How to fix issues between alfresco tiles and concrete?

ppp

Uneven surfacegap between tile and concreteLoose metal stripheight difference

Hello Team,

Could you please guide me how to fix these alfresco issues -

1) The metal strip separating tile and concrete is loose.

2) There was little height difference between tile and the concrete at one section. Due to high traffic this area may prone to cracks in the future, so I have to find a way to make it level.

3) The rubber between tile and concrete has shrunk - I have already searched community, and the fix seems to be replacing with a new filler rod and top it with Sikaflex 11FC.

I just want to make this area smooth without uneven surfaces to avoid tripping hazards.

Thanks

MitchellMc

Hi @ppp,

This looks like an expansion gap between your tiled alfresco area and the concrete, which is important for allowing movement and preventing cracking. You're absolutely on the right track with using a backing rod and Sikaflex 11FC.

For the best result, start by removing any loose material or remnants of the old filler. Where the gap is quite deep, insert a new foam backing rod so the Sikaflex doesn't sink too far in. Then tape along both edges of the joint—on the tile side and the concrete side—to keep things neat.

Once you're ready, apply Sikaflex 11FC over the backing rod and smooth it off with either a spatula or your finger dipped in soapy water. This will help you get a smooth, level finish across the join and reduce any trip hazard.

As for the loose metal strip, if it's not serving a structural purpose and is simply decorative or a transition trim, you might want to consider removing it altogether, especially if it’s adding to the unevenness. Alternatively, if you want to keep it, you could re-secure it using a suitable construction adhesive like Liquid Nails or screw it down if it’s designed to be fixed that way.

For the minor height difference, the Sikaflex itself can sometimes help reduce that small step and smooth the transition, but if the difference is more than a few millimetres, you may need to look at a proper transition trim or lightly feathering in a cement-based levelling compound.

Here's a helpful step-by-step guide: How to fill a joint in concrete.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell