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Is there ever a reason to tile over exsisting tile

Created: 7/22/2006 Updated: 7/24/2006

Q	I recently purchased a older home. The tiles in the kitchen were chipped and craked and the grout was nonexsistant. The tie salesman told me the ony way to install new tile would be to take out the old tile, put down durorock, and install the new tile. (The previous owners seemed to attach the tiles to a wood floor somehow.) I had new carpets installed yesterday, and I was informed the new tiles had been placed over the old tiles.The carpet installers informed me my new tile would soon be cracking as well. When I called the tile guy, he said that the installers had to do it that way, and it would be fine. Any suggestions? Could there be a situation where old tile is put over exsisting cracked tile? Thanks in advance for any insight.

A	Tile is only as permanent as the floor it's installed over. If the existing tiles were loose (I suspect they were due to cracked grout) it will only be a matter of time before the new tile starts to experience the same problems. In addition, there may be deflection issues where the wood-subfloor under the original tile exceeds the tolerance for sagging and therefore may be a contributing factor. I find it incredulous that your installer would do an about-face concerning removal of existing tile and installing Durock sheets. You may have to have an independent (industry expert) inspection done to find out what the actual problem is. At any rate, let your displeasure be known in writing to the company responsible for the installation. Document their responses and seek to resolve this issue to YOUR satisfaction. Wishing you success!

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