Here are the important details to consider when installing tiles, to ensure quality and durability:
- Excavation Thickness: The excavation thickness for ground floors should not exceed 15 cm, including the thickness of the tiles, and 10 cm for the first floor and any annexes.
- Expansion Joints: Expansion joints should be used in surfaces and patios every 16 to 20 square meters to prevent cracking due to expansion and contraction.
- Wall and Tile Joints: Create joints between the walls and tiles of about 1 cm, which should be covered with a skirting board to enhance stability and prevent cracks.
- Water Slope: It is essential to create a water slope of 5 mm per meter, depending on the tile location, whether inside or outside, to ensure proper drainage.
- Appropriate Adhesive: Use cement for ceramic tiles and a specific adhesive for porcelain or pool-specific adhesive to ensure good bonding and strength.
- Thickness of the Cement Mix: The thickness of the cement mix under the tiles should not be less than 3 cm in rooms and halls and 5 cm in patios and surfaces, a process referred to as "clean pour."
- Cleaning the Joints: Make sure to clean the joints before applying the grout; this helps achieve better results and prevents the adherence of debris.
- Grout Consistency: The grout should be made into a paste, not liquid, to improve adhesion and fill the joints properly, leading to a more professional final appearance.
By following these details, you can improve the quality of tile installation and ensure its durability for many years.