Expert Answers
Can I Install Tile on a Retaining Wall?
QUESTION
Can I install tile on a retaining wall? - I am planning to create a tile mosaic on a concrete retaining wall. How do I prep the wall? How do I ensure that the barrier I use on the wall to make it waterproof will still take the mastic for the tile? What mastic should I use? I plan on having students create the tiles so they will be glazed stoneware.... Is my project impossible? Any direction/advice you can offer would be most appreciated.ANSWER
ANSWER - It is possible to install your mosaic tiles on the retaining wall if it is properly prepared.Retaining walls should have a waterproof membrane on the back side where the dirt is up against it. Otherwise it is possible to have water migrate through the block wall causing a hydrostatic water pressure that could cause problems with the mosaic.
As long as you don't see any signs of hydrostatic water pressure coming through the retaining wall, then I would grind the surface of the concrete retaining wall as necessary to remove high spots, and fill in low spots with a mortar. Then I would apply a liquid applied tile waterproof membrane over the prepared wall. There are products such as Laticrete Hydro Ban, Custom Bldg Prod Redgard, Mapei Mapelastic, etc.
Then use a polymer modified thin-set mortar for adhering the mosaic tiles to the membrane. If you are installing glass mosaics then make sure the thin-set mortar is suitable for glass mosaics. Do not use an organic mastic as it will not last or perform well in an application such as this. Then grout the mosaics with a suitable grout from one of the referenced manufacturers.
If it will span more than 12 feet then you should install a soft movement joint between sections to allow for movement and fill it with an ASTM C920 silicone sealant.
Good Luck!
4 thoughts on “Can I Install Tile on a Retaining Wall?”
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Installing tile on a retaining wall can add a decorative touch, but it requires careful consideration of materials and techniques. Have you thought about using tile to enhance your retaining wall?
Ceramic, glass, or stone tiles can be adhered to a retaining wall. It is important to waterproof the back side of the retaining wall and then also waterproof the face of the retaining wall with a tile liquid applied waterproof membrane. Then use an ANSI A118.4 or .15 polymer modified thinset mortar to bond the tile to the membrane.
Thanks for the helpful insights shared on this page! We’re working on a project with a freestanding concrete mural wall, where ceramic tile will be applied to one side, and both sides of the wall will be exposed to the elements. We’re considering using a waterproofing membrane behind the tile and mural cloth, and applying a silan sealer on the opposite side.
I noticed the recommendation to use a liquid applied waterproof membrane on both the back and the face of the wall. Given the use of a silan sealer on the face, would this alternative approach still be appropriate, or would you suggest sticking with a full membrane application on both sides? Any additional guidance would be appreciated!
A concrete surface that has been sealed with a Silane-Siloxane sealer can act as a bond breaker to the tile being bonded to it.
It is best to go with a single source system from a single manufacturer of tile installation products. It ensures compatibility and can provide an extended warranty for 10 years or more that provides labor and material if the installation materials fail. Of course this is not no-fault insurance. The tile has to be installed correctly per the manufacturer’s directions and per industry standards.
The tile liquid applied membranes are normally provide waterproofing and crack isolation protection of in-plane shrinkage cracking. The backside of the wall would have to be waterproofed with a waterproof membrane that is meant to be left exposed to the elements.
The tile substrate must be properly prepared and the tile must be properly installed in order to achieve a long lasting installation. The tile installation must achieve at least 95% full contact to avoid excessive voids and the resultant efflorescence staining that can occur.
It is important that you have a written installation, that there is a quality control plan that is implemented, and that you have quality control oversight.
I am not sure what you mean by Mural Cloth. Perhaps that back mounted mesh that is used sometimes for mosaic tiles?