Polypipe Overlay Advice

[moodle]

Hi, looking for advice with regard to Polypipe overlay.

We have bought this already for a 30m2 area (kitchen and extension). My husband is going to put the Polypipe boards down, we have a plumber lined up to make the connections and then we will need to find a tiler to tile on top. So it's only a partial DIY job - the Polypipe boards. The builder has put self leveller down on the concrete floor and it's mainly okay - but there is a slight bit of play in some areas when you put a board down. With this in mind, should he glue the boards to the floor? If so, what should he use to do that? Flexible adhesive? Could the boards be screwed down too?

Also, when we find a tiler to do the job, is there anything he should be aware of? I read somewhere that there should be a decoupling membrane to put down before it is tiled - is this correct? And can anyone recommend a good adhesive to buy?

Basically, if anyone has experience of fitting this system, any tips would be be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Lee@emctiles]

think there is some info on this thread re polypipe

Polypipe Overlay System

Just make sure your tiler doesn't tile directly onto the polypipe system. Recommend you either use a cement backer board like NO MORE PLY (other brands are available) or a decoupler (dural/ditra ect)

i would be tempted to put some more leveller down, then stick boards down with a flexible adhesive.

 

[Martyn Leeds]

I'd invite a tiler to come round for a look-see first.
Otherwise he'll turn-up and have to rely on what everyone else has done - like many of us have to every week

Obviously it'll be perfect and alright to tile cos the builder will say so

 

[Old Mod]

Hi and welcome to the forum moodle!

Essentially Polypipe is a loose lay system, so if the floor is of such a standard where the boards do not have full contact with the sub floor, then the substrate needs attention.
SLC (self levelling compound) should be used to rectify this, builders are not renowned for being able to level a floor to a standard that is required for a good tiling installation.
Good levelling work is a knack, as SLC doesn't do exactly what it says on the tin! As its a not a liquid per se!
What is the final decorative covering?
Polypipe themselves do not advocate the use of an SLC over their heating system, they feel that this will dislodge their pipe work, although we have yet to see proof.
Most adhesive manufacturers suggest 5-10mm of SLC to cover the heating system and then the introduction of a decoupling membrane/crack mat.
Then the final covering.
Essentially tho the substrate MUST be flat and load bearing before introduction of the Polypipe!

 

[moodle]

Thanks, Lee will have a look at the other thread. Sounds like you've had some bad experiences Martin!

 

[Old Mod]

The method Polypipe suggest is to over board first as Lee above suggested then SLC to level then tile.

 

[moodle]

Hi and welcome to the forum moodle!

Essentially Polypipe is a loose lay system, so if the floor is of such a standard where the boards do not have full contact with the sub floor, then the substrate needs attention.
SLC (self levelling compound) should be used to rectify this, builders are not renowned for being able to level a floor to a standard that is required for a good tiling installation.
Good levelling work is a knack, as SLC doesn't do exactly what it says on the tin! As its a not a liquid per se!
What is the final decorative covering?
Polypipe themselves do not advocate the use of an SLC over their heating system, they feel that this will dislodge their pipe work, although we have yet to see proof.
Most adhesive manufacturers suggest 5-10mm of SLC to cover the heating system and then the introduction of a decoupling membrane/crack mat.
Then the final covering.
Essentially tho the substrate MUST be flat and load bearing before introduction of the Polypipe!

Yes - the floor has already had loads of SLC put down - I think the builder went through nearly 20 bags of the stuff! So it's pretty flat - we are just waiting for the plasterers to be finished in the next day or so then can clear everything out and have a good look. Perhaps, as you say, it won't be quite perfect though. Maybe we should get a tiler out before the boards go down to have a look? Thanks for the useful advice.

 

[AliGage]

Just make sure your tiler doesn't tile directly onto the polypipe system.

Yet this is exactly what polypipe recommend/suggest for the installation of tiles over there system.

 

[widler]

I've tiled a few of these, it's a minefield out there for information, as Ali says they say tile straight on top (or used too) Webber say it needs SLC over it 1st , it's a pain really, I've tiled straight on top and over SLC and never had a problem with it .
I actually thought the cement boards were screwed down as well??

 

[Old Mod]

I actually thought the cement boards were screwed down as well??

Which ones Craig?
Polypipe or overlay?