ceramic over concrete in basement

[yazz100]

Well I'm back from previous post "Ceramic over asbestos tile"
I've had to do a complete 360 degrees in this... Vat was not down securely as originally so we pulled it all up safely (have to remove adhesive still) and I'm going back to installing ceramic tile Is there any specific prep to be done on the concrete? Just want to make sure my installers are doing it correctly...they are going to level floor and use thinset as they said it's not necessary to put a layer of concrete over a 70yr old cement floor in good condition, no cracks.
One thing... Since the tile was removed there is a small area that looks like it developed a bit of white fuzzy stuff...could this be mold? If so is there anything I should do? BTW Nick is a great guy...going to have him do vinyl in my kitchen once I recoup from the basement project

[TFP Admin]

yazz100 said ...BTW Nick is a great guy...going to have him do vinyl in my kitchen once I recoup from the basement project

He's got a pretty good reputation around here too. Just don't let him near your computer - he'll fix it even if you think nothin's wrong with it.

Jim

[Kman]

Thinset can be used to fill in depressions that are 1/4" or less. Anything more than that would require a portland-based patch or self leveling compound.

[BrianM]

yazz100 said Well I'm back from previous post "Ceramic over asbestos tile" I've had to do a complete 360 degrees in this... Vat was not down securely as originally so we pulled it all up safely (have to remove adhesive still) and I'm going back to installing ceramic tile Is there any specific prep to be done on the concrete? Just want to make sure my installers are doing it correctly...they are going to level floor and use thinset as they said it's not necessary to put a layer of concrete over a 70yr old cement floor in good condition, no cracks. One thing... Since the tile was removed there is a small area that looks like it developed a bit of white fuzzy stuff...could this be mold? If so is there anything I should do? BTW Nick is a great guy...going to have him do vinyl in my kitchen once I recoup from the basement project

**
The white fuzzy stuff sounds like alkali deposits (salts) leaching through the concrete. They can be neutralized with a solution of one cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water. Your ceramic tile installer should recognize if the problem is severe enough to require more drastic solutions. It's not the least bit unusual to find those kinds of deposits under vinyl flooring in a basement-------it's pretty much to be expected.

[yazz100]

Thanks, I think I need to take a big deep breath and relax
After this is done I need a vacation...I'll be back to post pictures

[yazz100]

one last question lol. What brand of grout do you recommend for basement floors. I know to use sanded. In my bathroom we used Tec, bought it from Fuda Tiles. Someone in Home Depot told be to buy Grout Booster and add to any grout, has sealer and some sort of enhancers??

[stullis]

Use the same stuff you used in your bathroom. Apply sealer and the appropriate time.