Tiling process & methods

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="1998dfc3.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery"><B><U>Photo Gallery</U></B></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#262626" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery"><B> </B></A></FONT></div> <div> <B><U>About US</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#262626" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><B><U>Contact Us</U></B></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#262626" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><B> </B></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Location"><B><U>Location</U></B></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#262626" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Location"><B> </B></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Products and Services"><B><U>Our Products & Services</U></B></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#262626" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Products and Services"><B> </B></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tiling process methods"><B><U>Tiling Process & Methods</U></B></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#262626" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tiling process methods"><B> </B></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id71.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hand Made Tile Backsplash"><B><U>Custom Mosaics</U></B></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#262626" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id71.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hand Made Tile Backsplash"><B> </B></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FAQ"><B><U>FAQ</U></B></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#262626" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FAQ"><B> </B></A></FONT></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 style=" border-bottom: 1px solid #999980;" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="19a8dfe1egerdp.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Tile Masters</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tile Masters"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Us">About Us</A>   |   <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us">Contact Us</A>   |   <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Location">Location</A>   |   <A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery">Photo Gallery</A>   |   <B>Tiling process & methods</B>   |   <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Products and Services">Our Products and Services</A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FAQ">FAQ</A>   |   <A HREF="custom_mosaic.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Custom Mosaic">Custom Mosaic</A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 width="100%" colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="19a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Tiling process & methods</I></div> <bR> <div> TILE OR NATURAL STONE CAN ADD ELEGANCE & STYLE TO ANY ROOM IN YOUR HOME.</div> <bR> <div> INSTALLING TILE SOLELY FOR AESTHETIC REASONS IS FINE, BUT TILE ALSO OFFERS DURABILITY, PRACTICALITY, & A LOW MAINTENANCE UPKEEP.</div> <bR> <div>  IF YOU WANT TO ENJOY YOUR TILE FOR YEARS TO COME IT IS IMPORTANT THAT IT IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY & THAT THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS TAKEN DURING THE INSTALLATION PROCESS.</div> <bR> <div> A GOOD FOUNDATION IS CRUCIAL. WITHOUT A GOOD SUBSTRATE, TILE & GROUT WILL FAIL.</div> <bR> <div> WE USE ONLY THE FINEST CEMENT BOARDS, THINSETS, MASTICS, & GROUTS AVAILABLE. AS WELL AS USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY, TOOLS, & EQUIPMENT ON THE MARKET TODAY.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="#___step_1____solid_foundation_1" TITLE="Tiling process methods"><B>STEP 1    Solid foundation</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#step_2____install_substrate_1" TITLE="Tiling process methods"><B>STEP 2    Install substrate</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#step_3____tape___mud_seams" TITLE="Tiling process methods"><B>STEP 3    Tape & mud seams</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#step_4____lay_out_job" TITLE="Tiling process methods"><B>STEP 4    Lay out job</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#step_5____install_tile" TITLE="Tiling process methods"><B>STEP 5    Install tile</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#step_6____prep_for_grouting_1" TITLE="Tiling process methods"><B>STEP 6    Prep for grouting</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#step_7____finishing_touches_1" TITLE="Tiling process methods"><B>STEP 7    Finishing touches</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tile Masters">Tile Masters</A> Home</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f033333300.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">STEP 1  <A NAME="___step_1____solid_foundation_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>    First we make sure that the frame or foundation of the floor or walls is sound. If it is not we will repair floor joist or wall studs before installing the substrate. Again it is crucial that you have a sound foundation before installing tile. I cannot emphasize this point enough.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f033333300.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">STEP 2   <A NAME="step_2____install_substrate_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>   Now that we are sure that we have a solid foundation it is time to install the substrate, which is also part of the foundation. First we comb (or spread) a layer of thinset on the floor (which is usually plywood or a wood type product), using the appropriate trowel. Next we drop the cement substrate into place, measuring and cutting when necessary. Next we fasten the substrate to the floor using screws. If we are tiling walls it is not necessary to spread thinset under substrate.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f033333300.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">STEP 3  <A NAME="step_3____tape___mud_seams"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>   Now that the substrate is installed it is important that you tape & mud all the seams. This helps to solidify the floor. If this is not done tiles could crack along the seams. This is a common problem with "do-it-your-selfers" & inexperienced installers.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f033333300.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">STEP 4  <A NAME="step_4____lay_out_job"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>   Now that the substrate is in & the seams are taped & mudded it is time to "lay out" the tile. This is where "do-it-your-selfers" & inexperienced installers true colors shine through. When installing tile you shouldn't just pick a corner & start. If you do this it could result in an unbalanced look or very small pieces where you finish or cut edges where you should have factory edges. This does not affect the strength of the job, but, in our opinion, is not good for the aesthetics of the installation. This is a common problem with inexperienced installers who don't put much effort into "laying out the job" prior to installation. Time should be taken to carefully look at every corner, every nook & cranny, every section of the floor or wall to ensure that when the tile is installed the end result is pleasing to the eye . If it looks good, it is good.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f033333300.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">STEP 5  <A NAME="step_5____install_tile"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>   Now that we have carefully determined our layout it's finally time to start installing tile. Installing tile during cold weather months, tile should be brought into the house over night to acclimate. If this is not done it could very well result in poor adhesion to the substrate thus the floor failing prematurely. First we mix thinset, choose the appropriate trowel for the job, spread our thinset & start dropping & pushing tiles using a twisting motion into place this "pushing & twisting" ensures good transfer of thinset from floor to tile resulting in a good bond. We mark & cut when necessary & use "tile spacers" to ensure  consistent spacing between tiles.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f033333300.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">STEP 6  <A NAME="step_6____prep_for_grouting_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>   Now that all the tile is installed it is important that there is no traffic on floor over night. The next day first thing we do is pull all the tile spacers & clean out the grout joints prior to grouting. This is important, you don't want to see thinset protruding up through a grout joint. Now that the joints are clean it's time to mix & spread grout. Let grout set up for about 10 minutes after spreading then start wiping down with clean water & sponges</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f033333300.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">STEP 7  <A NAME="step_7____finishing_touches_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>   After the floor has been grouted & washed we need to let it "haze over" & when the grout has "snapped off" or hardened we can wipe it down one more time with clean water or buff it with a clean terry cloth towel. Grout sealer should be applied approximately one week after installation. This will prevent anything from staining the grout. Grout is porous & should be sealed.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> If these steps are carefully taken, you will enjoy your tile for many many years.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>          </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#33FFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>  </B></FONT></div> </td> </tr></table></body>