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New Concrete must be cured minimum 28 days. Never install below 14 C  

           
Bonding installation failure of mortar {thin-set};

The most common cause; 

NOT APPLYING ENOUGH MORTAR. Back-butter - completely cover the back of the tile with mortar {skim coat}                 

The second most common 

“Stressing" the mortar before it has cured”. Walking on the tile the next day.

Ideal condition after 24hrs to 48 hrs. The next day mortar may only be  cured 25%                              

The third reason;   

Grouting too early. This can trapp moisture in and not allow proper curing for the thinset.          

A major cause of install failure, is also due to improper material used behind the tile. Walls or floors.

The difference between concrete and mortar is, concrete is made with gravel and cement, and mortars are with sand and cement. These two materials will give you the best bond.

Anti- fracture membrane;  

Can be used to prevent cracking due to movement in the sub-floor. EASY MAT can be used as sound guard and anti-fracture system.

SUBFLOORS AND BACKER BOARD

There are several types of Ceramic tile backer boards that are availible. Some with cement, mesh, or metal lath, Etc. Ensure you use the correct product for walls or floors. Drywall is not recommended.

Also one 5/8 inch top surface single layer is not adequate; one layer has the potential to crack tiles. Over-lapping the joints of double layer of plywood will reduce the problem considerable.                   

RADIANT HEAT

If you wish to have the comfort of radiant heating and join the “green” program here is some simple information;

Clean and efficient - low operating cost.

Unlike forced air heating,   radiant floors does not waste energy by heating your ceiling, forced air system and fan that circulate or blow the warm air through vents, It also circulates the dust and other bacteria. Radiant instead will warm you from the feet up and provide luxurious comfort at 30% of your heating bill. With Radiant heat you will enjoy clean, energy efficient, economical, and luxurious Comfort.

Today’s designers have gone to the larger type of tiles 12x24 18x18 24x24 etc

This can become difficult installation if the floor or walls are not plum or level

A self-leveling compound may help or a mud-bed or thick- bed may be necessary. This application is seldom used in homes as it requires considerable amount of training.

Now you’re ready to start laying out your work.                                                                                                                       

Only after layout, should you attempt to lay your first tile!

The basic is a grid pattern or grid square; this is determined by the size of tile.

Never assume that floors or walls are level, straight or plum.

The principle of the grid system apply to floors as well as walls

To find a square use the triangle system  3x4x5. Always check and use a level and straight edge. Then marking the lay out with a chalk line.

                            Come and see us for any help or advice.

     Grouting;   

     Never be in a hurry to grout, as the mortar needs curing time. It is doubtfull that mortar has reached 25% of its strength after 24 hrs. The longer   you  wait, the better the bond. Never grout below 15 degrees C.

         The most common failure is adding too much liquid in the mixing process.  Color variation may occur from over washing as well as too much liquid when mixing. Hot or cold or sun may also affect the final color.      

When installation is completed wait to grout allow 24 – 48 hrs to start grouting

Use a rubber float and elbow grease to force grout into the joints. After joints  are filled, allow drying approximately 15 minutes before starting to wash. Using the sponge lightly draw diagonal to remove excessive grout so its level with the tile surface.

Cleaning dirty grout; 
      
     My advice is to seal it properly before it gets dirty. Remove mildew, mold with general purpose germicide readily available from sanitation supply distributors. It is important is rinsing and scrubbing with scrub brush to loosen the residue and dirt from grout, this is often not done resulting in dirty grout and Odors. Then reseal for a longer lasting product.    

Choosing tiles can be frustrating please feel free to come and discuss your choices. We will gladly help in design, color or type of material to use.

            “WE HAVE 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO ASSIST YOU”