Obtaining Maximum Adhesion for Tiling
It is imperative for one to attain proper adhesion on floor surfaces. Good adhesive helps in providing a long-term pretty appearance and also enhances safety. To achieve maximum adhesion requires one to flatten the finished tile surface with no tiles unevenly placed with a minimum of 85% (indoors) and 100% (outdoors) adhesive coverage on the substrate and back of the tile, being installed. When a flat well-adhered tile floor is obtained, one gets to avoid lots of issues associated with uneven tiling like lippage, which can trip you or cause raised edges of tiles to chip or crack.
Common Problems
There is an increased complication in achieving a flat finish. It is in every builder’s desire to achieve a flat finish as far as surfaces are concerned. Using the right sized notched trowel methodically, one can get to achieve proper adhesion onto the substrate. Make sure to use a constant angle when distributing the adhesive. Embed each tile with a similar force while maintaining the same height would result in minimal unevenness. If the substrates are not leveled, one experiences complications at achieving this, and there is the likelihood of tile edges being uneven.
An uneven substrate can give you deep spots in bed thickness which may exceed the tolerance capability requirement for a Thin Set adhesive. Filling the low spots in an uneven substrate is time-consuming. So, try to level the substrate before starting to lay tiles. When tiling over a layer of existing tiles, be sure to examine the existing tiles and remove and reaffix any loose tiles.
Natural stones vary in thickness and size and appear unevenness can vary from piece to piece. The natural stone, unlike the smooth machine-cut stones, requires a greater thickness of mortar which may be outside the tolerance capability of the standard Thin Set adhesive, so will require the use of medium bed Thin set Mortars.
Despite the many problems one can encounter, there are some solutions. These solutions depend on the condition of each substrate and each tile or stone. Self-leveling concrete compound is very suitable in smoothening out irregularities and holes. These mixtures provide a flat level surface for tiling. Make sure the surface is clean and dry. Proceed to make sure that the required thickness is met and that joints movements in the substrates are carried through the self-levelled screed and the tiling layer.
Make sure to use a thick bed adhesive for uncalibrated stone tile. In any event of a flat surface with deep holes, one should use a repair mortar before applying thin set and tiles. Proceed to make sure that any loose material is removed, and the edges are cut square. Ensure enough time for the repair material to set.
Proper Preparation
Proper surface preparation is the most vital phase of tiling work. To achieve this one should use time and resources adequately. Take time to get rid of bond-inhibiting materials such as waxes, paint, dirt, grease and other contaminants. The use of mechanical abrasion is the best practical way of getting rid of the surface contaminants. Always include provisions for expansion grout joints especially around the perimeter where tiles will abut walls. Exterior and wet area exposed to direct sunlight will require more provision for expansion. Get a good designer who will factor in an accommodative design that will allow the placement, and construction of expansion joints.
Also, be cautious and keen on the type of grout you choose. When placing tiles, grout is the most intricate part to consider. There are some grouting materials which effectively enhance tiles installation. Always go for a grout with a low porosity rate. Grout application and the use of tiles with low porosity rate of up to 0.5% will enhance a longer-lasting high adhesive surface.
With the above in mind, one can effectively accomplish a superb tiling finish.