Nothing beats newly installed tiles in your bathroom or kitchen. However, these tiles and the grout can get dusty and damaged with time. This is caused by regular usage and exposure to dirt and traffic, shower soap scum, and cooking oil or debris in the kitchen. Because of the rigors of daily use, it is critical that your tile be put correctly.
Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or seeking expert installation, keep in mind that floor coverings may make or break a property. Tile installation may be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and exceedingly precise. Professional ceramic tile installers are often craftsmen with years of expertise who are familiar with the latest processes and materials that have been developed and incorporated into today’s fashions. As a result, you must perform your homework, including a tile layout strategy.
Tile Layout Plan
Your layout design will assist you in determining a pattern and orientation for the tile, as well as estimating how many tiles you will require while generating a guide to follow. Spacers are also required for appropriate tile installation. Adhesive cement is initially applied, followed by the installation of the tiles. After the tiles have been placed in place and allowed to cure for 24 hours, the grout is applied to the spaces between them, and the tiles are washed clean with a damp sponge to remove the grout from the top surface. Installing tiles may be a time-consuming procedure, so work slowly and carefully, and most importantly, be prepared.
Floor Substrates
The substrate or surface underneath your tile will determine the methods and materials required to tile successfully. Different floor surfaces can make installation more straightforward or difficult, as tiles are laid on different substrates; many are more difficult than others.
How to Tell Between a Professional and Amateur Tile Installation
Proper knowledge of the criteria that a good tile installation must meet is necessary, even if you’re not an interior designer yourself. This will ensure that your home meets the aesthetic you have in mind and that your time and money are not wasted on poor craftsmanship.
Signs of a Good Tile Install
Here are several indications of high-quality craftsmanship. Keep this list available while inspecting an installer’s work. Make certain that:
- Installation in bathtubs and showers should be double-checked to verify that the floors and drains are flush. Drains will not function correctly if this is not done.
- Patterns and colors are exactly what you initially agreed upon.
- Wallboards are appropriately recessed, and tiles are set uniformly (anchored before being placed)
- The transitions between hardwood, granite and other materials are crisp and seamless.
- Before installing grout, underlayments and subfloors are equally buffed and polished.
- Cut tiles used in corners or around the perimeter of a space have a regular pattern.
Signs of a Bad Install
Poor installations are an eyesore at best and a serious safety danger at worst. These are telltale signs of shoddy tiling work.
- Errors that are obvious, such as incorrect lines, misaligned corners, or uneven grout line spacing
- Excessive lippage, overhangs, protruding, or corner popping up.
- Tiles have come loose, or corners have risen.
- Water is not draining or is leaking.
- The tile is cupped or bowed inward or outward.
- Tiles are either permanently slippery or quickly broken (pertains more to a low-quality tile sample rather than the installation of those tiles)
- Instead of being nestled behind door jambs, tile edges are butted up against them.
- Excessive caulking around corners or other challenging spots indicates that the contractor made a mistake and is attempting to conceal it.
- sloppy tile cutting
- The tile is lifting or separating.
- grout cracks and separations
Conclusion
With so many glossy, colorful tile selections available in tile stores today, there’s no excuse not to add flair to your decor. But with so many choices, it’s easy to make mistakes. It’s essential to have an experienced contractor who has a good understanding of the installation process and proper materials. If you are looking to have tile installed, be sure to hire an experienced contractor with a proven track record and keep the above information handy to make sure you don’t get the short end of the stick.
Are you looking to get floor tile installations? Reach out to European Painting & Electrical Services today! We provide high-quality work with our very skilled team of employees, with the goal of providing professional services in a timely manner.
