[BCConstruction]

Guys what the best way for me to bond some porch porcelain tiles back to concrete? I have no idea where to start as I never done external tile before. Any advice on products to use? Grout recommendations would be great also. I have about 5 to repair so don't want to go silly.

 

[Mike Finley]

Thinset.

Since you have existing grout already there, I don't see this as the time to do any other grout other than what was there.

If this was all new, I'd say to make sure this is freeze/thaw proof porcelain and use one of the new grouts that is color fast and needs no sealing.

 

[BCConstruction]

Thanks mike. Didn't know if thinset was the way forward with this. Just a small job for wifes grandma so wanna make sure I get in and out quick.

 

[angus242]

Use a latex additive to mix the thinset. I'd use Kerabond + Keralastic. It's is rated for freeze/thaw conditions.

For grout:

Urethane: QuartzLock II

Cementitious: Laticrete 1500 with 1776 additive

Epoxy: SpectraLOCK

 

[WarnerConstInc.]

Use a latex additive to mix the thinset. I'd use Kerabond + Keralastic. It's is rated for freeze/thaw conditions.

For grout:

Cementitious: Laticrete 1500 with 1776 additive

Epoxy: SpectraLOCK

Urethane: QuartzLock II

Yeah, exactly what he said.

Done several good sized porches with those products and they still look like new.

 

[custom patios]

Guys what the best way for me to bond some porch porcelain tiles back to concrete?

you dont. porcelain is one of the worst materials you can use for exterior use.

 

[BCConstruction]

Thanks guys. There's tile's popping all over the porch so It might be bigger job than I first thought.

 

[angus242]

you dont. porcelain is one of the worst materials you can use for exterior use.

 

[WarnerConstInc.]

you dont. porcelain is one of the worst materials you can use for exterior use.

I think cardboard is probably worse.:laughing:

 

[custom patios]

i could've been more clear. porcelain tile sucks for exposed exterior flatwork. pool tile its great

 

[BCConstruction]

i could've been more clear. porcelain tile sucks for exposed exterior flatwork. pool tile its great

Well it's been there for over 30 years so I'm sure it will hold up to another 30 years. Also the tile has held up just fine. It's the bond that has failed.

 

[angus242]

i could've been more clear. porcelain tile sucks for exposed exterior flatwork.

That is one of the silliest things I've heard. The simple fact of what makes porcelain tile, porcelain...is exactly why it is a good choice for exterior applications. As long as the COF of the tile is correct, I would absolutely recommend it for exterior applications.

 

[custom patios]

That is one of the silliest things I've heard. The simple fact of what makes porcelain tile, porcelain...is exactly why it is a good choice for exterior applications. As long as the COF of the tile is correct, I would absolutely recommend it for exterior applications.

I am aware that porcelain is recognized as a suitable exterior material and its application. In my experience I have never seen flatwork where the porcelain has not popped for one reason or another.

 

[MAULEMALL]

If it is "popped" I would think that it was an install problem that deals with the material used...

 

[angus242]

I am aware that porcelain is recognized as a suitable exterior material and its application. In my experience I have never seen flatwork where the porcelain has not popped for one reason or another.

If it is "popped" I would think that it was an install problem that deals with the material used...

I'd say incorrect substrate prep, incorrect thinset or incorrect thinset coverage. I highly doubt that porcelain has anything to do with it.

 

[Mike Finley]

It's my understanding that the porcelain just has to be rated for exterior and it's fine. If not rated for exterior use does it pop off or just crack in place?

 

[angus242]

It's my understanding that the porcelain just has to be rated for exterior and it's fine. If not rated for exterior use does it pop off or just crack in place?

If a proper tile isn't used but the correct thinset/adhesive was, the tile should crack before the entire bond will give.

With a proper thinset (even dry-set) you can adhere 2 pieces of porcelain face to face. A good bond is a good bond.

 

[CJKarl]

I was always told not to use modifiers with porcelain due to the tiles density and not allowing air to set the modified mortar.

 

[angus242]

I was always told not to use modifiers with porcelain due to the tiles density and not allowing air to set the modified mortar.

Actually, the TCNA recommends modified when setting porcelain.

 

[lukachuki]

I think cardboard is probably worse.:laughing:

my type of humor.