SECTION 9 - FORM THE TILE TO THE TILED FLOOR OR WALL

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TILE AND THE TILES SURFACE IS THE SAME AS THAT BETWEEN A FABRIC AND A GARMENT.

Suitable, good quality material is required in order to make a garment, but it is not enough. The assistance of a good designer and tailor are also required. Similarly, in order to create a well tiled surface, good quality and well chosen tiles are required but are not enough: an expert designer and a good tile installer are also required. In the hands of a designer tiler (many individuals do both jobs), the tiles become like the material in the hands of the tailor/designer.

THE INSTALLATION – LAYING THE TILES MEANS REALIZING THE PROJECT

The installer assesses the area or the surface to be tiled, the tiles that have been chosen and the design, which he may have drawn up as well. He assesses the cost and the time. It is always wise to ask for a written quotation.

THE INSTALLER MUST:

• Organize tiling operations,
• Check the surfaces to be tiled and prepare them appropriately,
• Carefully check the measurements, the corners, whether the walls are upright, any unevenness in the floors, and if necessary he must take the appropriate measures,
• Check the materials.

Note:

If there are obvious defects, the installer must point them out BEFORE starting to install the tiles;

• Optimize the tiling work plan. The tiler must arrange the tiles in as harmonious manner as possible and prevent any jarring effects (for example, cut tiles or ill marched tiles must not be installed in the most noticeable positions),
• Prepare the mortar or adhesives and install the tiles,
• After leaving the tiles to set for a certain time, which may vary from between a few hours to a few days, according to the type of surface (floor or wall) and the type of mortar or adhesive, apply the grout and give the surface a final cleaning.
• Note: The Australian Standards AS 3958.1-1991 Part 1 Guide to the Installation of Ceramic Tiles - "5.8 Cleaning Tiles - Upon completion of setting and grouting, the tiles should be thoroughly sponged and washed. Glazed tiles should be finally polished with clean, dry cloths."

The tiller can now "hand over" his work to the consumer, who must inspect it before approving it.

It is important to bear these points in mind.

1. The installation materials that are used to install the tiles take a certain amount of time to set. The time required varies according to the type. The tiles will set satisfactorily provided that the surface is not touched too soon. For example, planks should be laid over a floor before walking on it and heavy furniture and household furnishings should certainly not be placed on it. If these precautions are not taken, there is a risk that the tiles will be separated from the background.
2. If other tasks have to be carried out in the newly tiled area (e.g. Work to be carried out by electricians, plumbers, and carpenters), the tiling, especially the floors, must be properly protected from damage (e.g. abrasions, scratches, chipping).
3. If colored products are used as grouting (especially if unglazed tiles such as cotto, and porcelain stoneware are to be applied) it is a good idea to first carry out a test to check that the grouting product does not permanently stain the tiles. It should be noted that in many cases, polished porcelain tile is more exposed to this risk than non-polished porcelain tile. With these types of tiles, a suitable grouting product must be found.