We recently completed a job on the West Coast. Our work area had beautiful views, but the task was tough. We had to remove around 100 m² of old floor tiles and prepare the concrete for a new waterproofing system.
Why Did the Old Floor Fail?
The tiles were installed very well. The workmanship was excellent, and the tiles looked great even after 30 years. They could have lasted much longer.
However, the concrete terrace had one big problem. It had no waterproofing layer under the tiles.
Over time, the concrete cracked. Those cracks moved up into the tiles. Water then slipped through the small gaps and sat under the surface. Years of moisture caused the tiles to lift and come loose.
Tile Removal Process
Removing the tiles was not easy. Many of them were still stuck down very hard.
We used a Hilti Breaker TE-600 to break and lift the tiles safely and quickly.
After that, we cleaned the whole concrete base. The old adhesive had to come off completely.
We used a Hilti DGH 150 concrete grinder to grind the surface back to strong, clean concrete.
To control dust, we worked with a Hilti VC 40H-X vacuum. It kept the area cleaner and helped us maintain a safe workspace.
Using professional-grade equipment allowed us to significantly reduce the time needed for the job, which in turn helps keep project costs lower for our clients.
Preparing for Waterproofing
Once all tiles and adhesive were removed, we carried out the initial preparation of the concrete surface for STRATAFLEX Waterproofing Membrane.
This system will not only waterproof the entire concrete area but also provide crack-isolation protection, preventing future cracks in the concrete from transferring into the new floor tiles.
If you’re facing tile failures, moisture issues, or need professional surface preparation and waterproofing, We Can Do It is here to help.
Get in touch with us to discuss your project.