Minimum slab temperature for tile install?

[ScaldedDog]

This seems like a timely question... What is the minimum slab temperature for porcelain tile installation? Will the popular flexbond thinset work well with a cold slab?

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on tile (yes, my trigger finger is twitching, and I'm sweating profusely), which means I'll be looking to install it in the winter. Part of my garage has radiant heat, so I can make it any temperature I want. A big section isn't heated, though, and that slab is about 52* in most places, and 48* around the edges, and it won't be any warmer 'till Spring. Is that too cold? Would a warmer air temp - say 60-65* help?

Mark

 

[Dakota00]

50* temps are about the lowest you want to go for setting tiles. After the tiles are set and grouted leave the heat on for about 2 weeks after so the thinset can cure properly. As for flexbond, I can't comment on it because I never used it. I personally use Mapei's Kerabond and Keralastic system, which works incredible for all climate exterior applications.

 

[ScaldedDog]

Thanks man. I may have the thinset name wrong, and I think the Kera* stuff is what I meant.

Just to be clear, I can keep the air temp in the unheated part of the garage in the 50's, but the slab is going to be in the 40's before too long. Too cold?

Mark

 

[slickgt1]

As long as it doesn't freeze, you will be fine. I set mine in the winter. Garage temps stayed at around 60. It seemed to get colder as I was working, but I figure it was the damn moisture in the garage, I remember my nose running toward the late hours, every day. When I got to my side door. It got really cold. In the morning, the 4 tiles that were right against the door, lifted up. The others set fine.

 

[darkk]

I've used Flexbond for a tile install and here is the temp requirment right off the bag.

Ambient temperature, surfaces
and materials should be maintained above
50 degrees F (10 degrees C) and below
100 degrees F (38 degrees C)

 

[Dakota00]

Thanks man. I may have the thinset name wrong, and I think the Kera* stuff is what I meant.

Just to be clear, I can keep the air temp in the unheated part of the garage in the 50's, but the slab is going to be in the 40's before too long. Too cold?

Mark

You'll be fine!! Make sure you stay a few degrees above freezing and all is good.

 

[eric87]

I set tile every day. just don't let it freeze and you will be fine.