How to Get Self Adhesive Tiles to Stick to Concrete Floors

Dust, debris and cracks cause imperfections in the finish of installed self-adhesive tiles or affect the bond between the tile adhesive and the surface of the floor. All these problems are common when installing self-sticking vinyl tiles to concrete floors. The task of installing self-adhesive tiles increases in difficulty when dealing with older concrete that has multiple cracks or is degrading. Ensuring no imperfections exist after a tile installation requires proper preparation, repair and cleaning.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Cold chisel
• Hammer
• Mop
• Concrete patching compound
• Metal trowel
• Clean water
• Self-adhesive tiles
• Rubber roller

Instructions

1. Sweep the concrete floor with a broom to remove large debris from the area. Note all high spots and cracks in the concrete.

2. Hold the tip of a cold chisel at a 30-degree angle to a high spot in the concrete floor. Hit the end of the chisel with a hammer to remove the defect from the concrete. Remove loose concrete from cracks by placing the tip of the chisel at the edge and striking the chisel hard with the hammer. Remove all loosened debris from the concrete.

3. Sweep the concrete. Clean the concrete with a damp mop to remove dust from the floor. Apply concrete patching compound to all cracks and low imperfections with the tip of a metal trowel. Allow the patching compound to dry for 12 to 18 hours.

4. Mop the floor thoroughly to remove remaining dust.

5. Lay out the design for the floor tile after the floor has dried.

6. Peel the protective paper from the back of a self-adhesive tile. Align the edges of the tile with the floor layout. Press the tile firmly toward the concrete. Run a rubber roller over the tile to remove air bubbles from the area between the tile and the surface of the concrete.

References

• The Home Depot: Installing Self-Stick Vinyl Tiles
• Ace Hardware: Repairing and Patching Concrete