Tile Over Vinyl Floor

Originally Posted by slickhick

I use VersaBond. I recommend using an additive in cases like this because like I said, call-backs are expensive. The additive seems like an inexpensive way to avoid them.

I've had jobs where I go in and demo a tile floor that was laid over vinyl (or over plastic laminate in the case of countertops) and I'll hit hollow spots where the mud has broken up over the years, as well as spots where the mud sheared right off the substrate (no backer there, but backer could, in theory, react the same way). After doing a little research I decided that utilizing an additive would be a good way to potentially avoid issues like this.

I'm not preaching this as a fool-proof method, just adding a layer of protection to the work.

Originally Posted by slickhick

I use VersaBond. I recommend using an additive in cases like this because like I said, call-backs are expensive. The additive seems like an inexpensive way to avoid them.

I've had jobs where I go in and demo a tile floor that was laid over vinyl (or over plastic laminate in the case of countertops) and I'll hit hollow spots where the mud has broken up over the years, as well as spots where the mud sheared right off the substrate (no backer there, but backer could, in theory, react the same way). After doing a little research I decided that utilizing an additive would be a good way to potentially avoid issues like this.

I'm not preaching this as a fool-proof method, just adding a layer of protection to the work.

Originally Posted by Groundupdave35

Hello
Looking for some insight on installing tile over vinyl flooring. Talked to another tile installer and he suggested removing top of vinyl with adhesive solvent ( so thinset can adhere to), lay thinset, then hardie board over. The floor is also low in some spots so he also suggested putting extra thinset in low spots (prior to laying hardie backer down) then fasten to floor. Is this a proper way to do this? Thanks!

Originally Posted by cedarboarder

how thick is the plywood underneath? whats the joist spacing?

Originally Posted by platinumLLC

That was going to be my question after reading all this. Vinyl is put down over anything, tile takes a lot more stability in the sub structure for it to be correct.

Everyone already gave advice on what to use for thinset if you choose to go over the top of the vinyl. But until your post nobody mentioned anything about subfloor. That would be the main reason I would rip it all out because chances are the subfloor isn't correct for tile.

Originally Posted by TNTSERVICES

EcoPrim Grip and then Ditra or just tile if the subfloor underneath is sufficient.

Originally Posted by platinumLLC

But until your post nobody mentioned anything about subfloor.

Originally Posted by TNTSERVICES

You don't just screw it down. That's the issue. You must apply thinset then the board, then screw it down. The thinset won't just adhere to the vinyl unless you are using some sticky icky like Ardex 77.