[RenoF250]

I have some old linoleum tile downstairs that I plan to replace with ceramic soon. I have scraped a few of them up and they come right up but I see that they are held down with tar. Do I need to clean the tar off before installing the ceramic or can it go on top? If I have to clean it off, how? If not any special mortar or additive to make it stick to the tar?

This is on concrete.

 

[hapaschold]

we had the same situation at work recently, tile guy said get the tar/adhesive up....

we us a solvent had in the plant, ethly acetate....took it right up, but sure a mineral spirit would take it off also.

 

[arisley]

That is correct, any mineral based solvent should take it up. Remember fans, and NO SMOKING.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

Also, depending on how old the tile is, there may be asbestos in the mastic adhesive, so keep it moist and avoid dust.

 

[arisley]

[ QUOTE ]
Also, depending on how old the tile is, there may be asbestos in the mastic adhesive, so keep it moist and avoid dust.

[/ QUOTE ]

Forgot about that, NO BREATHING

 

[RenoF250]

I would imagine the tile was put in when the house was built so 1972. I don't think they were using asbestos then. Looks like regular linoleum to me.

So the consensus is that I have to take the tar off? That is not what I wanted to hear. I wanted to hear that there was an additive for mortar that would make it stick to tar.

 

[short_stuff]

I could hold my breath for a few minutes, but I might run out of air before I got the whole room full of tile and tar pulled up. Don't think CPR and paddles could jump start someone that out of breath. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Hoarsnest]

If the house was from 1972, there probably is asbestos. What size are the tile? 9"x9"? If they are 9x9 the tile will almsot certainly have asbestos as well. BUT, both the mastic and tile are considered to be "non-friable", which means the the asbestos fibers do not easily become airborn. You don't need to be too worried working with the stuff. I'd wear gloves and dust mask as a precaution.

But for the record - any asbestos; friable or non, is considered hazardous waste and is supposed to be disposed of by licensed professionals.

Shawn

 

[sandfun]

i lay over it....use regular thin set but instead of adding water..add accrilic comes in gallon jugs...makes it alot sticker...mix it on the wet side and go for it....

 

[SIC-E]

[ QUOTE ]

But for the record - any asbestos; friable or non, is considered hazardous waste and is supposed to be disposed of by licensed professionals.

Shawn

[/ QUOTE ]

NOT TRUE! home owners can do their own but if a contractor does it, it must be done by a licensed pro. should be fed so not diff by state. right about not being friable. just use common sense.
do the job right and remove the mastic. after all, getting the mortar to stick to the mastic isnt the desired result. want it to stick to the substrate below the mastic. good luck!