1st Job: HELP....I start tomorrow...?????

[Carlion]

Hi,
Starting my first pro` tiling job tomorrow and a bit apprehensice as I doing a ceramic floor tiles - only ever done wall tiling! Customer`s floor (11m2) which has the Marley tile `bitumen` adhesive left in situ, on a concrete floor. After reading the advice here, I think I need the folowing:
-Cocrete: I have to make good the concrete substrate in a couple of areas, which is normal floor screed. Would you use any primers/ bonding prior to back-filling with new concrete. The depth is about 100-150mm.
-DEGREASER: sugarsoap??
-PRIMER: BAL Bond SPR or WEBBER pci 303 (5 lts will do the job I`m told, apply neat by a small roller)
-SELF LEVELLING COMPOUND: Arditex SLC with a Latex additive(do not use water). How much do i need?
-ADHESIVE: I have been advised to use a cement based flexible-rapid-set, but am concerned the open-time will be too quick for me. Is there another product which would give the same results but with a longer open-time.

Thanks,
Si.

[Rad2474]

Check on the bottle but i'm sure you can use the sbr 4 parts to 1 for concrete.Why latex with slc on a concrete floor if it's in sound condition.? Are they ceramic tiles on a concrete floor? you don't need flexi if they are,get standard set adhesive if you want a longer working time than rapid set. Do you have an account with ctd? they have profix on special it's not bad to work with. Prime the floor then slc you can prime the slc to be on the safe side if you want and remember to take your time and you'll be fine. Oh and don't forget the pics.

[martin & brock]

BAL is the way to go mate a bit pricey tho,use single part its gives you plenty time to play with,floors are easy when you get going you will be using rapid set in no time lol.
good luck

[kilty55]

hi, bal bond will do the trick applied neat,,5 litres will be tonnes you wil have lots leftover from that,,you dont need flexi slc or flxi adhesive for concrete this will bring your materials costs down as wel mate,,

[LM Ceramics]

agree with above dont spend needless money if its not needed

[Carlion]

The floor tiles are ceramic. I don`t know the state of the concrete until I`ve lifted the Marley tiles and removed with a scraper any bitumen I can manually do - that`s why i was going to use a SLC!
Si

[kilty55]

aye use a slc mate but it doesnt have to be flexible

[Carlion]

Thanks for the advice, will do.
Si

[david campbell]

just take your time now and leave a good job!

[Dan]

Just make sure you use the right products for the job. Give Mapei a call and speak to them also. Though choose whatever adhesive suits you after checking a few out for price and availability.

Checkout Tile Giant for Mapei stock.

[Daz]

Either get all the bitumen off, or prime and slc to cover it before tiling.

I use Ardex products as they are easily sourced for me, but there are plenty of others available. Based on Ardex the Arditex NA is latex based and cheaper than the Ardex K15 which is water based so just choose the slc that you want to use based on ease of sourcing and price to you.

[Carlion]

Thanks again guys. Will post comments on completion.
Si