SURFACE PREP
PREPPED AND PRIMED FOR SUCCESS
Setcrete explains why thorough subfloor preparation is the foundation of every successful tile installation, highlighting the essential role of levelling compounds, primers and adhesives in achieving long-lasting performance and preventing costly flooring failures.
Before installing ceramic, porcelain or natural stone floor tiles, proper preparation of the subfloor will ensure the finished installation will maintain its integrity and aesthetic appearance throughout its lifetime.
Quite often, flooring installation failures do not manifest themselves immediately, but over weeks or months, as they are walked on and issues start to show up. For example, a loose ceramic tile or sections of missing grout are examples of flooring failures that occur because of poor or absent subfloor preparation.
Good floor preparation starts by ensuring the subfloor surface is in a sound condition, clean and free from dust, dirt, grease and contamination. New concrete must be a minimum 42 days old and cement screeds a minimum 28 days old before tiling. Timber bases must be rigid, stable and adequately ventilated and covered with a suitable non timber based intermediate layer.
For installation in wet locations with moisture-sensitive backgrounds, a suitable waterproofing system should be used to protect the substrate.
SMOOTHLY DOES IT
If the subfloor is rough and uneven, it may require a levelling compound to be installed first to create a smooth base, which also makes the installation easier and will enhance the aesthetic finish of the finished floor.
A levelling compound is also designed to provide the optimum surface for tile and other flooring adhesives, facilitating the ability of the adhesive to key in to the levelling compound
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surface and maximise the bond strength between the adhesive and the subfloor.
Levelling compounds include everyday ‘latex’-type options, which are available in light to medium duty applications, as well as enhanced formulations with additional properties. Examples include flexible levelling compounds that can be used over plywood subfloors and will accommodate a degree of movement as the floor is walked on, fast-tack formulations that are ‘walk on hard’ after just 30 minutes and ready to receive a floorcovering after just two hours, and even exterior options, which can be covered with porcelain tiles.
A suitable levelling compound can also be used to encapsulate electric underfloor heating cables. For hot water fed systems, the manufacturer of the system should be consulted for advice on how best to install it. Alternatively, Setcrete’s Technical Service team can provide specific guidance, depending on the system being used.
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