[DrHicks]

Sometime soon I'm going to be tiling the garage entryway for my sis-in-law. It's essentially a short hallway. One end is the door to the attached garage (unheated) and the other end is the family room.

The floor is concrete, and is in good condition.

I'm sure she'll pick some cutting edge combination, like beige tile and beige grout.

I'm thinking this is a pretty simple, straightforward job.

But...

For this application, is there any reason to use anything other than regular Thinset Mortar, and Sanded Grout? There will be no serious temperature variations, but there will (obviously) be some. Any typical problems I should watch out for?


Thanks!

 

[oh'mike]

I'd use a modified thinset---Check the concrete and make sure that it is flat---Low spots are easily filled with Ardex Feather Finish or self leveling compound.

High spots require grinding---hope for flat or low---high is a time waster.--Mike---

 

[DrHicks]

I'd use a modified thinset---Check the concrete and make sure that it is flat---Low spots are easily filled with Ardex Feather Finish or self leveling compound.

High spots require grinding---hope for flat or low---high is a time waster.--Mike---

Awesome. Thanks Mike!

I've been there several times and eyeballed the area. It looks good, but I haven't yet had a level on it.


One other thing... It's carpeted. I assume the carpet is glued down. Is there a specific product that will get the carpet glue up, without damaging the concrete and/or causing adhesion problems?


Thanks!

 

[oh'mike]

Usually the glue comes off with hot water and soap----get some old bed sheets---lay them over the glue--wet and let it soak for an hour or so---then scrape and wire brush---the thinset won't care if there is still some residue.

Do not use solvents---they will soak into the concrete and spoil the bond with the thinset.

If the floor is questionable----consider using a two part thinset like Kerabond and Keralastic--

That product is approved for use over some nasty glues,like cut back.

Most carpet adhesives are not a problem with a modified thinset.