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Construction Industry/Tile over Asphalt tiles

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Expert: - 7/26/2007


Question
I'm would like to tile my house with ceramic tiles the only problem is there all ready is Asphalt tiles in place. Can I just tile over them with the ceramic tile?  

Answer
Hi Chris,

Not a good idea.  Ceramic tile is set in either a mortar (cement) mixture or a premixed "thin set" mastic and they both need something to bond to - such as a concrete floor slab or tile underlayment board (if your floor framing is wood).  The asphalt tiles should be removed first.  If they contain asbestos fibers (depends on how old the tile is) they are very hazardous to take up.
I have a suggestion - Wilson Art makes a laminated floor material that looks like stone or ceramic tile.  It is easy to install and could be installed over your asphalt tile.  It is not glued down but rather floats on a vinyl film underlayment.  The cost should be similar to ceramic tile.  Laminate flooring is precision made and comes in many colors and patterns and is not difficult to install yourself.

Hope this was helpful

Roger

Construction Industry

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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