If you are taking
on a floor tiling project, this section will help to
guide you through the process.
Preparation
Time spent on
proper preparation makes the fixing easier, quicker
and ensures a better finish.
Tiling
Onto Concrete
New concrete must
be at least 6 weeks old and thoroughly dry before
fixing ceramic floor tiles. The surface must be
smooth, flat and free from dirt and grease. Uneven
surfaces can be improved with levelling compound.
Tiling
Onto Wooden Floors
Existing
wooden floors must be rigid, stable and capable of
supporting additional load without flexing and have
sufficient ventilation beneath them. There are two
basic alternative methods to follow:-
Tiling
Onto Wooden Floors
(a) Overlay
the existing timber with 15mm exterior grade
plywood, which has been sealed. Fully screw down the
ply wood at 300mm intervals ensuring all junctions
are supported by noggins or joists. Use a flexible
adhesive.
(b) Overlay
the existing timber with "Ditra Matting"
and use a flexible adhesive.
A
flexible grout is recommended with both of these
methods. There are many factors to consider when
deciding which method is best suited for your
particular circumstances. It is important you seek
professional advice.
Tiling
Onto Vinyl Floors
Existing
vinyl tiles must be free of grease, polish etc., and
firmly adhered to the sub floor. The surface of the
vinyl tile must be primed and allowed to dry before
spreading the adhesive. Also an additive may be used
with the adhesive.
Tiling
Onto Existing Quarries, Glazed and Unglazed Tiles
Existing
tiles must be clean, grease free and firmly adhered
to the sub floor. An additive should be used with
the adhesive and grout when tiling onto glazed
tiles.
Setting
Out
Planning
ahead pays dividends, so spend time on the
following:- Laying ceramic floor tiles will raise
the level of the finished floor, so if possible
remove all fixtures before tiling. Mark a chalk line
on the floor down the centre of the room parallel to
the most suitable wall (normally this is achieved by
viewing the room from the doorway). Lay the tiles
down this line and then work towards the wall you
think is best, leaving a joint between the tiles of
at least 3mm. Tile spacers can be used to achieve a
uniform size joint. Avoid small cuts, as they can be
difficult to cut and do not look professional.
Cutting
Tiles
Floor tiles
are generally harder to cut than wall tiles. Modern
tools ,make the cutting of most types ceramic tiles
simple. Ask any member of staff at Rogers Ceramics
for a demonstration of all the various aids
available.
Adhesives
Use Rapid or Normal setting adhesives. Always
consult a member of staff for detailed advice and
follow the manufacturers' instructions. Mix the
adhesive as per manufacturers' instructions and
spread with a solid bed trowel onto the surface to
be tiled. Lay each tile into the adhesive firmly
with a slight twisting motion to ensure a solid bed
and prevent voids under the tile. Remove surplus
adhesive from the tile surface with a damp sponge of
cloth. Work in small areas of about 1 sq. metre at a
time so that tiles are fixed before the surface
forms a skin. Every so often use a spirit level or
straight edge to check that the tiles fixed are
flat. Remove and adjust the amount of adhesive to
achieve a flat surface but don't leave it too late
or the adhesive will set. Leave floor to set before
grouting (usually 24 hours unless using a Rapid set
adhesive)
In
bathrooms, special attention should be paid to
sealing the gap between wall and base, particularly
where the location is on a suspended floor. An
additive should be used with the adhesive when
fixing fully vitrified tiles such as porcelain. Ask
a member of staff if in doubt.
Grouting
Do not
begin grouting or walk on the floor for at least 24
hours (unless using Rapid set adhesive) to avoid the
chance of disturbing the tiles before they have
bonded completely with the adhesive. There are many
types of grout, so ask a member of staff for the
correct grout for your application. Force the grout
into the joints using a spreader. Remove surplus
grout from the surface with a sponge and peg the
joints with a rounded stick to achieve an even
better finish.
Note:
When grouting
tiles on a timber floor, use a water-based polymer
admixture to improve flexibility.
Movement
Joints
These joints
are 6/8mm wide and filled with a flexible filler,
which allow for movement and prevent tile damage.
They are normally installed where flooring abuts
wall, steps, columns etc., on large floor areas and
over structural movement joints. Floors less than 4
metres between walls will not normally need movement
joints.
Maintenance
With
proper care and attention, a correctly installed,
good quality ceramic floor tile should give many
years trouble -free service. Grit is the biggest
enemy of any floor material and a mat adjacent to
external doors is strongly recommended.
Rogers
Ceramics sell a wide range of Tile
Maintenance Products
