Common Tiling Mistakes To Avoid
Choosing the correct tile size, color, and quality influences the outcome of your tiling project, but the installation process has the most significant impact on the result. Ideally, adequately installed tiles can give your home a new, brilliant look. Therefore, you need to understand what to do and what to avoid. If you have an upcoming tiling project, these are the common tiling blunders to avoid.
Poor Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is critical before laying your tiles. If you prepare the surface poorly, your tiles may not be even, resulting in an untidy look. Also, stains and debris can negatively affect the strength of tile adhesive. In this regard, remove any debris or dirt and smooth the surface. This provides a flat and firm foundation for your tiles, which helps achieve a neat and smooth finish. Moreover, your adhesive will work better, and your tiles will remain intact for longer.
Poor Grouting
You may apply grout too quickly to complete your tile installation project fast. This may cause grout to settle and dry out fast, especially at the ends of the tile. Uneven grouting may result in rough finishing, thereby influencing your tiles' appearance. Therefore, you need support tools such as squeegees to spread the grout slowly and evenly. Also, when you notice excess grout at the tile ends, scrape it off quickly before it dries for excellent results.
Wrong Tiling Equipment Use
Failure to use the correct tiling equipment can cause tiling problems, even if you have experience. When tiling, use appropriate equipment such as battens. For instance, use battens when laying your tiles in a straight line. This helps you set every tile in the correct position. Also, you need to use the right trowel size that matches the tile size. For example, a trowel with deep notches is ideal when setting larger tiles.
Poor Adhesive Choice
Tile adhesive is a vital tiling item that joins tiles together. However, there are different adhesive types, and you may make the wrong decision unknowingly. For instance, when tiling highly humid rooms such as bathrooms, use a waterproof adhesive. Using standard adhesive may result in tile crumbling. This may increase your tile repair and maintenance requirements. Therefore, assess your tiling needs and use the correct adhesive. Also, you may need to install a backer board on the tiles in highly humid areas to prevent moisture from penetrating the tiles through minor cracks.
Use these tips during your next tile installation project.