Floor tiles over old black adhesive

[CX]

The old thermoplastic tiles on my concrete floor were so loose they were coming up when vacuuming, so they were stripped off completely.

I'm left with a nice and level concrete screed floor, with no bits of tiles, but a very thin layer of black adhesive left over. The adhesive isn't sticky.

Do I need to do anything special before tiling with a ceramic or porcelain floor tile?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If not loose and stable, I would prime area prior to starting.

 

[popandu]

I have the same issue but my tiles are still currently down. This is proving a real headache on the best way around the problem as the bitumen is so tricky to get up. To remove some advise a scraper, or blower, sander or chemical product. Just be aware that it may well contain asbestos as is the case for the tiles.

Many people advise to use a self-levelling compound on the bitumen but it won't adhere properly. Remember to think of a DPM as well.

2 companies you perhaps may want to contact are F-Ball (based in Leek) and Ardex (based in Haverhill); if you speak with their technical teams they will advise based upon your situation.

I have read Ardex do a product called Arditex NA and some claim will seal the bitumen allowing a work around instead of removing which is very labour intensive.

 

[CX]

I've decided on a floating click vinyl floor in the end, so no concerns about adhesion (as with tiles), or bleed-through (as with sheet vinyl) so I just need to level off a couple of areas.

I'll look into the Arditex NA - I've seen this product recommended in a few other places.