- Practical advice
- The preparation
- The good tiles
- Water repellent additives
- The pose
- Finishing
- Remove old tiles
- To equalize the slab
- Spread the adhesive mortar
- Lay the tiles
- Cut the ends
- Place the braces
- Spread the slip
- Clean and smooth
The original pavement had lived. Unsightly at first sight, it mainly allowed rainwater to pass through, thus impregnating the slab. In winter, the frost could burst the concrete... To remedy this, it was decided to replace it with glazed porcelain stoneware tile, non-slip, easier to maintain and perfectly waterproof.
Practical advice
On tiles that are too smooth, apply, after drying, an anti-slip product (type Glisspas by CEP Julien). Do not change the initial appearance, these products are guarantors of your safety.
● Under the feet of metal garden furniture, glue or screw rubber pads to avoid damaging the tile surface.
Just as indoors, laying an exterior tile, on a terrace or balcony, does not pose a major problem. If the preparation and the method are the same, the materials and products differ.
The preparation
Once the old coating has been removed (if necessary), the slab must be smoothed with a smoothing mortar, to which it is advisable to add a waterproofing additive that will prevent the migration of moisture through the concrete. Strike the liquid mortar so that it spreads easily. Smooth it carefully with a trowel or trowel.
The good tiles
All types of tiles are not suitable for outdoor use. Opt for a glazed porcelain stoneware of good quality, and check on the packaging that it is well recommended for this use. A slightly structured surface appearance is also a good asset. It will prevent you from slipping when the soil is wet.
● Same precaution for adhesive mortar and joint slip. Choose outdoor products and add a water-repellent additive.
Water repellent additives
To be accurately metered according to the manufacturer's recommendations, these products significantly improve the waterproofness of mortars and concretes. They mix with both patching mortars and tempering mortars or slip mixes.
The pose
Tiles measuring only 20 x 20 cm, laying is done by simply gluing the floor. The mortar spreads to the 5 mm toothed blade, distributing the load regularly.
● For large slabs, it is preferable to double glue the floor and the back of the tile. Use a blade with larger teeth, up to 10 mm.
● Starting at an angle with an entire element, lay the tile flat in the glue and tamp it lightly by hand or mallet. Continue laying, inserting plastic braces into the joints to ensure even spacing. As you install, remove mortar burrs, which are harder to catch after drying.
Finishing
The slip joint is a fine mortar that will fill the interstices. It spreads on the rubber squeegee (at the end of a handle for large surfaces). It is important not to dig the joints when spreading. It is therefore necessary to hold the squeegee at an angle to the edges of the tiles.
● When grouting 1 to 2 m2, clean the tile surface with a thin sponge, and carefully wipe over the joints to smooth and level them.
● Let it dry for at least an hour. Then finish the cleaning with a dry cloth to remove the last traces of cement.
Remove old tiles
The old tile, out of fashion, stained and damaged, is removed with chisel and hammer. For large surfaces, it is better to perform this dismantling with the perforator-burineur.
To equalize the slab
The slab, exposed and cleaned perfectly, is leveled with a repair mortar to which a water-repellent additive has been added. This will limit the penetration of water into the concrete.
Spread the adhesive mortar
The adhesive mortar, also water-repellent, is trowelled in a bucket. Then it is spread evenly over the well-dried slab with a serrated spatula with teeth of 5 to 6 mm. Work in areas of 1 to 2 m2.
Lay the tiles
Begin the installation with a full row along a border. Separate the tiles by 2 or 3 mm thick braces placed in the corners or, as here, vertically in the joints.
Cut the ends
At the ends of the rows, the cuts are simply made to the tile. Scratch the surface at one time with the wheel and break open the tile with the crowbar folded down.
Place the braces
The equipment chosen, with staggered joints in a "stone cut" way, does not allow the braces to be placed in the corners. They are therefore placed vertically, at least two at a time.
Spread the slip
The slurry, which is quite liquid, is spread with a rubber squeegee. This must always be held at an angle to the joints, so as not to dig them. Wipe the excess as you go.
Clean and smooth
Immediately after spreading, wipe the surface with sponge, frequently rinsed with water. Smooth the joints, making sure, again, not to dig them. An hour later, clean the surface with a cloth.