Replacing floor tiles laid in sand only, 50 years ago

[lost boy abroad]

Hello,

A first post from someone not very good at building stuff.

House in South America, generally well built but poorly maintained the last 30 years. Local tradesmen not doing a good job repairing and renovating. Learning to do things myself.

It would be great if anyone can give me pointers on the following

I have five 2nd floor rooms of about 12 meters square with old fashioned yellow and red tiles which appear to be made of concrete. Here they are called baldosas. 20 cm by 20 cm and 2 cm thick.

Many are loose and cracked. On inspection they have been laid on a bed of sand about 10 cm deep over the concrete ceiling structure. No mortar nor grouting, just well compacted.

They have lasted at least 30 years but obviously need repairing, about 2 thirds appear intact and new ones of similar colours can be made.

I can not find much information on the internet and the local builders just want to rip it up and lay standard new glossy floors. I would love to preserve the tiles and design, on the cheap if possible.

Does anyone have any experience and advise?

Thanks

 

[Time's Ran Out]

If you can upload some pictures that's a good start.

 

[lost boy abroad]

 

[lost boy abroad]

Not all floors are as bad. On the first picture I lifted one and the sand was loose and had settled. Some old broken ceramics in the sand.

The second picture, the worst room, has had some tiles changed and a few have been repaired with a cement base.

I am reluctant to lift more until ready to fix.

 

[Dan]

If you can upload some pictures that's a good start.

Christ Teej, what you doing up at 3am?! Late finish or early start?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

1)Old folk don't need as much sleep!
2)Dog usually wants to go out!
3)Had to say bye to the blond before the brunette arrived!
4)Mind too active.
5) Go to bed at 9.00pm.
Any number of reasons these days but last night it was just to see who I could upset today - takes a bit of planning.

 

[Italy]

View attachment 85654 View attachment 85655

not throw, redoing rooms, with the good ones, at max last room, changing material.

 

[lost boy abroad]

not throw, redoing rooms, with the good ones, at max last room, changing material.

Thanks Antonio,

That is the plan, to reuse the good ones
The question is more more ,

can I repack and lay directly on sand or do I have to use morter?

 

[Italy]

Thanks Antonio,

That is the plan, to reuse the good ones
The question is more more ,

can I repack and lay directly on sand or do I have to use morter?

sand under and morter for fixing?
expert is @timeless john now calling him