subject: Tips on Installing Tiles Carefully [print this page] Tips on Installing Tiles Carefully Tips on Installing Tiles Carefully
Choosing and buying the right type of tiles is not that hard. However, installing requires much more care and consideration. In fact, most people prefer to employ the services of a professional to do it rather than doing it. When tiles are destroyed during the installation process, you cannot go back to the supplier and ask for more. This therefore means that each tile that breaks of chips during installation is destroyed and needs a replacement.
One of the mistakes that people make is using sand and cement as opposed to adhesive cement. When cement is used, the tiles dry up under heat from the sun and they eventually pluck out. Investing in adhesive cement is therefore important, as it will ensure that your tiles do not pluck up even after years of use. Porcelain tiles are in fact more sensitive and a super bond adhesive cement should be used. This is because this type of bond contains bonding liquids to ensure that porcelain and other hard tiles are held tightly together.
Spacing the Tiles
When installing tiles, it is important to ensure that you space them out properly. Use a spacer to ensure that the space between all the tiles is even. If the space between the tiles is too small, they will pluck out when they expand or even crack if the expansion is too much and they are properly glued to the surface. If the space left is too big, the surface will not look neat. Ensure that you use special filler called grout to fill in the spaces between all the tiles to ensure that water does not sip under the tiles and damage them.
If the surface where you place the tiles is not leveled properly, the tiles will eventually pluck out. This is most important when it comes to laying floor tiles. Lay the tiles from the centre of the room so that you only break tiles at the end of the room as opposed to the centre, where all attention will be out. To ensure that the tiles are safely and firmly set, use a rubber mallet to gently pound as you lay them.
Other than the above pointers, there are several other factors to consider. These include the entire preparation process such as unpacking all your tiles before you start laying them to ensure that you have tiles of the same color. Lay the tiles row by row and buy about 10% more than what you will need to cater for breakage. Ensure that you have everything you require for the process and make sure that you have read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Do not slide the tiles, rather place each where it is supposed to be and ensure that you only use enough adhesive and not too much. The adhesive dries very quickly so only apply to the area you are working on. Finally, do not put any furniture or move around the room for about 48hrs and no washing the room for at least seven days. When these simple precautionary measures are considered, your tiles will look good for many years to come.
