Hi,
I want to pour a thin layer of concrete over existing concrete to raise it up prior to tiling it. How do i go about this.?
Hi @Markcub,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.
The context is fairly important as it will dictate what products can be used and the technique used in that situation, so it would be helpful if you could provide a description and some photos of the area.
Let me know if you need a hand uploading images. I am happy to help if required.
The basic process is to prepare the surface by removing any concrete dust, dirt or grime, coat the surface with a primer such as this Dunlop Primer And Additive, seal up all the edges of the concrete using either formwork or silicone depending on the circumstances, then pour a self-levelling compound such as this Lanko 173 Floor Leveller over the surface. Once cured, this new surface will be nice and level for your tile application.
If there were further details you could add, there might be some slight differences to the products used, so I will assist further if you can provide further details.
Jacob
I am retiling my pool and removing the old pavers i have also dug up some of the concrete so i wanted to add a thin layer to the top to level it out. I may not need to i could just use more tile adhesive.
I also need to know if i can stick waterline lies to the pebble Crete under the coping. If so what adhesive do i use that will dry quick so they dont slide down the wall into the water.
The advice Jacob has provided above is correct. Primer and then a self-leveller.
As for the Pebblecrete, unfortunately, not much sticks to it due to the resin component. I'm not aware of any primers or adhesives that would let you stick tiles directly to it. It needs to be removed.
Mitchell
This is the pebble Crete i mentioned, it looks as if it would work. I did not know there was resin added. What if i was to use a drop face tile / paver as per the pic below.?
W
I guess that depends on whether the drop face comes glued already together with the top tile or whether they are two separate pieces @Markcub. If they are two separate pieces, then you'd still need to glue the drop face to the Pebblecrete.
Yes they are glued together and below the installation instructions
The cantilevered installation with the aluminium angle looks like it would be a good option in your situation.
This would certainly remove the need for any adhesive to be applied to the pebblecrete.
Hi Guys,
So i am going to seal as you directed earlier then pour the leveler on top and then tile on top of that. Do you recommend a good adhesive for pool areas.?
Thanks
Mark.
Davco SMP Evo Tile Adhesive, is perfect for use in pool areas.
Just make sure to read and understand the application instructions, which are available here - Davco SMP EVO.
If you need any assistance interpreting anything, or you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thanks, could i also use the below primer / sealer as i have some left from a previous job a few years ago or does it go off after a while.
Unfortunately, LANKO 124 Ultraprime has a shelf life of 12 months, so you wouldn't be able to use the leftover.
It would definitely be worth using, but you would need to grab some fresh stuff.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
No worries, ill buy fresh. Just one other thing, i will need to seal between the coping tiles and the pool. Do you have anything you can suggest doing that or can i use any silicone.?
There are silicones specifically designed for use in pools, such as SikaSil Premium Pool Silicone, Maxisil Pool Silicone or Selleys Marine Flex Sealant.
Any of these options will work, it is just down to selecting the one that suits your colour palette best.
After i have primed i need to raise the level up a little behind where the tiles currently are. The new tiles will go back further and there is a little drop off. Will sand and cement mix adhere to the existing concrete or am i better using the leveller.?
How high is the little drop off @Markcub? If it's within the max application depth limits of the self-leveller you're using, then I'd suggest you level the area all in one go with it. Alternatively, you could use sand and cement to fill that area first, though it doesn't have any self-levelling properties, so you would need to ensure you level that area manually.
Hi Mitch,
The drop varies between 20 and 30mm.
The Lanko 20kg 173 Floor Leveller has a maximum application thickness of 25mm, so you might have to top up any of the lower spots with a repair mortar such as Dunlop Ardit Rapidset Repair Mortar, allow it to dry, paint it with your primer, then pour the self-levelling compound over the top.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Do bunnings do tile spacers/leveling for 20mm porcelain tiles.?
Thanks Jacob,
So the repair mortar will stick to the existing concrete bed.?
You can use the QEP Lash 360 1.5mm Levelling Clips with QEP Lash 360 Tile Levelling Caps for levelling of 20mm thick tiles.
It would be best to apply your primer to the whole surface, then add your mortar, allow it to dry, then prime over the top of it before adding the self-leveller. This will ensure you get the best bond between the repair mortar and the concrete, and then the leveller to both.
Do you have anything bigger and in regards to the repair mortar.? Below is 10kgs worth. It is shallower at the ends but i reckon i will need 10/15kgs more. I bought a 10kgs tub to start with.
You can use this Dunlop Construction Grout, you would just have to mix it.
You'll want it to be mixed relatively dry so that it can be built up where needed, so add water incrementally until you achieve a low-slump, packable mix.
Thanks mate, I'm sure i will have more questions at some point.
Always happy to help @Markcub.
It's exciting to see your progress, so keep us in the loop.
I have some grout but i have just read the info and its asking for grout booster to be added if used around pools. Do you sell this.?
Will this work or do you have a cheaper option.?
Just to clarify, there is construction grout which Jacob mentioned above for filling the depression and then there are grouts for between tiles. Have you now moved on to grouting between tiles with the ARDEX FG8? You should really use products in the same system, so I wouldn't recommend using the Davco grout additive as I'm not aware of whether it has similar properties to the Grout Booster. Your best bet would be to contact ARDEX to discuss, though I presume they will only be able to provide information on and warranty their own products.
Yes its the grout between the tiles, ive not finished yet but i need to have the products at hand. I will speak to Ardex.
Justa note on the spacers you suggested, they actually catch right at the top on a 20mm tile so they are wider then 1.5mm. I made them work but i would say that the max would be 18mm not 20mm.
