I've never installed tile before in my life. So to kick start my 800+ sqft installation, I started in the smallest bathroom.
I ripped out the vinyl floor sitting on top of concrete. Almost at the end of removing the vinyl floor, I noticed that some piece of the floor came off with it.. On closer observation, I noticed that the builder had laid a thin layer of cement on top of the concrete slab. This thin layer was peeling off real easy in some places.
So I decided the rip out this thin veneer.... Painful.... I think I know why the installer put this veneer on, the builder painted the walls first and the floor had paint on it. So the installer rather than scraping off the paint, decided to put in the veneer. This is my guess.
Anyway, since I still have another 800 sq ft to go.... I'm wondering if it was worth the pain removing the thin layer of cement? Or can I install the porcelain tile on top of this veneer without any problems. My common sense says that I should remove the veneer. My body says enough of this torture. :-)
Of the remaining 800+ sq ft, about 500 is covered with carpet... I peeked under the carpet adjoining the tiny bathroom and I see the thin veneer going under the carpet too. Don't know if it's all over the house.
Please advice.
Regards,
-R