to use half of it before it starts hardening up! Only mix up the amount that you can use in 20 minutes or so.
Can you add water to thinset?
Don't add too much water – this will weaken the mix. Mix slowly to trap the minimum amount of air in the mortar mix. The mortar should be fairly thick, like thick peanut butter. The thickness and consistency of the initial mix should be the same consistency of the final mix.
Can you pour self leveling concrete over old thinset?
If you only have a small amount of old thinset that you need to tile over, use a self-leveling floor compound to smooth out the entire floor. Self-leveling compounds start out liquid but harden to a smooth, flat surface ideal for tiling. It will automatically seek out the high and low spots on the floor and level them.
How much can you build up thinset?
The terms thinset cement, thinset mortar, dryset mortar, and drybond mortar are synonymous. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick. For example, a 3/8" notch trowel will produce a 3/16th inch thick coating after the tiles are pressed in to the cement.
What is the cheapest way to level a concrete floor?
The cheapest way to level a concrete floor is to use a specialized sand mix. This sand mix is 90% more affordable than self-leveling concrete while producing similar results. To do this, you will spread the sand mix across the top, spray it with water, and then let it dry.
How hard is it to remove thinset from concrete?
Thinset has a strong bond, and it's pretty challenging to scrape off. You can even end up damaging your floor. That said, this adhesive is often used because of how much more durable it is than other options.
