Insulating concrete floor before ceramic tiling? Marmox vs Depron?
Question:I want to insulate a bare concrete floor which may be subject to some moisture and I am using ceramic tiles on top. I am not using underfloor heating in this project. I would like to use Marmox (tile backer board) but the commercial boards I've seen are too thick (6mm). I can use Depron as that comes in 2mm and 3mm but it doesn't say it has an application for ceramic tiled floors. Any thoughts on whether Depron would be a workable and how to apply it?
Answers:
Whatever your choice why not then add a vapor barrier beneath. Depending on how WET your concrete gets, it is still likely to effect any mortar under your tile install.
With all due respect also, I would advise against GLUING down a sub floor.
Whatever you do, before you start, be certain that the concrete floor is CLEAN AND DRY and dust/mold free. Give it a good scrubbing and let it dry for about 2 days using a fan.
*WARNING! DEPRON DOES NOT LIKE SOLVENT BASED GLUE!!
The most suitable glue for polystyrene is a contact adhesive, due to the nonporous surface. When using, always spread the glue in an even coat, on the surface you intend to stick together, and pull apart and reposition for a good grab.
All glue you use must be solvent free, bison foam friendly glue, and P.V.A. glues work.
There is a lot more help than I can post for you on the internet. Just put Depron Adhesive in your search engine.
Good luck!
Not sure about Depron but when we laid a new cement floor we insulated it with that blue high density foam so I know it is good with cement. You could put in a small sub-floor using cut treated timber, insulate between and then lay boards before tiling but I think you'll end up almost as high as Marmox. If you're floor shows some signs of damp you may want to paint it first with an outdoor damp course. I suggest you find the reason for the damp first though.
You need to start with a clean floor. I would recommend getting a floor scraper with a very sharp blade to remove the bitumen or try a diamond concrete grinder. Once you have a clean floor, apply a product called Moisture Fix. This product is designed for new or existing concrete to lock up all moisture in the concrete and stop any further moisture travelling through the capilliary voids in the matrix of the concrete. It is simply poured from the bucket and spread evenly around. After it has penetrated (10-60 mins), the floor is left for 24hrs, sanded and layed directly over with out the need for a self levelling compound. Further information may be found at the web address below. Hope this helps?
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