Acid-resistant tile flooring: what to check before you build

An acid-resistant floor protects the concrete underneath from spills that would otherwise eat into it within months. Most failures come from decisions made before laying starts, not from the tiles themselves.

Know what will be spilled

List every chemical that can reach the floor, its concentration and temperature, and whether washdowns use hot water or steam. This decides the mortar system, which is the part most exposed to attack.

Choose tile thickness for the traffic

Thinner tiles, commonly around 20 mm, suit walkways and light traffic. Areas with trolleys, forklifts or heavy drums need thicker tiles or acid-resistant bricks to take the load without cracking.

Prepare the base properly

• Sound, cured concrete with no loose layers
• Slope towards drains so liquid never stands on the floor
• A suitable membrane or barrier coat where the design calls for it
• Clean, dry surface before bedding starts

Get the joints right

Joints should be fully filled, of even width and finished flush, with no voids for chemicals to collect in. Expansion joints must be placed where the design requires them, so thermal and structural movement does not crack the floor.

Do not forget drains, trenches and edges

Spills collect at drains, trenches, columns and wall junctions, so these details need the same lining system as the main floor. Skirting the walls with tiles prevents liquid from attacking the base of the wall.

Respect curing time

Each mortar system needs its own curing period, and some need an acid wash before service. Putting the floor into use too early is a common cause of early joint failure.

JISPL supplies AR tiles, bricks and mortars and lays complete chemical-resistant floors. Share your area and chemical list for a quick quotation.