Archway Contracting

Tile is an integral part of any remodeling project and many are based solely on upgrading to tile.  It is important to understand how tile functions to understand how to install it.

Tile is typically a hard, dense material, and will resist water penetration naturally or when sealed properly.  Because of these characteristics, it is often used in areas of high traffic and susceptibility to water.

Installing Tile

Installation of tile is a very important aspect of bathroom remodeling or remodeling in general.  When done correctly, a good tile job can last as long as the house.  Proper installation deals with all the layers of materials associated with the area being remodeled.  For example, when tiling a floor the following materials need to be taken into consideration before starting:

• Floor Joists
• Sub-floor material
• Tile sub-floor material
• Tile
• Grout

Proper tile installation has to do with two main ideas:

     No Movement – the floor cannot deflect more than a ratio of 1/360 or the tiles will be in jeopardy of popping.

     Adhesion – the tiles must be secured to a solid floor with the proper thin-set to avoid cracking or popping.

After installation of the tile, the tile must fully set before it can be grouted.  This can take from 2 - 24 hours depending on the thin-set used to lay the tile.  Once it is set the grout can be applied.   Grout needs to be cleaned off the tile within a half-hour in order to avoid adhesion to the tile.

Sealing Tile and Grout

Ceramic and porcelain tile doesn't need to be sealed, but all natural stones do.  These include: travertine, limestone, slate, quartzite, granite and marble.

There are two different types of sealer for tile and grout.

 1. Matte sealer that doesn't change the appearance of the tile/grout once applied.

 2. Enhancer sealer does what its name suggests and enhances or brings out the color in the tile/grout.

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