How to install ceramic tiles ?
Installing your ceramic tiles can be a challenging job for there are quite a lot of things
to consider. How to install ceramic tiles were easily answered here. So just read on.
Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of designs and sizes, that’s why when shopping for the one that will fit
perfectly to that certain place of your home becomes a quite difficult task. Installing them is also another
worrying thing. The beauty and the life span of a ceramic tile depend greatly on how well you install it. So when
installing that ceramic tile, there are a few things you have to put in mind.
Aside from knowing the exact size of ceramic tile you want and need, you can now proceed with the main thing
which is the preparation of the surfaces of your floor or wall. It is really vital to even thoroughly the surface
where you will be laying the tiles upon. You should also remove other covering and wallpapers before tiling. It is
important to spend quite some time doing on the cleaning of the surface because if not, it will just result to a
jagged and uneven tiling.
A nother important thing to remember before tiling is to use battens such
as wood rods to be set horizontally and vertically. These are used to lay your ceramic tiles in straight lines
to keep away from mistakes in positioning and will eventually result to a failed procedure.
After ensuring that these pre-tiling measures are done, you can now start with your installation proper. There
are actually two types of ceramic tiles- the porcelain and glazed types and each requires its own steps of correct
installation. Since porcelai n ceramic tiles are best for bathroom use or for areas that are exposed to water and
moisture, they require additional installation materials such as waterproof adhesives.
When it’s already the right time to install the ceramic tiles, apply first the mastic or the ceramic adhesive to
the surface or to the flooring. Since the ceramic adhesives will harden up quickly, just prepare enough of it for
30 minutes. After doing this, extend the mastic with the even end of the towel. Set it on thick about 3/16 inch
thick, then roll the towel around. This will help clutch ceramic tiles down more steadily. You can now start
installing the tiles after the adhesive has been applied. It is advised to do the tile installation working from
the centre. You can also use thin mastic covering at the back of the tile if you happen to use larger tiles because
this will make certain a good quality attachment. After installation, you have to the grouting right after. The
grouting is applying of this certain substance mixed with water that will fill the joints between the tiles. It
also avoids the humidity and dust to dig in beneath and between the tiles. Grouts play a very important role in
your tile installation because they cover the seams between tiles. It is also one of the factors affecting the life
span of your tiles. As long as the grout is fine, you can be assured that your ceramic tile walls and flooring will
be good.
Ceramic tiles are undoubtedly the excellent materials for bathroom flooring and walls and for many other
purposes. So when planning to have these tiles for your flooring, be sure you know very well the steps in the
installation.
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