When the vinyl is firmly adhered to the floor and all contaminants and waxes have been stripped from the floor. If the vinyl is “cushioned,” it should be removed. Bear in mind that some older vinyl may contain asbestos, which can be dangerous if inhaled. In unsure, contact a professional.

We generally recommend that the underlayment be removed because the subfloor may mot be adequate to support tile; however if your existing vinyl floor was installed over an adequate subfloor using a full spread installation method then yes, it can be done if you use the proper installation products.

Yes. However, tile will not bond directly to a wood floor. We recommend the following methods to prepare your wood floor for tile installation: Install Schluter Ditra, from Schluter Systems, with a latex thinset. Then install the tile using a non-latex thinset.

The Basement De-Watering System® is the ideal solution for carpeted basements. If the carpet has not been destroyed by years of water damage, enough of it can be moved or removed to provide clearance for the Basement De-Watering System®. Some carpets must be trimmed and replaced after the installation. If vinyl flooring has survived past seepage, it will be trimmed about 2 1/2" from the wall before the Basement De-Watering System® is installed.

We recommend using a non-rinsing cleaner that leaves no film. We suggest that you vacuum, sweep or dust mop more frequently. Wipe up food or other spills immediately using a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth. You should NEVER USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS, POWDERS, OIL CLEANERS, WAXES OR DISH DETERGENT; this will scratch the surface or leave a film.

You can use primer to prepare a sub-floor for vinyl tile. It aids in preparing the floor for the adhesive. We recommend Jasco Primer. NEVER USE A SEALER! TrafficMaster Pro Basement Proofer is a type of primer that acts like a sealer, but allows adhesion of the tile to concrete floors. Most importantly, it helps prevent moisture from getting between tiles and the sub-floor.

Concrete Floors must not contain a sealer or finish of any kind. For installing below grade (below floor level, like in basements), we recommend Basement Proofer to prepare concrete floors. First, clean the sub-floor for any remaining dirt and grease. Tiles must be in the room of installation for at least 2 days to stabilize temperature. Never use polyurethane over vinyl tile.

If your original vinyl floor was installed using a full spread adhesive method, then you can apply an embossing leveler to the original vinyl to smooth it out and then install the new vinyl.

Ceramic tile can be bonded to ceramic tile with a polymer modified thinset BUT your installation will only be as good as the weakest tile in the old installation.

SkimStone is formulated for application over concrete floors. Good adhesion has been achieved over a wide variety of materials but bare concrete is the only recommended substrate for SkimStone floors.

If floor is already 5/8 you need to add another 5/8 of exterior grade plywood screwed every 6" on outside perimeter and 8" in body of plywood.

Although modified thinset will bond to the vinyl floor covering it doesn't mean it will allow for a successful installation. The vinyl should be removed along with the 1/4" plywood underlayment.

Depending upon the type of system you have, it is usually possible to install ceramic over radiant heat floors. Some applications will require a membrane in between the tile and subfloor. Ask your contractor what is best for you. One of the rubs against ceramic tile is that it is cold and hard. There are floor heating systems available to make your floor more comfortable to the touch, but in terms of hardness, yes, ceramic is much like hardwood in that it doesn’t have much give.

It is better to remove the existing vinyl, but if it does not cause a transition problem from one floor to the next and/or if it does not cause a problem with the installation or removal of appliances and doors then it can be done. Keep in mind though that you may want to remove and raise your base boards so they have the proper reveal.

It's important that your floor be strong and without any flexibility. Your joists should be 2"x10" centered every 16". The plywood subfloor must be either 5/8" exterior grade plywood or 3/4" OSB before you begin adding to the substrate. Deflection both dead and live loads must not exceed L/360 for ceramic tile or L/720 for natural stone and some larger ceramic tiles. There are allowances made for variances to the above. Check with the pros in the forum for recommendations.

No, however the application of 2 to 3 three coats of a floor sealer will give the floor a high gloss appearance and make cleaning slightly easier in the long term. For information on our recommended sealers and polishes please click here. [top]

Our technicians do not install floor tile, but we can recommend and coordinate with tile contractors to give your bathroom a completely new look.

The floor sink must be accessible for cleaning, but you should speak to your local plumbing inspector for height requirements above the finished floor to ensure it is installed in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code. Check with the Uniform Plumbing Code and your local building department for specific rules and regulations.

Yes, Tesserae panels can be installed over any clean, sound and dry surface. Should your vinyl flooring have any loose areas, surface cracks or holes, these should be repaired to insure a smooth, clean and dry surface.

The thickness will depend on the stability of your floor. Plywood must be installed over an adequate subfloor and be at least 1 1/4" thick when combined with the subfloor. Interior-grade plywood and particleboard are not considered a strong enough floor underlayment. The plywood needs to be fastened with flooring screws or wood screws every six inches on the edges and eight inches in the field.

A sub floor is the existing structural floor to which laminate, Solid wood or Engineered flooring will be laid. The existing floor will be either concrete of timber.

Typically the removal and disposal of that type of asbestos containing material is not regulated by EPA (even commercially) if it is in good condition. If the material can be taken up with no significant breakage, there is little risk for fiber release.

Yes. The Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules (TAHPR) allow a person who has had the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) guidelines training to use those guidelines for flooring removal in leu of a license. The guidelines must be followed strictly.

Yes, it is possible. However, there are some conditions which must be adhered to. Existing floors must be overlayed with at least WBP grade plywood. However, marine ply is best. It must have a minimum thickness 19mm, screwed down (not nailed) at 150mm centres. All timber surfaces should be primed on the reverse side and all edges. It is essential that one uses powdered adhesive with a latex additive when tiling onto plywood.

Yes, when proper installation methods are followed. Exterior applications require special precautions and installation methods. Do not install floor tile on exterior walls unless the product specifically recommends this application.

Ceramic tile in either glazed or unglazed form do not need to be sealed. These products are impervious to moisture and topical sealers will not properly adhere to them. Also, you can not change or alter the appearance or the sheen of a ceramic tile by adding a sealer. Therefore, a sealer in not recommended for glazed and unglazed surfaces.

Tile mosaics are a wonderful, lively addition that complements the appearance of your pool. They can be selected and ordered upon your visit to choose waterline tile.

No, we do not recommend doing this, as a wall is generally a P.E.I. 1 tile, that is it has a very low wearing and will not last very long.