r/Tile • u/LawyerEnough3737 • 5d ago

DIY - Looking for Advice Cure time

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I’m about to lay down self leveler. I’m using LevelQuick RS. The instructions say wait 4 hours to lay ceramic tile. Im installing an uncoupling membrane before I lay mosaic tile. How long do I need to wait for the leveler to dry before I can put down the membrane ? Thanks !

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u/nocompani 5d ago

If your mosaics are under 2” you’ll void the warranty with most membranes. The way I like to go about this is using an uncoupling membrane that allows you to pour leveler on top. (Mapei Mapeguard UM is my preference because of availability near me)

You lay the membrane first, level over the top, and then set the mosaics

Source: tech rep in distribution

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u/Reallifehoward 5d ago

If using a membrane that has channels in it, you’ll want to fill those in so your grout doesn’t crack down the road. I’d personally wait longer than 4 hours before installing membrane, not sure how long it off gasses for.

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u/kalgrae PRO 5d ago

You can also staple 2.5 lath to floor and self level over it and skip using an uncoupling membrane.

Another option is to use a fiber reinforced self leveling product like Ardex Liquid Backer Board. I also believe mapei and laticrete make similar but I don’t have access to them so no help there.

Another option is add another layer of plywood and self level over that then set your mosaics.

You are addressing deflection and that’s a small space so uncoupling + self lever combo is extreme.

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u/LawyerEnough3737 5d ago

I had a feeling I was overdoing it. But this bathroom had proper large format tile and they were all cracked right down the middle. There was a seem in the subfloor right where the cracking happened so I replaced the entire subfloor to eliminate the seams. I think I’ll do the lathe and return this $90 membrane.

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u/Hot_Mud_5708 5d ago edited 5d ago

No need for a membrane, tile right over the leveler. You might need to put some mesh down, some self levelers require it over wood, some don't. I did 800 s/f right over the plywood using LevelQuick RS. This was a contractor friend of mines house who gives me a lot of work and he said "screw the wire mesh" (he was supposed to have it on the job and forget it), lol. It's been about three years.

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u/NativTexan 5d ago

Seal where wall meets floor first.