Installing Tile over Tile - Tiling over Tile

Installing tile over tile can be done, however there are a few things you must consider, and do prior to installing the new tile over the original tile.

Though tiling over tile can be done, a homeowner should first consider the aesthetics of doing so. Tiling over Tile will raise the height of the floor by 1/4" to 1/2" higher, pending the tile that is used. Existing cabinets, toilets, bathtubs and other existing permanent fixtures may look swallowed up or sunken in, unless these fixtures are not first removed prior to installing the new tile. In addition, doors and baseboard trim may need to be modified to accommodate the new floor height.

After the aesthetic considerations have been made, the next step is to ensure that the existing tile is solid and level. There can be no loose tiles or grout with the original tile layer. If there is, remove the loose grout and re-attach the original loose tiles with mastic to the sub floor.

Next, thoroughly wash the existing tile layer to remove any dirt, oil or wax that may have built up. This is critical to ensure that the new tile will bond well to the original tile layer.

After the tile has been thoroughly washed, you will next need to rough up the surface of the original tile with some very coarse sand paper. Employing the use of a belt sander could be very helpful with this task. The purpose of sanding the existing tile is to rough up its surface so that the new tile will bond well to the original tile.

Finally, use a bonding product like Flexbond, or a Portland cement mortar to apply the new tile to the original tile. You should, however, check with the tile manufacture for the appropriate bonding product to use with the new tile you have selected.

For instructions on installing Ceramic Floor Tile see: Installing Ceramic Floor Tile.

Home Addition Plus February Newsletter

With the end of winter just around the corner, it is the perfect time of year to begin planning for home improvement projects. In the case of building a new home addition it is even time to begin talking with building contractors. See our featured article this month on Planning a Home Addition.

It is also time to begin thinking about spring cleaning and gardening. If you have not already ordered your garden seeds there is still a little time left.

Late winter is also a good time to begin thinking about taking the lawnmower in for a tune up and having any repairs done that may be necessary.

It is also a good time to assess any winter weather damage to your home that may need to be addressed in early spring. In particular roof damage that may have occurred due to Ice dams. Also, shingles can be damaged with the high winds that are frequented by the strong winds of winter.

This month we have added several new articles to HomeAdditionPlus.com that are associated with roof concerns including: Shingle types, and how to prevent ice dams.

We also came across a new and innovative tool this past month for helping in the installation of Drywall. You may want to take a look at this product if you have Drywall plans on your home improvement agenda. [Learn More]

We have also expanded our portfolio of HomeAdditionPlus bid sheets. A Home Addition Bid sheet is a guide for homeowners to help in the selection of hiring a contractor for a home addition building project. Each Home Addition Bid sheet includes a request for proposal (RFP) form that you can submit to prospective general contractor(s) for them to complete and provide back to you for review. The RFP form consists of over 100 questions, in some cases, on all aspects of your home construction plans.

In addition, the Home Addition Bid Sheets provide extensive and important advice to homeowners on how to work with general home contractors and their sub-contractors in order to ensure the home building project is completed to the homeowners satisfaction. Visit Home Addition Bid Sheets to learn more.

As always, if you have any specific Home Improvement questions or would like to see articles on certain subjects visit "HomeAddition-Forum" or send me an email at webmaster@homeadditionplus.com.

Again, good luck with your home improvement projects.

Mark J. Donovan
Editor and Publisher of HomeAdditionPlus.com and homeaddition.blogspot.com