mrsblack Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 What can we do about ugly floor tiles in a 1979 bungalow? What is easier and or cheaper - to retile on top of the existing tiles -or lift the existing ones ? This is my first post so thanks in advance for any reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardian Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 Neither easier nor cheaper (in terms of time) - but the answer is undoubtedly to rip out the old and re-tile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 I disagree strongly.Unless there is a height issue or the old tiles are breaking up due to a poor substrate then you cannot get a better base for tiling on than an existing tiled floor. Tile adhesive woks by suction [I]If your property is old then the 1970's tiles are probably laid on top of the originals which may well be laid on a bed of sand over terre battu, you will open up a huge can of worms and involve yourself in huge expense if you start ripping that lot up as you would have to replace it with a screed and DPM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salty Sam Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 In a 1979 build bungalow I would think it highly unlikely to find anything other than a solid base beneath the tiles. Tiling over the existing floor covering means all fixed furniture, skirtings, doors, will require removing. Go round the floor tapping the existing surface checking for loose or hollow voids beneath. If present, laying on top will not remedy problems below!The existing surface is also going to require a deep clean in order to remove any surface treatments, which in the case of porous tiles will have penetrated the material, before retiling.No, get rid and start again.[:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idun Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 Big jobs, hate 'em. Unfortunately they sometimes have to be done.As long as your current tiles are solid, as was said, then you could go over them. Our skirting boards were all tiles, which if going over the current floor would maybe need removing and replacing with the new tiles. I would always have tiled skirting with tiled floors, never need painting and are easy to clean. And I like them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardian Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 Well, that's clear cut then!! 2-2. [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 In an ideal world it would no doubt be best to replace but.....if the existing tiles are level and solid and height is not an issue in any respect, ie door ways, then tile on tile is certainly the cheapest and easiest option.3 -2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickP Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 Our floor has tiles on top of tiles and is 40 years old, so far no problems, one room has 3 layers. When we had a house report done the guy said it's very unlikely you will get rising damp through the floor. [:D] 4-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 I had misread, I thought the tiles not the house dated from 79.Still would recommend tiling on top unless you have wooden skirtings that you really like.You may have to plane some off the bottom of your doors but judging by the fit that most menuisers achieve...............................[Www] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsblack Posted August 17, 2012 Author Share Posted August 17, 2012 Thank you all, Chancer, Gardian, Salty Sam , Idun, Powerdesal and NickP, you have really helped us come to a decision which is to bite the bullet and re-tile, mainly because it is a sychological thing as idun mentioned - trying to get the easy way out and also to avoid having other problems arise as was pointed out - the issue of the heights with the other wooden floors. It was cheering to see so many replies when I went online today and to see the names of such well-known posters. Thanks again to all of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardian Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 So ............ we who lost 4-2 ............... actually won!!!![:-))] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idun Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 Wins? Who wins? This is stuff of nightmares for me, knocking the house apart. Living with the dust and mess for ages...... or is that just us!!!! Sorry mrsblack, not trying to put you off, you are obviously far more courageous than I am! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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