Gypcrete & Tile

Troy_3

We do it every day. Tell your tile man to install a fracture membrane, (isolation membrane, elastomeric membrane.) Different names- same stuff. All tile shops carry one of the makes. Hydromet ultraset by Bostic is one of the originals. It is like rubber cement when cured. It allows the two floors to move independently. Your gypsum concrete applicator should have a sealer available as Rod mentioned.

Gary Schar

Gypcrete & Tile floors

I recently had a customer tell me his Tile contractor does not want to install his Tile over radiant heated gypcrete for fear of an unstable base because of the temperature changes and possible breakdown of the gypcrete. Is this a valid concern & what should we do about it?

hot_rod

The key is to

use a sealer approved by the gyp manufacture. Gyp doesn't like to get wet after it's cured.

While the sealer handles the top surface well, the underside and edges are still vunerable to moisture.

The tile installer is responsible for the warranty on his work. Think I would go with his reccomendations.

I think in a wet location, like a bath or entry, I would ask yhe tilesetter about a mud pack application. This is how shower floors, walls, and tiled "roman bath tubs" are ofrn built, although the cement backerboard systems (Durarock, Wonderboard, etc) are gaining popularity in most areas also.

The temperature shouldn't be a problem is designed and controlled properly. Generally bathroom floors run low water temperatures, about what you might expect with the sun shinning in

hot rod

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bigugh_4

Yes & no!

Because of the different expnsion rates of gypcrete & tile, it is a concern. There is however an answer. It is called a slip sheet. This is a secial adheavsive that Allows the two different substances to move on there own. ordinary tile setting mix is not to be used. So, as you can guess slip sheet adheavsives are expensive. there atre different brands, it usually is a white colored liquid that is added to tile setting cememt in stead of water. It works very well. bigugh

Dana Zaichkin_12

Gyp & Tile

Maxxon has a "attaching finished floor goods" procedure guide which might be available on their website - not sure. Our Maxxon installer indicated the overspray sealer was needed only if adhesive products were being used (like adhesive backed isolation membranes - such as NAC). They do recommend a isolation membrane - which can be more expensive than the tile. I'm doing a job using Schluter-Ditra now - uses thinset to attach it to the gyp substrate.

Best Regards

DZ