SALTILLO TILE PART 3: Foundation Crack Isolation (HD)

How to isolate a foundation crack before installation to prevent crack translation into tile.
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Due to excessive ground settling throughout many areas of Tucson, Arizona, there are many instances where resulting foundation cracking has translated through Saltillo tile floors. This situation need not be troubling if it is addressed properly.
Through the correct application of proper crack-isolation products, foundation cracks will discontinue translating through any flooring type installed over those products.
Improper (and ineffective) "crack-isolation" materials such as tape of any kind, concrete patching material, and roofing paper are commonly installed by inexperienced and careless flooring companies. Those materials are always ineffective, and cracks in tiles and grout always eventually re-present.
Inexperienced and careless floor companies also typically install mismatching tile and grout types.
For expert work performance in all aspects of Saltillo tile installation, repair, and restoration, call Catalina Floor Care today to schedule a free estimate.
Mention this video and receive:
$100 off Saltillo tile clean and re-coat
$200 off Saltillo tile stripping and refinishing
$300 off Saltillo tile installation

[@joepuzo9674]

Great info. Thanks!!!

[@CatalinaFloorCare]

Joe Puzo Glad it was helpful, Joe. Thanks for the view and the like.

[@californiatilerestoration4827]

good information

[@CatalinaFloorCare]

Thank you.

[@elliemcbride4792]

Jody, Your videos have been really helpful. I have a question. I am unable to get the speed flex. Do you think that redguard seam tape would work in place of the speed flex? I don't have enough depth for an uncoupling matt. Thanks!

[@CatalinaFloorCare]

Hi Ellie. Thank you. I would not at all recommend using RedGard seam tape as a substitute for elastomeric mesh. The RedGard seam tape is meant to join together edges of the RedGard uncoupling mat. It is not designed to behave as a crack isolation product. Give Big D Tile in Tucson, Az. a call. They'll probably ship you some Speed-Flex.

[@elliemcbride4792]

Thanks, I'll do that!

[@kielbasa2007]

Jody, thanks for these informative videos. What do you typically to seal the Saltillo tiles outdoor?

[@CatalinaFloorCare]

You’re welcome! I use a number of different products, but the ones I use most frequently are a sealer called Enseel and a floor finish called 24/7. Both of those products are made by a company called National Chemical Laboratories (NCL).

[@pegaha123]

Will this work if I’m using a less expensive angle grinder and blade? I only need to remove 2 tiles to remove a dishwasher that’s tiled around, and install a new one

[@CatalinaFloorCare]

Yes, but make sure that the diamond disc (blade) is designed to cut ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or masonry like this inexpensive one from Ace Hardware: www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/power-tool-accessories/cut-off-wheels/2017253 Call or text me at 520 808-3277 for additional info if necessary. Good luck!

[@garybarrett2352]

When you removed the cracked tiles you found the foundation crack. You left the tiles that were not cracked. What will keep those tiles from cracking? Will that just be another job that you have to strip the floor and replace more tiles?

[@CatalinaFloorCare]

Very good question, Gary. In a situation like this one where it is evident that the foundation crack extends beyond the point where it has caused tiles to crack, I leave it up to the customer’s discretion as to whether they want to remove unaffected tiles along the foundation crack’s obvious path. In this particular case, the customer believed that because of the age of the house, the unaffected tiles would’ve already cracked if there was any real potential for them to.

[@garybarrett2352]

@@CatalinaFloorCare Thanks for the response. It seemed interesting to leave the other tiles but I can also see the logic in the age of the home. I wouldn't have taken any chances but I also live in a place that has clay soil that shrinks and swells. Great videos by the way.

[@CatalinaFloorCare]

@@garybarrett2352 Thanks, Gary.

[@johnsmith-qe2fd]

Would be better if you showed the repair process. More interesting anyway. I thought these tiles were way thicker.

[@CatalinaFloorCare]

john smith By the time I reached this point, John, I was really tired and just wanted to get through it. I do have a new video, though, that I’ll be uploading sometime soon, which will show the process in more detail. Thank you for your view and for your comment.