Thin set used to level


  #1  
Old 11-19-18, 07:17 AM
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Thin set used to level

Hi there,

hoping you can help.
My dad is a DIY-Er without any real professional experience. Generally small projects (ie - laying laminate) is no problem.

well the concrete on my basement floor is extremely unlevel. I wanted to pour a self leveling concrete to even it out but my father insisted on a thin set and actually came over and did it while I was away.

one area is 4x4ft and he laid thin set over an inch deep. It is cracked and soft (like play doh). I knew this would happen and am furious he didn’t listen to me as this is a large area.

How can we fix this? Any ideas?
 
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Old 11-19-18, 07:56 AM
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Sounds like it would be easy to chisel it up since it is already cracking and soft. Make him tear it up
 
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Old 11-19-18, 08:31 AM
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Weather it's thin set or self leveling they are both concrete products.

The problem comes with the thickness. Generally thin set is not used beyond 1/4" where self leveling can go thicker.

IF it were done and had cured correctly I suspect it would be ok but the fact you are saying it's soft may just be due to the thickness and cure time!
 
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Old 11-19-18, 08:43 AM
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If it's not hard then it's not a concrete based thinset. Sounds like he used a premixed "mastic" thinset. Scrape it off.
 
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Old 12-15-18, 01:35 PM
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I have used thinset to level smaller areas, but not more than about 1/4" deep and I add a latex bonder to the thinset.

you must completely remove the thinset on the floor. If you dont, the tiles wont stick.

take the time, do the work..or it will be a disaster.
 
 

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