DIY Tile Installation

Everyone loves to save money and go head strong into a project for the home. Many Do It Yourself (DIY) tilers move forward with a job without giving full review to what is about to be taken on. Even from purchasing the tile, often buying the wrong ones is the first mistake.

Everyone should take the time to investigate what is about to become a permanent fixture in the home or exterior. The cost of tearing up and starting over is one reason to get it right the first time.

Here are 5 things which can go wrong and helpful hints which will keep the job moving in the right direction.

DIY Tile Installation

1. Why Are My Tiles Darker in the Shower Then the Rest of the Room?

No matter what type is being used every kind has an absorption rate. It’s simplistic to think that unglazed terracotta has the most water intake (about 15% or more). Even with glazed porcelain tiles they still have some form of consumption as well (usually .01%). Glazed tiles can seem impervious to liquids unless there is an issue from behind the surface or the grout; this is where the problems start.

If a moisture barrier which should have been installed is skipped over then this is definitely something which should have been looked at closer. Some other problems associated with this issue is a broken water line leading to the shower head or faucet. To find out more on this and other problems associated with moisture under tiles take a look in for a Denver Tile Outlet or any other outlet in the local area.

2. The Tiles Are cracking At the Corners

This is a case which so many run into with the incorrect installation. It’s often associated with the wrong bonding agent or how the mortar is applied. This is why it’s important to have the correct trowel. Be sure to receive professional help and be positive the right one is chosen. If a tile sounds hollow when stepped on it’s due to the very same reason.

Those who put a dot of extra bonding at the corners also create this identical issue. There can be smaller misgivings which total up to an equal effect but often spotty application of the mortar is the number one reason.

3. The Frieze Tiles Do Not Match The Main Tiles

Tiles which have an applied decoration which are fired numerous times are referred to a “second firing”. Sometimes tiles are kilned multiple times, even as many as four or five. This is due to the process of bonding multiple décor to the surface. When this is done several times the glaze or the material of the tile can and will change color.

Often the glazed surface is what changes most. So when looking at this applied decoration be sure to examine them in full daylight to be positive they match before installation occurs.

4. Some of The Tiles Are Thicker Then Others

This falls true with natural stone tiles. Hard tiles such as quartz or granite are always machined and like marble they will be the same thickness regardless. With other options like limestone and slate these often come in different width because they are cut from a single larger slab. A professional will know the difference and check them first but many DIY tilers overlook this and then the troubles begin.

If this happens with a porcelain or ceramic tile it’s usually because they are either a tile which looks the same but is not the same (meaning from a different company) or by chance they are made by the same establishment at a different plant. Anyone can mix multiple thickness tiles but the person installing them must be aware so that the bonding agent can be adjusted.

5. The Wall & Floor Tiles Have Hairline Cracks To Them

From time to time, even after installation of years gone by, the surface glaze of tiles start to crack. These flaws are slight and do not permeate into the earthenware. This is known as “crazing”. Often this is mistaken for cracks but under normal condition this problem can be seen but won’t cause any noticeable issues in the long run.

This process is from the surface expanding and contracting during installation or from hot and cold temperatures to the surface. Sometimes a high bonding adhesive is used to mount a tile. If it is used in a thick application under a porous tile then it’s easily possible it can literally twist the tile. This twisting motion will make the glaze craze, often in a short amount of time. Crazing does not affect the performance of a tile and should not be changed for any other reason other than for appearance factors.

By Ellen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *