Dear Tim
I am laying a tile floor in my backyard for my parents. It will be exposed
to rain and so on. What kind of thinset mortar should I use to lay it down?
I was told to use epoxy mortar because it is the best for high moisture areas.
Is this true? Thank you so much,
Ron
- - -
Ron,
Epoxy is a great choice, but traditional cement-based thinset will perform as well if you install it correctly. This means the surface you are working on is dust-free and slightly moist as you spread the thinset. You also must cover the thinset with the tile within 5 minutes of spreading. This prevents the thinset from developing a skin which can affect how it bonds to the tile. Finally, damp cure the tile for 24 hours so the thinset does not dry too quickly. For example, if you were laying the tile in blazing sun in the South or Southwest, the water in the thinset could evaporate in several hours and it simply would not be as strong as possible.
Be sure the tile you are using is approved for outdoor use. Not all tile can withstand freezing temperatures and exposure to weather. Those that can are made from special clays and are fired in the kiln at higher temperatures. This turns the clay into rock for the most part.
Tim Carter
www.askthebuilder.com
W3ATB