Tile over Tile - All You Need To Know

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1- Tiling over Tiles

2- Pros of Tiling over Tiles 

3 - Cons of Tiling over Tiles

4 - How to Tile Over Tiles

5 - Pro Tips for Laying Tiles on Existing Tiles

6 - Need Help for Laying New Tiles Over Your Old Tiles

Can You Tile Over Tiles

One renovation you can consider for your home is working on the tiles. Whether it is your bathroom or kitchen you want to work on, changing old and cracked tiles is usually not a bad idea to start. However, one challenge faced with changing tiles in the home is the hassle of removing existing tiles to give room for new installation.
This brings out the question: can I install new tiles on old ones? Yes, you can skip the strenuous job of removing old tiles and go straight to installing new ones. Doing this makes the job faster and easier. This also helps cut back on expenses.
However, there are a few factors to consider before embarking on this method. Here are what you should know about tiling over tiles

Pros of Tiling over Tiles

Time-Saving

One significant benefit of tiling on existing tiles is that it helps save time, as it takes a great deal of time to remove excising tiles. Deciding on skipping the process of removing existing tiles helps save time to focus on other essential works in the home. This also saves you the headache that comes with removing old tiles.

Cost-Effective

If you are looking to cut back on installation costs, you want to consider tiling on the old tiles. Remember that removing existing tiles requires renting heavy stripping tools, which you might not be acquainted with. Using these tools can also result in a hazard.
Also, hiring someone for the tile-removing part of the job increases your budget for the project.

Ease of New Installation

It is quite easier to install new tiles over existing tiles than on a rough surface. Installing tiles on an uneven surface requires levelling up the surface to make it smooth and strong enough to withstand the threat of daily use.

Cons of Tiling over Tiles

Increase in Floor Height

Laying new tiles on existing ones adds to the floor height in the room. This can result in issues with the room usage, such as difficulties opening and closing the doors. This can also interfere with your cupboard, especially if it has been levelled to the existing flooring.
Accident in the Room
An increase in the floor height can also result in an accident in the room where new tiles are installed on old ones, as the new height might be too high for occupants to get used to quickly.

Not Ideal for Cracked Tiles

Tiling on existing tiles is only a great deal for old tiles that are still in good condition. This is most important if you are to install the new tiles on your own. The method may not come out with a good result if the existing tiles are severely cracked or retain moisture. Instead of improving the room, the technique will somewhat complicate it, requiring repairs in the long run.

How to Tile Over Tiles

Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of tiling on existing tiles and having decided to opt for this method, different preparations will be needed depending on what adhesive you choose. There are two methods you can select wash or grind.
Here are how to go about tiling over existing tiles:

Inspect Existing Tiles

The first task to tiling over old tiles is to inspect the old installation for loose tiles. Do this by tapping on the old tiles and examine what sound you get. Loose tiles will give you a hollow sound. While a hollow sound doesn’t negate this method, loose tiles shouldn’t be too much in the area.
The rule of thumb is to ensure that loose tiles are not more than 5% of the total tiles in the area. If you have any loose tiles, it is best to replace them before forging on to installing new ones.

Get Your Materials

Like other home improvement jobs, tile installation requires specific materials and tools, which you must have available with you to make your job easier and faster. These materials and tools include water, mild detergent, tile adhesive, grout, trowel, and primer. Also, wear a pair of gloves before starting the job.

Prepare the Surface

Though the surface is usually smooth enough to start the job, you still need to prepare it. Start by removing the furniture to clear the space and ensure you can easily undertake the job without disturbance. Follow this by cleaning the area with a vacuum cleaner to collect sand and debris. 

Next, you can choose between the two prep methods of wash or grind.

GRIND

To use this method, you must remove at least 80% of the tiles glazed surface. Once completed, remove all dust and debris by vacuuming.

WASH

Wash the area with water and a mild detergent (e.g. sugar soap), or you can use a professional product called ARDEX ACP 21. one scrubbed and washed rinse the area and ensure it is dry before adding a layer of primer (this all depends on the type of adhesive used). The primer is to enhance a stronger bond between the old tiles and the adhesive. 

Lay One Tile after Another

There is no point in rushing the laying. Lay one tile at a tile and follow with the next one. Remember that the bonding agent doesn’t take much time to dry, hence requiring quick installation.

Lay the Tiles As You Go

One mistake to avoid in tile installation is adding adhesive to the floor at once, as doing this will see the adhesive at the farther ends of the area drying before you place tiles on them. The best practice is adding adhesive to a small surface, quickly placing a tile on it, and pressing the tile firmly to the floor.

Finish the Work

Tile installation doesn’t stop at placing the tiles in position. It also involves adding grout to the lines between the tiles. Leaving the lines unfinished will promote moisture and mildew growth. As a beginner, it is wise to shop for already-mixed grout, as it helps save time and effort. Apply the grout in a single round and quickly.

Pro Tips for Laying Tiles on Existing Tiles

Choose your adhesive carefully: it is important to note that adhesives for tiling new tiles on existing tiles are different from adhesives for first laying. It is also essential to choose the bonding agent well.
Calculate the new floor height: since installing new tiles on old tiles means an increase in floor height, it is best to envisage the new height and consider its possible effects on the home. For example, you might consider removing the doors and bathroom storage units if they need trimming to fit into the new installation.

Need Help for Laying New Tiles Over Your Old Tiles

If you are looking to lay your new tiles over your old tiles and don't know how or where to start, not to worry, just give Perth's local and premium wall and floor tilers a call or message for your free quote today!

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