Tile Mastic Question

rusty baker · January 14, 2010, 07:30 PM

In about a week, I have 240 yds of stretch-in commercial on concrete. The owners put ceramic in the bath and entrys. They put it down with mastic. What are the chances of the mastic holding the tile down until I get the carpet installed? I will have to carry everything over the tile.

Jaz · January 14, 2010, 08:32 PM

I recommend they supply some sheets of plywood for the paths.

That's a major screw-up.

Jaz

rusty baker · January 14, 2010, 08:35 PM

It won't last long, anyway. It's a construction company office. I just hope it lasts until I get done. Then it's between them and the store that told them to use mastic.

kylenelson · January 14, 2010, 09:27 PM

rusty baker said

It won't last long, anyway. It's a construction company office. I just hope it lasts until I get done. Then it's between them and the store that told them to use mastic.

Plywood should be put down...insurance for you. Very clear discussions should be had with the home owners about what they did wrong and how it's not your fault if they screwed up.

Kman · January 15, 2010, 02:08 AM

I agree with the others. Major problem, and will require a complete re-do sooner or later.....probably sooner.

duneslider · January 20, 2010, 09:20 PM

A lot depends on the substrate and the type and size of tile. If this was installed over hardi and the tile is a 12x12 ceramic it won't go anywhere. If it is a porcelain and 12x12 or bigger over concrete it might stay wet for a long long time.

Put some ply down and walk soft! I would get a waiver signed before you start.

rusty baker · January 21, 2010, 05:35 AM

It's very cheap ceramic, directly on concrete.

duneslider · January 21, 2010, 06:05 AM

I would be willing to bet you have no worries. Mastic has a very high bond strength when/if it dries.

rusty baker · January 21, 2010, 08:08 AM

Just wondered. When I did tile, I did it right. No mastic on the floor.

duneslider · January 21, 2010, 08:54 PM

I honestly don't really know why anyone would use mastic. I have used it on a couple occasions because it was supplied to me and I didn't have time to go trade it in for thinset. Got two buckets in the garage that I keep hoping I will find a use for, or I will scrape them out to make new grout buckets. Still haven't found a really good reason to use mastic, especially with how good thinsets are getting these days.

rusty baker · January 21, 2010, 08:56 PM

The salesman that sold them everything, told them to use mastic.

duneslider · January 21, 2010, 09:01 PM

Figures, it costs 2-3 times as much as thinset so that would help his commission. Salesmen always know everything

Kman · January 21, 2010, 09:44 PM

Kitchen backsplash, and occasionally a vanity backsplash, are the only things I'll use mastic on. Everything else is thinset.

And yes, it cost waaay more than thinset. Another good reason not to use it.

cproader · January 22, 2010, 05:50 PM

Tile mastic works good fer rubber/vinyl base, but that's about it......

Barry Carlton · January 22, 2010, 06:01 PM

cproader said

Tile mastic works good fer rubber/vinyl base, but that's about it......

I worked with an installer a few years ago who used mastic on stair treads. It was commercial. He moved to Hawaii and I inherited the contractor (great guy), and I know that there has been no issue with the treads at all. (I have not been brave enough to try this on my own jobs yet) He also used a miter saw to cut the treads. (I have done this!!!)