Tiled floor advice needed

[Emma5433]

I have uncovered the cover floor and found tiles covered in cement. I have got some of the cement off and I like the tiles but they are damp.
The floor is not level and some areas have missing tiles.
There was some rising damp and I have had the walls treated.
I don’t know if I should have this dug up and a new floor laid with a dpn or if it can be restored.
Does anyone have any advice?

 

[Cubist]

It's almost certain that whatever had been previously used to cover the tiles in your kitchen it would have significantly reduced the floors ability to breathe effectively. Right now much of the damp trapped in the tiles will be escaping to atmosphere and the whole room will be begging to dry out. There is also a fair chance that some of that trapped damp managed to escape around its outer borders where it contributed to the damp problems there. The tiles in your kitchen are 6 inch quarry tiles and could date back to the 60s or even earlier. The pattern and colours you have was very popular and readily available still in many places. Cleaning all that remaining adhesive may seem like a daunting prospect and it will certainly be an arduous task but the final finish and appearance will be very attractive.

It's not clear to me but the tiles in your last picture appear to be of a different type and the surface of some seem to be in poor/damaged condition. However, these too may respond well to thorough cleaning and could also become a good feature. Unevenness in such floors is also not uncommon and there are methods that can be used to address that problem if you wished.

 

[Emma5433]

Thank you for your response.
The last picture is what they all looked like before some of the cement was removed, it has come off easier than other places. The house is from 1890 and these tiles are laid into an ash floor. I think they could be that old. I need other building work done and have had 3 builders tell me to get it dug out but I would like to keep it.

 

[Gothichome]

I do it know if this is helpful but you can get stuff that will dissolve the cement left be hind. Google cement etching. Not sure if will effect the tile itself though. Others may have experience with it.

 

[Cubist]

I note that someone has suggested you lay new floors with a DPM. That approach risks pushing damp more effectively into the bordering walls to induce greater damage there. An ash underfloor can be easily and sensitively repaired using fully compatible materials as I understand it. I think you may be best advised to find a general builder in your area who has proven experience with such repairs to period homes.

 

[Emma5433]

I note that someone has suggested you lay new floors with a DPM. That approach risks pushing damp more effectively into the bordering walls to induce greater damage there. An ash underfloor can be easily and sensitively repaired using fully compatible materials as I understand it. I think you may be best advised to find a general builder in your area who has proven experience with such repairs to period homes.

Thank you I will