Subfloor for Victorian hallway mosaic floor tiles

[Dominic]

Hi,
The existing concrete subfloor in my Victorian house hallway has broken up and needs replacing. I've removed as many of the original tiles as possible (mainly black and white 2 inch by 2 inch) and would like to re-use them once a new subfloor is in place. I've had some quotes and advice about the subfloor, but these are split between either re-instating the concrete subfloor or removing all of the existing concrete and replacing with wooden joists and plywood. The argument for joists and plywood are that it allows circulation of air (although there is currently no evidence of damp), but I'm concerned that it won't feel solid enough.
Any views that would help me make a decision would be very welcome.
Thanks,
Dominic

 

[DHTiling]

If the choice is there, then IMO a new screed over timber any day.

 

[tommyzooom]

Yes, no comparison, Screed everyday, with a dpc of course

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

As above screed with DPM much better than timber, but are you sure the existing floor is concrete? a lot of victorion floors were laid on pugging boards, ( a kind of trough between the joists) filled with lime, ash, sand, or sometimes even crushed shells, depending on the area. This was then screeded over by either a lime/sand mortar or 3:1 sand and cement into which the tiles were laid. Just a thought.

 

[Dominic]

Thanks very much for the responses.
Phil, you might be right about the construction, but I can't see any timber (from looking under the floorboards under a doorway that adjoins the hall - there's no retaining wall here), just loose bits and pieces of mortar, etc. I'll investigate further. If there is a timber trough construction, is it still better to go with a new screed over the top?
Thanks,
Dominic

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

Hi Dominic, hard to say until you find out the construction of the floor. Worst case scenario would be DPM new concrete raft, then screed. maybe you will not need all that, but DPM is a must imo. Good luck.