All About Tile

Will ceramic tile chip or crack?

Once a suitable ceramic tile is properly installed, it is very difficult to damage the product. Tile may be chipped or broken most often only if a heavy object is dropped on the floor. Structural deficiencies may also lead to cracking or breaking, most commonly caused by substrate movement. Talk to a professional about suitable installation techniques. It is always prudent to keep extra material available to repair any broken pieces.

 

Is ceramic tile cold?
Tile is actually the same temperature as the surrounding room temperature - it holds warmth in a sunny room and would maintain a cooler temperature in an air-conditioned room. There are many installation products that will warm a tile.

 

How does ceramic compare to other flooring options in terms of price?
The initial installed price of ceramic may be higher than other flooring materials, however; the longevity, ease of maintenance and design capabilities make ceramic tile an investment and an environmentally friendly choice. The life cycle cost of a glazed porcelain tile floor is $.35 per sf a year as determined by the Tile Council of North America.

 

How do I care for grout?
Grout is basically made up of Portland Cement with color pigments added. Due to the porous nature of cement, grout was difficult to keep from absorbing staining agents. Recent enhancements in the production of grout and its raw materials have made grout a much denser product. The addition of latex additives in the mixing of the product will also increase the density of the grout. There are also a large variety of penetrating sealers that can be applied to the grout as soon as 72 hours after installation. Though the initial cost for epoxy and urethane grout is more, they provide a stain proof and color consistent grout joint.

 

How durable is ceramic tile?
If the right product is selected and maintained properly, that is, kept free of grit and sand, it should last the lifetime of your home.

 

What is the difference between glazed and unglazed tiles?
Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited array of colors and designs as well as protects the tile from staining. The unglazed tiles are pretty much the same as the glazed tile, except that their surface is not coated. Unglazed tiles do not show wear because their color extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for heavy traffic.

 

Should a sealer be used on ceramic tiles?
A glazed tile is already stain proof so there is no purpose to putting on a sealer. You may put a penetrating sealer on your unglazed tile. The penetrating sealer is an invisible, stain-resistant shield that is absorbed into the surface of the tile.

 

What types of tiles are used for outdoors?
Any tile that is frost resistant may be used outdoors. For safety reasons, only unglazed tiles with a slip resistant surface should be used on patios, walkways, pool decks, etc. Glazed tiles should only be used on completely covered outdoor areas.

 

Isn't ceramic tile too hard underfoot?
The surface of the tile is naturally harder than carpet but not harder than vinyl or wood. Also, its surface construction is designed for comfort underfoot.

 

Why does white grout turn yellow?

Too much bleach in the cleaning product can turn grout a yellow color.

 

Why does a white powder form on shower tile?

Salt is found in the mud bed and when excessive amounts of water are in the mud bed, the water evaporates through grout lines pulling the salt with it and depositing the salt on the tile surface.

 

Why does grout mildew?

When the surface behind the tile stays wet, bacteria grows. When the water evaporates thru the grout line, the bacteria flows with the water and stays on the grout. No amount of cleaning will ever get rid of the mildew as long as the surface behind the tile is not draining through drain weep holes. In extreme cases, the wooden studs and framing around the shower become saturated with water and bacteria and the shower has to be torn out and rebuilt. Consult a tile contractor.

 

Why does grout crack?

Cracked grout may be caused by improper installation or movement of the underlayment beneath the tile.

 

Can you install tile over tile?

A tile contractor should be consulted but generally, yes. As long as you have a way to cover the edge of the old tile, if needed, and the additional weight is not an issue.

 

Can you install tile over Formica?

A tile contractor should be consulted but generally, no. The surface of the Formica needs to be rough so the thin set will bond, the counter top edge could be a problem to cover and the sub-surface might not be sturdy enough.

 

Can you install tile onto Drywall?

Yes, if mastic is used to bond the tile to the drywall. Thin set is used in all other applications because it is rated for floor (foyer) and wet areas (shower).

 

Can you install tile onto plywood?

Yes, 1 ½" of Exterior plywood or use one ¾" board of plywood and one ½" board of backer board.
Note: Do not use interior plywood because water from the thin set will be absorbed by interior plywood and swell up, destroying the tile surface.