A new set of tiles can transform the interior of your house, giving it a sophisticated new look. But there are several common snags that you should be wary of before diving headfirst into your tiling project. The process of laying tiles is a meticulous, labor-intensive task that should be approached with caution, technique, and foresight. One small installation misstep can be detrimental to the overall success of the project. The following six-step guide will help you navigate your way around the potential pitfalls of tiling.
1. Not Planning Ahead
When it comes to tiling, the popular Nike slogan ‘Just Do It’ definitely does not apply. Every tiling project has its own unique challenges to take into consideration. Before you get started, spend time researching materials and mapping out a plan that will suit your circumstances. This checklist will help you plan ahead:
Determine whether tile or stone is suitable for your application.
Check if stone needs pre-sealing on the back before laying.
Ensure that stone isn’t moisture-sensitive, as it may curl after laying.
Confirm accessories, grout, trims, and fittings.
Again, confirm!
2. Failing to Keep Things Watertight
A close-up of water droplets on a tile floor.
One of the biggest concerns when tiling is waterproofing. If you get this part wrong, you’ll be paving your way towards expensive repairs and possibly irreversible structural damage down the track. The first thing you should check for is ponding. If water settles and collects on your raw floor surface, you’ll encounter drainage issues once the tiles are laid.
Once you’re confident that your floor is level, spend time investigating which glues are compatible with your chosen tiles and stick strictly to the specified curing times. If you use dark or bitumen-based products, assess the risk of staining or bleeding. Before tiling, ensure that shower tap bodies and bath spouts are sealed. You might be in a rush to get things done, but don’t start tiling until the waterproofing is complete and dry.
3. Not Ensuring Structural Integrity
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit that sometimes appears on the surface of masonry, stucco or concrete. As water evaporates from porous tiles, salts migrate to the surface and form a whitish coating. Builders have struggled with this problem for years. On porous construction materials, efflorescence may simply present a cosmetic problem, but sometimes it indicates internal structural weakness. To avoid efflorescence in external tiling, use a membrane over the tiler’s screed. Before laying the tiles, ensure that subterranean water is able to drain. When tiling external stairs, install waterstop angles nosing back from the top of the stairs. Also, make sure that all tiles and joints are sealed to limit rainwater entry.