www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Hi

The conservatory screed floor was finished around the second week in december. The floor colour now appears even as its dried out. Is there anyway to check that the floor is dry enough to tile on top of?

I have read that I will need a flexible adhesive and grout-can anyone explain why it must be flexible?

The BAL flexi rapidset is around £50 20Kg/bag-and apparently covers 5 m2 on floor tiles. The area I need to cover is approximately 15 m2-is there any other tile adhesives that will give me change out of a £150?!

Thanks

Maybe Mapei instead?

http://www.diy.com/nav/decor/tiles/adhe ... g-10137360

JM1311 wrote:Hi
The BAL flexi rapidset is around £50 20Kg/bag

Only if you shop in Topps Tiles.

An independent tile shop would supply that at half that price.

As for the screed, how thick was it? Regardless of colour it does not mean it's dry. There are adhesives that will allow you to tile on to sceed which still has a high mouisture content but do not be tempted to rush it as it will be a very expensive mistake.

Ok thanks. What is the reason for different colour adhesives?

The tiles we wish to lay are 60cm x 40cm porcelain about 10mm thick and beige/cream 'travertine style'. Would grey adhesive be suitable or would the white one be better?

Colour Republic wrote:

JM1311 wrote:Hi
The BAL flexi rapidset is around £50 20Kg/bag

Only if you shop in Topps Tiles.

An independent tile shop would supply that at half that price.

As for the screed, how thick was it? Regardless of colour it does not mean it's dry. There are adhesives that will allow you to tile on to sceed which still has a high mouisture content but do not be tempted to rush it as it will be a very expensive mistake.

I believe the final screed was around 3-4" thick.
I didn't realise you could get that cheaper elsewhere-is that price available to the public though?

JM1311 wrote:

Colour Republic wrote:

JM1311 wrote:Hi
The BAL flexi rapidset is around £50 20Kg/bag

Only if you shop in Topps Tiles.

An independent tile shop would supply that at half that price.

As for the screed, how thick was it? Regardless of colour it does not mean it's dry. There are adhesives that will allow you to tile on to sceed which still has a high mouisture content but do not be tempted to rush it as it will be a very expensive mistake.

I believe the final screed was around 3-4" thick.
I didn't realise you could get that cheaper elsewhere-is that price available to the public though?

Depending on the type of screed you are looking at drying times of 1mm to 3mm per day. So say you had a 100mm screed you are looking at worst case 100 days to cure/dry.

Yes you will find much better prices in an independant.. or even another national retailer, of course you won't get true trade prices but you will get much better prices than the ones you have been quoted. In fact do a search for 'BAL Single Part Flexible' and you will see the price difference.

White adhesives are a requirement for light natural stone which can be stained by grey adhesives. In addition if you are using a light couled porc you would also do well to use a light coloured adhesive, not because it will stain the tile but because unless you work cleanly the adhesive can show through the grout if you're not careful. As a DIY project I would suggest a white adhesive for you