Tile Installation Problems: How to Avoid the Worst Mistakes
Tile floors are still popular due to the advantages that ceramic tile installation provides over other flooring options. However, how many times have you seen issues with layouts? Tile installation issues are quite common and sometimes so easy to see, but even the most experienced tile installers fail when dealing with complex installation projects.
Loose Tiles
Sometimes the tiling material is becoming loose from the substrate, but you will not notice this without further investigation. To determine whether the existing tile is still in good condition that it will take another tile on top of it, use a tool to lightly tap the tile. A hollow sound means the tile has not adhered properly or, it could be because of the type of substrate that was used. If this is the case, the whole floor will sound hollow. Before starting any installation, check the floor to see if you need to remove any loose tiles.
Cracked Tile
Sometimes tile does crack without you noticing it. Professionals think that tiles crack because something was dropped on them, however, this is not always the case. Cracked tiles can occur because the joists move and the tiles are located mid-span between each joist. Before you start any project, make sure the floor is level and the subfloor has been reinforced properly. The maximum deflection allowed is 1/360th of the span length.
Not Enough Expansion and Contraction
Curing concrete and the chemical reaction are both critical things that can affect the expansion and contraction of tiles. The lack of good joints, especially on adjacent surfaces or materials, will often cause tiles to pop. The tiles expand and contract and so must have at least ½ inch in between the last row of tiles and the next surface.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss a ceramic tile installation, please contact T.G. Installations at (405) 451-2574 now, if you live in the Norman, OK region.