Can You Lay ForteCast® Over Tiles?
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Yes—in the majority of cases you can lay a ForteCast® floor straight over existing tiles, which saves the mess and cost of ripping them up. The key is that the tiles are sound, clean and properly primed. Here's exactly when it works, when it doesn't, and how to prepare the surface for a flawless bond.
The short answer
ForteCast® bonds happily to ceramic, porcelain and natural marble tiles once the surface is sound and primed. Because the system is poured and troweled, it fills the grout lines and creates a single seamless surface on top—no need to expose the subfloor.
When you can lay over tiles
- The tiles are firmly bonded—no hollow, drummy or lifting tiles.
- The surface is structurally sound and not flexing underfoot.
- You can clean off all grease, wax, polish and old sealers.
- The floor has enough height clearance for the extra 12-10 mm build-up.
When you should not
- Loose or cracked tiles—these must be re-fixed or removed first.
- Damp or rising-moisture issues that have not been resolved.
- A floor that visibly flexes or bounces, which can crack any rigid topping.
- Doorways or appliances that cannot accommodate the added height.
How to prepare tiles for ForteCast®
- Re-fix or replace any loose tiles and let repairs set.
- Degrease and clean thoroughly—remove all wax, polish and sealer.
- Lightly abrade glossy porcelain to give the primer a key.
- Vacuum, then apply an even coat of penetrating primer.
- Let the primer become tacky, then pour and trowel the ForteCast®.
How much height does it add?
A typical ForteCast® finish adds about 12-10 mm on top of your tiles. Check door clearances, thresholds, kitchen kickboards and any appliances that sit on the floor before you start. Doors can usually be trimmed; built-in appliances need a little more planning.
Do you ever need to remove the tiles?
Only if they are failing, the floor is moving, or you cannot afford the extra height. Otherwise, leaving sound tiles in place is faster, cleaner and gives you a perfectly good base to pour onto.
Frequently asked questions
- Can ForteCast® go over porcelain tiles?
- Yes. Porcelain just needs cleaning and a light abrasion so the primer can grip its glossy surface. Once primed, the ForteCast® bonds and fills the grout lines into a seamless floor.
- Will the grout lines show through?
- No. The poured system fills grout joints and is troweled flat, so you get a uniform surface with no tile pattern showing—provided the tiles are level and well bonded.
- Do I need to prime tiles before ForteCast®?
- Yes, always. Priming locks down dust and creates the mechanical key the binder bonds to. A primer is included in every THINK FORTE kit.
Finishes mentioned in this article
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