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Are you thinking of installing floor tiles at your home or office?
You have made the right decision because tiles are known for their strength and durability.
But before you go ahead and lay tiles, you better look out for some of the common mistakes people make in the process. Of course, you will have Professional Floor Tilers in Melbourne to do the job. But if you want to DIY, you can do so with this understanding. Or at least, you will be better able to oversee the whole procedure.
So first, let’s see the process of Floor Tilers in Melbourne.
5 Steps of the Process of Floor Tilers in Melbourne
The five steps of floor tiling are:
- The first thing a floor tiler does is measure the area to be tiled.
- Then, they calculate the number of tiles needed and cut them to size using a wet saw.
- Next, they spread adhesive on the floor with a notched trowel and lay the tiles in place.
- Once the adhesive is dry, they apply grout between the tiles with a rubber float.
- Then they wipe off the excess grout and apply a sealant to protect the surface.
5 Common Mistakes in Laying Floor Tiles
1. Tile Cracking
Cracking the tile is one important job of floor tilers in Melbourne. So, you should take certain measures when cutting tiles to avoid breaking them. If done wrong, you will end up with too many damaged tiles. So, you’ve got to keep an eye on this as it can be a waste of resources.
For cutting tiles, the ideal approach is to use a diamond wet saw. A diamond saw blade is abrasive and toothless.
Start by marking the tile with a pencil before cutting it using a normal lead or wax pencil. Then place the tile against the barrier and align the line with the blade.
Now make your cut with slow, steady pressure. As you near the conclusion of your cut, press the two halves together. Holding the tiles this way can prevent them from shattering.
And if you notice the blades slow down while you cut, note that you’re applying too much pressure. The tougher the material you’re cutting, the slower you should go.
2. Check the Subfloor
A subfloor is a base on which the tile is set. You’ll need a clean, even, and sturdy surface. Without it, your tile would droop and break in areas.
You can lay down a 6 mm or 12mm cement board if you find the subfloor unfit. Then, place your tile on top of it. When installing cement boards, be aware that you are boosting the floor’s height.
If you have suitable old vinyl flooring, you may tile straight over it. This assumes that it is sufficiently thick to sustain the tile.
Examine the subfloor to see how widely apart the floor framework is; this will help you decide the thickness needed for the cement board.
3. Wrong Silicone
One of the final steps in the tiling process is to apply silicone to the internal corners. It is critical to get the proper silicone as it comes in various colours. It has additives that block the growth of mould and mildew.
Remember to get a quality caulking gun. This is essential for a smooth silicone line. Cheaper guns cause the lines to be too thick in some spots and too light in others.
Begin by masking tape the area you plan to silicone. It will result in a tidy line on both sides. Also, cut your silicone nozzle to fit the width of the gap.
After applying a line of silicone, moisten your fingers and mop up the excess with a mixture of washing liquid and water. Finally, remove the masking tape while the caulk is still wet.
4. Wrong Grout
Grout is another thing that floor tilers in Melbourne take so much care about. Grout is a finely powdered cement, used to fill the gap between tiles. A wrong grout can destroy the appearance of a tiling job. So, you want grout lines that are clean and equal.
Using a trowel, blend your grout until it looks like peanut butter. Allow the grout to sit for ten minutes before use. Passing this step results in a weaker, cracking grout.
5. Bullnose
The bullnose is the frame of a tile. It can be a single bullnose, which is rounded on one edge. Or a double bullnose, which is rounded on both sides. This type of rounded edge eliminates the sharp angles.
Bullnose tiles are excellent for completing the tile design and concealing rough edges. They are also useful for protecting corners and can be used as a border or ornamental trim.
You can never go wrong to add this tile type when designing your tile project to complete the aesthetic.
Conclusion
Did you know that a ceramic tile can withstand the weight of 10 elephants? Shocking, isn’t it?
They resist damage and are highly durable. So, if you want to get tiles for your home or business, you are right about that. Consult professional ceramic tilers in Melbourne, who will enlighten you more about tiles and your specific needs.
And surely, this little guide will help you to better communicate with your floor tilers in Melbourne.
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