Have you realized that the floor is not exactly level throughout the area while you are ready to tile it? Fortunately, there is still hope! It is possible to tile uneven floors; it just requires a slightly different procedure that can call for a bit more planning and work!
Whether you’re repairing architectural porcelain or limestone tiles, you must understand how to produce a suitable surface for tiling when dealing with uneven floor tiles. Hence, we have compiled all the knowledge you need on tiling floor tiles not level in this article. Without further ado, continue reading to learn the cause of uneven floor tiles and how you can fix them.
Why Floor Tiles Not Level?
When tiles are laid unevenly, you may see or feel the difference when walking across them. But there are a few exceptions. Handmade tiles and tiles composed of unusual materials, like shells, could have strange shapes or be very challenging to install. It’s also possible that the wall or floor in your room is uneven.
If the tile is placed over a small bump in the floor, it may become more noticeable, thus you might notice a change where you didn’t before. To achieve a uniform surface, an experienced contractor can fill in the low spots and grind down the high spots, though not all do this. Most likely, something went wrong during installation if you’ve got fairly conventional tiles and your floor and wall are both identical.
“Lippage,” or the uneven surface that results from one tile being higher than the adjacent one, is one of the most frequent issues. This usually shows up as huge, rectangular tiles, and is the result of the contractor choosing the incorrect offset or pattern for the tile laying process. Uneven tile application can also result from uneven thinset or mortar application, which holds the tiles in place. This usually occurs when the contractor works quickly and does not give the adhesive enough time to spread evenly.
It’s not a good idea to disregard uneven tiles. They make the tile more likely to chip at the edges and provide an opportunity for falls. These kinds of tiles are also more difficult to clean.
Ways To Fix Floor Tiles Not Level
Depending on the state of the base, tiling an uneven floor can include multiple methods. First, repair mortar needs to be used to fill in deep holes. Although a smooth surface can be achieved using a leveling compound, uncalibrated stone requires the application of a strong bed adhesive.
#1: Assess The Floor
A 2-meter straight edge, spirit level, or ruler can be used to measure how uneven your floor is. Place it in the center of the floor and slowly rotate it 360 degrees to check for gaps between the edge and the floor. If the gaps are greater than 3 mm, the floor will need to be leveled before it can be tiled.
#2: Marking And Sealing
Make a mark of the locations with more noticeable dips so you can ensure that these are leveled correctly afterward. The floor should first be sealed using a PVA solution or an acrylic bonding primer.
#3: Blending
The leveling compound should be prepared according to the directions on the bag. Then, pour the liquid onto the floor and try your best to level it with a float, paying special attention to the deeper spots. Since it is a self-leveling compound, it completes nearly all of the work by itself. Doing the floor in sections is preferable.
After filling the floor, allow it to dry before using a spirit leveling for assessment.
#4: Apply A Patch Repair Mortar For Bigger Spots
If there are spots and holes in the substrate deeper than 20 mm, a repair mortar could be the best choice. Make sure the edges are square-cut rather than feathered, and that any loose or unstable material has been addressed.
#5: Apply A Leveling Compound
To create a level and even surface for tiling, apply a leveling compound to fill up any spots, holes, or spaces between already installed tiles. Make sure the surface is secure, clean, and dry. All current tiles need to be firmly put in place.
Apply the leveling compound to the substrate and let it dry. The leveling compound should be poured to the necessary thickness. Ensure that the tiling layer and screed pass through any substrate movement joints.
#6: Use An Appropriate Tile Adhesive
To smooth out the natural imperfections in uncalibrated natural stone tiles, you’ll need to use a firm bed tile adhesive. If a leveling compound isn’t utilized, this can be used to smooth out tiny flaws in the substrate. Using an appropriate thick bed, which can create a bed thickness of up to 20mm, fix tiles after ensuring that any loose or unstable material has been removed.
Use appropriate tile adhesive to fix ceramic or porcelain tiles that are uniform in shape—that is, not made of uncalibrated stone or unnatural stone.
Conclusion
Understanding the right method for floor tiles not level benefits the overall appearance of your house, but it will also improve its safety. If you have any further do-it-yourself tile jobs planned, be sure to write down the methods listed above. Or, you can always hire an experienced tile contractor to complete the work for you.
