Installing epoxy flooring over existing tile can be a great way to give your interiors an upgrade without the hassle of removing and replacing the old floor. It’s important, however, that you’re aware of the steps involved in ensuring that your new epoxy floor installation goes smoothly.
It’s essential to ensure that the tile is properly bonded to the concrete beneath it before starting any epoxy installation work. This is because epoxy coatings will not adhere correctly if there are gaps between the tile and concrete. If the tile is not bonded to the substrate the epoxy flooring has nothing to hold onto. Another important process when placing epoxy over tile is using a self leveling cementitious urethane to produce a flat surface. This also gets skim coated into the grout lines to conceal the appearance of any grout lines from showing through the floor.
Once this is done, the installation of the epoxy flooring itself can proceed and the process is much faster than having to remove and replace the tile completely – plus, you get a durable, attractive and hygienic floor finish for your space! You’ll need to choose a true industrial grade epoxy product for best results and also ensure that the surface has been prepared correctly beforehand with any oil/grease stains removed and proper surface preparation to the tile.
By taking the time to ensure proper preparation prior to epoxy installation, you can enjoy beautiful and long-lasting results. It’s important to use a high quality epoxy product that is compatible with the type of tile being used and make sure the surface is clean, dry and free of grease or oil. Plus of course using a highly experienced epoxy flooring contractor who is knowledgeable about placing an epoxy floor over tile is a must.
Finally, as already mentioned, the issue of adhesion must also be considered with respect to the quality of the bond between floor tile and concrete. Tiles can become “drummy” over time and that represents a weak point in the flooring. If more than a few tiles are found to be loose during inspection – or they start to shatter, crack or pop while grinding – it’s probably better to remove them all so the concrete underneath can be used instead. With these steps taken care of, you can rest assured knowing that your project will look great now, and for years to come!
To conclude, epoxy coatings are an ideal solution for updating existing tiles. It makes the transition from tile to epoxy painless as most people realize removing tiles can be messy, time consuming and costly, especially if floor leveling is involved. The key is to make sure that all of the necessary preparations – such as ensuring a secure bond between the tile and concrete beneath it – are completed prior to installation. With these steps taken care of, it’s easy to get beautiful, long-lasting results!
