Avoid These 8 Common Mistakes During and After Tiling
Tiling installation is a significant investment in any renovation project, and getting it right from the start is crucial for a satisfying and long-lasting result. To ensure your tiling journey goes smoothly, here are some common mistakes to be mindful of during and after installation:
Common Tiling Mistake #1: Neglecting Surface Preparation
Before tiling the floor, it’s essential to prepare the subfloor. Any existing coating or residues must be removed to ensure a smooth and clean surface. This step is extremely important to ensure a secure bond between the tile and the floor, preventing future issues like loose tiles or cracking.
Common Tiling Mistake #2: Grouting Prematurely
Patience is key when it comes to grouting. It’s essential to wait until all the tiles have been installed and the adhesive has dried completely before proceeding with grouting. Grouting too soon can lead to uneven drying rates, resulting in an irregular appearance and compromised durability.
Common Tiling Mistake #3: Improper Adhesive Application
Although it may seem intuitive to add adhesive dots to tile corners, this is a common misconception. Uneven application of adhesive can cause the tiles to break or crack over time. To ensure a sturdy bond, spread the adhesive evenly across the back of the tiles and the installation spot using a tile trowel.
Common Tiling Mistake #4: Using the Wrong Adhesive
The right adhesive can make a significant difference in the longevity of your tiling project. Always select an adhesive suitable for the specific function of the area. For high-humidity spaces like bathrooms or pool areas, opt for waterproof adhesives to prevent moisture-related damage.
Common Tiling Mistake #5: Overlooking Floor Levelling
For a smooth and even installation, we always encourage the use of floor levellers during the installation of floor tiles. While this may seem like an unnecessary and tedious process, floor leveller help tiles to stay in place as the adhesive dries, reducing the risk of ending up with an uneven floor. Not only does an uneven floor look ugly, but the edges of the tilted tiles may also cause trips or injuries, posing safety hazards to the occupants.
Common Tiling Mistake #6: Inadequate Tile Quantity
When it comes to calculating the quantity of tiles needed, it is always advisable to purchase a bit more than needed. This extra allowance, typically around 10% to 15% more, helps to account for breakages during installation, wastages in cutting, and any miscalculations. It is advisable to have more to spare. Having spare tiles ensures you have replacements if any tiles need to be replaced in the future, or they could even be repurposed for other uses.
Wondering exactly how many tiles you would need?
Common Tiling Mistake #7: Delaying Excess Grout Removal
While it’s almost inevitable to have excess grout during the application process, it’s crucial to remove it promptly before it dries completely. Waiting too long can make grout removal challenging, as it becomes hard as it dries, and may lead to unsightly streaks on your pristine tile surfaces which will be difficult to remove.
Common Tiling Mistake #8: Using Harsh Chemicals for Cleaning
After any tile installation, the cleaning of the tiled floor should naturally follow, as there will be powdery dust and excessive grout to be scraped up and cleaned away. While some elbow grease may be required here, it is important that you do not use harsh chemicals to speed up the process. While ceramic and porcelain tiles are highly resistant and durable, the use of harsh cleaning chemicals may erode the surface and dull the design. Most household cleaners are safe to use on tiles. But if you require something stronger, it is helpful to get advice from professionals on the appropriate chemicals that may be used after tile installation.
By avoiding these common tiling mistakes, you can ensure a successful and visually stunning tiling project that will stand the test of time.
