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 the floor is cracked it is advisable to use an anti-fracture membrane, otherwise cracks may transmit through the tile. Also as stated in question #2 you cannot tile over a painted concrete floor.

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.

We would prefer that you did not. Floor heating systems are professionally installed through our trained personnel.

No. Wall tile has a lower breaking strength than floor tile. By installing wall tile on floors, you run the risk of the tile cracking or breaking over time.

It is preferred to use a thinset mortar for floors, but in residential use, mastic can be used with tile up to 6" x 6" in size on floors.

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.

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.

With the improvements in hardwood floors most engineered and longstrip engineered plank floors can be used over a concrete slab. Manufacturers do not recommend using solid wood floors over a slab. Engineered planks and strip wood floors can be glued directly to a clean, dry, well-cured concrete slab. Some engineered wood floors can be glued at the tongue and grooves and then allowed to be floated over a special padding that is laid over the concrete slab.

Answer: No, James Hardie does not recommend Ezi-Grid® Tile Underlay be fixed directly to a concrete floor by nailing or gluing.

Yes and no. Is the vinyl flooring is tightly secured to the subfloor? Does the vinyl flooring have a thick cushion attached? If the vinyl floor is thin and well secured to the subfloor you may be able to float a wood floor over it. In some situations you may be able nail/staple a wood floor over it also. If the wood subfloor is sound you may be able to nail a solid wood floor over the top.

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.

No, tile installation is not recommended over gypsum products. The moisture in the setting materials will deteriorate the gypsum cement.

You first need to flatten the floor with a skim coat of a Portland cement based patching compound. Or, you can simply install a floating clic cork floor directly over the existing tile.

Unfortunately not. The installation of tile heating can only be done before the tiles are laid. If however you have purchased a new existing home without tile heating, you can have a carpet heater installed under a loose lay rug to negate the problem.

No. Mastic is best used for wall tile, especially in high-humidity areas. For most floor installation, we recommend latex thinset.

Yes, but ONLY if appropriate basement proofer is used to prepare the concrete before laying the tile. Vinyl tile can not be laid on top of a preexisting tiled floor below grade.