Tile is a water resistant, beautiful material for flooring in the bathroom.
Ceramic, stone or composite tiles resist water and provide a sturdy, durable floor for your bathroom. There are many ways to install new tiles, but not all of them create the same level of strength or stability. Installing your new bathroom tile flooring the right way ensures it will last for decades of regular use.
Install Over Backer Board
Attaching backer board over the existing floor will save you the trouble of removing existing flooring, and it creates a sturdy and stable surface to support the new tiles. Backer board is a concrete or gypsum board lined with fiberglass or a waterproof coating, according to Hometime. Attach backer board sheets to the subfloor or over the existing floor with a coat of thin-set mortar and screws. Concrete or waterproof gypsum backer board won't be damaged by spills or moisture from a hot shower. Attach tiles of all materials directly to the backer board with another coat of thin-set mortar.
Install Over Existing Tiles
It is possible to install new tiles directly over old tiles says the Danny Lipford website, but some precautions must be taken first. Any loose tiles must be reattached before new tile can be laid or the new tiles will come loose as well. Cleaning the existing floor with a stripping product will remove any built-up soap scum or dirt that will interfere with the bonding process of tile mortar. Smooth tiles may require a light sanding for better adhesion. If the subfloor below the existing tiles is damaged or flexes when pressure is applied, you will need to remove the tiles and repair the subfloor first. The grout between tiles will crack if the floor below it is not stable.
Remove Residues
A level concrete subfloor is the perfect surface for installing tile. If your bathroom has a quality subfloor hidden below a layer of old vinyl flooring or broken tiles, removing the old flooring will allow you to install a new tile floor without adding more height that could disrupt the movement of the bathroom door. You should be careful to clean the floor thoroughly to remove all traces of old flooring adhesives, which can interfere with the mortar used to set new tiles.
Use the Right Adhesive and Grout
Three different adhesive materials must be used when a new tile floor is installed in a bathroom. Thin-set mortar is a concrete product that attaches the backer board and tiles to the floor, according to This Old House. Grout is a different concrete product that resists water and is spread in the seams between the tiles. Sanded grout is the most common form used in the tile floors. Caulk is a silicon or similar gel that is more flexible than grout. Caulk is often used around fixtures that shift during use to prevent cracking in the watertight seal.
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