CTEF Tile Tip

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Many installers have had customers who have seen a tile installation in a magazine or brochure, which is exactly what they want in their homes. Unfortunately, the look they want to achieve may not be possible using the tile that has been selected.

Every time an installer looks at a new job, the condition of the substrate needs to be reviewed thoroughly to determine if the surface to be tiled is adequate.

Many projects today call for ever-increasing tile sizes, many of which are rectangular shapes such as 12" x 24", 18" x 36", 24" x 48" and larger, creating difficulties for the installer when bonding the tile to the substrate.

As the economy strengthens, we are seeing increased tile sizes and diverse types of tile flowing into the US market.

We’ve all seen them—tile installations that at first glance look pretty good, but then there they are: small and unbalanced cuts in the corners.

Recently during a CTEF Educational Program, an installation manager for a large company complained that installing movement (expansion) joints in any application is a pain in the butt.

Ceramic tile provides a beautiful and decorative surface, and functionally it provides a surface that is not affected by water.

Thin set and the new large and heavy tile mortars serve several functions within a tile assembly.

Expansion joints, also known as movement joints or movement accommodation joints, are critical to the success and longevity of ceramic and porcelain tile installations.