Removing a tile can be quite a difficult and time-consuming job. Whether you’re renting a space or renovating your home - removing tiles has always been a slightly tedious task requiring hours and hours of hard work and strenuous attention. So, many DIYers choose to skip the step of removing tiles and rather choose to lay the new tiles over the existing tiles. But is this ideal? Is this shortcut hands-free and can save you more time, money, and effort?
Well, in this article, we have briefly discussed the advantages and disadvantages of laying tiles over tiles along with do’s, don’ts, and aspects to consider. Have a look!
Can You Tile Over Tile?
Well, yes! It is possible to lay new tiles over the existing tiles. In some cases, it might be difficult to remove the existing tiles due to a strong adhesive or the tiles being old - and in such cases, it’s better to add a new layer of tiles on the top. Here’s a list of considerations to have an eye on, when laying new tiles over the existing ones!
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Inspect Existing Tiles
You must always inspect the existing tiles regarding their strength if they possess any imperfections, cracks, or any minor damage. Ignore the idea of laying new tiles if there are significant issues with the existing tiles.
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Check for Moisture
Moisture can be the biggest disaster! So, if the existing tiles showcase some sort of moisture behind the surface, it’s ideal to treat the surface before installing the new layer of tiles.
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Analyze the Weight of the Walls and Tiles
You must evaluate if the existing wall can hold the existing tiles, existing grout, new layer of tiles, and added grout and adhesive. Since we don’t want the walls to buckle, it’s ideal to completely ignore the idea if the existing wall can’t hold the weight.
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Test Functionality
Practicality is foremost! So, if the added layer of tiles is in any way blocking a door or proving to be a tripping hazard - it’s ideal to completely remove the existing layer of tiles.
Challenges of Tiling Over Tiles
- Existing Tile is not a Strong Adhesive: When laying tiles, you may require a strong subsurface to hold the adhesive. In this case, the existing tiles may not be the best option! Especially if the existing tiles have a glossy feel, simply rub the surface using a sandpaper and clean it before applying adhesive and a new layer of tiles.
Advantages and Disadvantages to be followed in the next article!
