basement flooring, need help

[jcarron]

I just purchased a 1940s colonial. The previous owner finished the basement ceiling very nicely. All they did for the walls was just plaster over the concrete foundation. It all looks fine and just needs to be repainted. The floor has old laminate titles that look to be glued directly to the concrete. Can I just tile over these with ceramic title? Will I need to worry about the title setting correctly? There does not seem to be any leaks in this basement. The floor did sweet a little when it was humid because the previous owner forgot to turn on the humidifier. However, after turning on the humidifier it has been dry as a bone ever since. Please advise on the floor, thanks Justin

[JacobPM]

Hi Justin

I wouldn't recommend simply tiling over the existing tiles for a few reasons.
*You don't have control over level
*The tile mortar doesn't adhere as well on the glazed side as it does the clay side (not that big of a difference, I’m just a perfectionist)

I don't normally recommend putting tile directly on concrete because of the possibility of not having access to the floor. If cracks occur there's no way to NOT damage the tile in order to do a repair. However, laying tiles this way is normally how it is done.

Things to look at before starting work
*Is the concrete floor level? - This can be corrected with re-doing the floor or laying down concrete board first.


Expect sweating when the water saturation rises in the soil. Condensation is also a normal occurrence with tile because of its ability to store heat energy.

[jcarron]

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I think your points are valid. I tried removing one of the laminate titles last night but they are glued down very strongly to the concrete. Would I be better off using this product from DuPont: http://www2.dupont.com/Laminate_Floo...ouch_tile.html

Then if I ever had a problem I could in fact pull the floor up. I am thinking I could just put a vapor barrier over those existing laminate tiles and then install this floating floor. My basement is pretty level. Would this be a better solutiion in your opinion. Thanks Justin

[jcarron]

I think I am using the wrong terminology, sorry…I have old vinyl titles that are glued to the concrete floor. So is a laminate floating floor with a vapor barrier, right over the vinyl, the best solution in your opinion?

[JacobPM]

If this is the product that I'm thinking that it is (similar to something I have in my split ranch home), it too requires being glued in order to connect it to a surface.

A vapor barrier is a nice idea underneath a floor, but considering what's sold in local home improvement stores, it's impractical and is undependable. It would also not create a solid surface to glue your new floor down. I personally like that laminate because of its inorganic properties, so it's something that is designed for the basement.

Pioneer's finishing division has a few options of flooring, all made from inorganic materials, have moisture barriers included, and FloorShield or WarmShield can provide a level surface for any style of laminate you want.
http://homebasementfinishing.com/basement-products.html

Those might be a better solution.

[JacobPM]

"I think I am using the wrong terminology, sorry…I have old vinyl titles that are glued to the concrete floor. So is a laminate floating floor with a vapor barrier, right over the vinyl, the best solution in your opinion?"

No problem :-)

Well then it might just be a good idea to get rid of the glued vinyl tiles all together.

A vapor barrier will reduce friction and won't provide a stable surface for a flooring to be attached too. It'd be better to install a floor product that already has a moisture barrier with a floating floor aspect built right in.
Our SelectTile, WarmShield, FloorShield, or Foresta Flooring options will all put you in the right direction.

SelectTile and Foresta Flooring won't need to be fastened or connected to the floor to stay stable ether.

WarmShield and FloorSheild are primarily moisture barriers to be placed under various flooring instead of a plastic vapor barrier. You get more traction and more solid surface to build on. However, depending on the circumstances, need to be fastened to the floor (sometimes simply using carpet strips).

[jcarron]

could you please have someone from your company call me at 401.XXX.XXXX to set up an appointment? thanks Justin

[JacobPM]

No problem Justin, you'll hear from me shortly.