Ceramic Tile Installation

user-94930 | Posted in Construction Techniques on January 29, 2006 09:55am

My daughter has condo on the 27 floor in St Paul, MN. She would like to install ceramic tile in her kitched. Currently she has sheet vinyl installed over a concrete sub-floor (I am assuming the sheet vinyl is bonded to the concrete sub-floor). Would it be possible to install ceramic tile over the sheet vinyl or does the vinyl have to be removed?
Thank You, Don M

Replies

bbqjason | Jan 29, 2006 10:19pm | #1
link here to help you out- http://www.tileusa.com/faq_main.htm
mojo | Jan 30, 2006 12:00am | #2
You also need to have your daughter check the by-laws of her condo. Lot's of high-rise units limit the square footage of ceramic/stone tile or hardwood because sound transmits more easily. I learned this the hard way. I lugged 200 square feet of tile + the portland + the sand needed to do a 1" mud job up 2 flights only to be told that it was against the by-laws. Ugh...

rasconc | Jan 30, 2006 12:48am | #3

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Tiling Over Vinyl

Can I tile over vinyl?

We are often asked if it is OK to tile over sheet vinyl. The answer requires more than a simple yes or no.

Most manufacturers’ of tile cement (thinset) have developed a specialty thinset for setting tile that bonds well to sheet vinyl. However, as with all tile installations, the entire subfloor below the tile is important – not only the layer to which the tile is bonded.

To tile over sheet vinyl the following is generally recommended by most mortar manufacturers:

1) The sheet vinyl must be clean and free of wax or other bond breakers

2) The sheet vinyl must be single layer only and well attached

3) It should not be perimeter glued (it often is!) and it should not have a cushion or foam back.

4) The subfloor below the sheet vinyl must deflect less than the industry standard L/360 deflection criteria.

In all cases, we do not recommend straying from manufacturer’s recommendations – you must check with the mortar manufacturer for their specific installation and product advice.

If your question is still unresolved, you have several choices to explore other means of technical support.

Situation May Require an On-Site Inspection to resolve the problem.

Installation May Require Sample Testing

Link to Manufacturers' Technical Support

Questions Regarding Handbook Guidelines or ANSI Standards

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