At work we put ceramic tile over linoleum which sits on concrete. When I was done I tapped on the ceramic tile with the back of my scrapper handle and all the tiles sounded hollow. The other bathroom, done by another guy, had the same sound–like trapped air or somehow hollow. The old tile seemed sound except for a few tiles. We also used some acrylic (I think) compound that took forever to dry. Was there a better way to do this and also if there was asbestos in the linoleum how do you take that out safely? The book says contact EPA, but they only say not to saw or shatter. Is lifting it out with a floor scrapper safe even though some pieces will crack and break into pieces? What’s right? What’s safe? And why did all the tiles test hollow?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
From scrapers to power strippers and infrared lamps, there are several methods for removing stubborn paint, each with different costs, time requirements, and health-safety considerations.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
jd
How big were the tiles and what groove trowel did you use.
Uh, what did you use to set the tile? You said "some acrylic compound". Do you mean mastic (vs thinset mortar)?
sounds like you have problems to come...
I have been remodeling for the last 15 years and usually do everything by the book unless I find a better alternative based on experience. First, I would not tile over linoleum because it is not the right substrate for tiling. Second, it sounds like you use an organic product like mastic or premixed "thinset". Neither of these can cure properly when sandwiched between linoleum and ceramic tile because neither is pourous that would allow these setting material to dry. It is just like the environment when mastic is placed in a container with a closed lid; it will not dry or set. on the other hand, regular thinset or unmodified thinset would set and does not need to "breath". I would have taken good care and remove the linoleum. just look into safe ways to contain the dust and air when you do so if you're concerned with asbestos.
I think the hollow sound might be a result of the adhesive that you use remained wet. It is also possible that you did not use the right notched trowel and use too little setting material so it is really hollow underneath. in either case you can probably removed all those tiles easily once you remove the first 1-2 tiles. i say you redo it now or redo it down the road; your choice :)