Using RIW Tilesafe to repair Homelux floor matting - repair patch

[hmtiling]

Wa

Ok, I've spoken to Tilemaster and they don't recommend their paint on system for the former tray because it won't stick (our former tray is either plastic or resin). They recommend using a membrane.

And it looks like I'm going to have to lift another tile to access more membrane and tape the seam properly.

So I am back to the Tilesafe or Waterguard. I've got very little play for bedding the tiles. Any consensus on which is better in this scenario? Which membrane is thinner?

Waterguard is thinner and more user friendly

 

[hmtiling]

Oh that’s a shame. I’ve only ever used the paint on gear on standard substrates.

I’m not familiar with Waterguard. Is it applied with tile adhesive?

I know what does stick to plastic- Schlüter Kerdi with Kerdi Fix. Did this a couple of times when waterproofing.

Unfortunately I can’t advise much further on tikesafe, or Waterguard.

It seems a shame to have to take more tiles up. You would think there is a paint on system that is suitable.[/QUOTE
Waterguard is self adhesive like tilesafe and a great product.

 

[leee-na]

Update: I have lifted another tile and the Homelux membrane is so brittle that the waterproof backing (black stuff) is disintegrating on touch and separating from the fabric fleece top. The whole thing is not stuck to the tray. This stuff is horrible.

I'm going to trouble shoot with some 100mm wide double-sided butyl jointing tape (not Impey tape but ok to use?). Clean out as much of this adhesive membrane from under the fabric and stick the fleece top back down to the tray on the underside then cover topside with Waterguard patch - if you get what I mean.

Doe that make sense? Or better to tape down the old membrane topside and patch over with the Waterguard?

I am beginning to regret even touching those cracked tiles now.

 

[Waluigi]

This is getting a bit worrying. What was the Homelux stuck down with? The actual membrane is brittle?

 

[leee-na]

Im guessing the contractor used thinset to stick the Homelux to the tray. There's the fabric fleece layer then the black layer, which I guess is the waterproof membrane on the back of the Homelux, and then some white dust that's the adhesive. I think you can see this in the pics.

I mean it's an old installation - nine or ten years - so maybe that's why the membrane is flaking off the tray? But yeah, it's totally brittle. I can actually prise up the membrane with my fingernail and see under to the tray. 🙁

 

[Waluigi]

That sounds like a design fault.

Homelux is based on Schlüter Kerdi who were the innovators. I know that Kerdi is a Polyethylene with fleece on. I assumed Homelux was a similar tech.

 

[leee-na]

Hmmm, I did notice that the adhesive/membrane was slightly damp in places when I first dismantled. Not the fleece fabric but the black polythelene type stuff. Could water ingress be weakening the bond and making it brittle?

On reflection, it was definitely a mistake to leave those cracked tiles like that for so long.

 

[leee-na]

Hi all, my saga continues ...

Rang up Homelux Technical who were most unhelpful. The "technical" guy on the phone couldn't even tell me the composition of the floor matting nor could he find documentation on it, nor could he advise on fixing said problem. After sending some pics, got a follow-up defacto email from their customer care, which basically said there is no fault with the Homelux membrane and all is as it ought to be. Recommendation is to pull up the entire installation and start from scratch.

Anyway, for the sake of completeness, this is what I did:

Wipe clean the former and cut away the brittle polyethylene from under the fleece fabric (had to cut notches in the fabric to get under there). Slide the double-sided butyl tape under fabric membrane, fold the fleece fabric back down. Cover entire area with Waterguard. Apply butyl rubber sealant along perimeter edges of Waterguard, including the dropdown into the waste area.

The butyl rubber sealant says not to use on plastic - but I have used it in the waste drop down area. Should I worry?

Any other thoughts on my process?

Now all I got to do is tile. I've taken off as much adhesive as possible without touching the underfloor heating. Should I prime the old adhesive in the other areas before I tile or can I just go ahead and tile on top?

Who would have thought this would take so blooming long 😕