Replies

1. 
   Francis_Voignier | May 01, 2001 05:06pm | #1

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   The mesh means that you have to use an extra thick layer of quickrete, but it's a good idea if the cracks are bad. If your foundation has truely settled as per your engineer's conclusion, then I wouldn't worry about the mesh. I would perhaps epoxy the larger cracks.
   fv

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   Scooter_ | May 01, 2001 10:45pm | #2

   *It is impossible to diagnose a problem over the internet, and even more dificult analyzing a product when the product name is not disclosed.That having been said, the answer to your question is:It depends.How's that for definitive answer.It depends on the elevation difference bewteen the 2 cracked areas.It depends on how wide the crack is.It depends on how much settling the slab has done. Do you have a written warranty or guaranty from a soils engineer, general contractor, paving contractor and tile guy? Each will blame eachother.Assuming all is fine, and by the way I can't assume that, and indeed it sounds like all is not fine, but assuming all is fine, what your tiling guy needs to install is a "Isolation Membrane", a layer of epdm, rubber or other substance which sits on top of the slab and isolates the tile from the slab (hence the name). It minimizes cracks in the tile grout. You can generally tile over these, but if the slab/substrate is has some bad cracks or elevation changes, 3/4" of deck mud on top of the isolation membrane would be nice.Get an opinion from qualified tile guy, and get a warranty in writing. Minor cracks in slabs are common. I just don't know how minor yours are.

1. 
   Bryon_Kuntz | May 08, 2001 12:14am | #3

   *Tile over cracked slab.Go to a tile supplier and inquire into a product called Nobelseal. It is a waterproofing and crack isolation membrane. I have used it many time and it works great. You just thinset Nobelseal over the cracks and flat trowel it into the thinset real good, or use a roller. I like to span the cracks a good 6 inches on either side if the crack. Set the tile directly over the Nobelseal. You shoild have no problems.Good LuckBryon Kuntz

1. 
   Ken_fisher | May 08, 2001 09:25pm | #4

   *Byron:That Nobelseal is some tough stuff and I see some calling for it on new highrise balconies here in Florida. I doubt Jim's slab has cracked severely as I walk on different ones daily and rarely see any elevation changes unless you're near a sinkhole or a body of water.

2. 
   Jim_Hardee | May 08, 2001 09:25pm | #5

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   I am building a house in Florida and after the structure was up, there were some settling problems that resulted in cracks in the concrete slab. I plan to tile the floor but am concerned about the cracks. I spoke with a tile contractor and he said that they use some type of mesh under the tile that prevents the problem from telegraphing through the tile. The structural engineer says that it is his opinion that the settling has stopped and there should not be any further problems. I would appreciate knowing if anyone has any experience with this mesh product.