5 Common Tile Installation Mistakes and How to Spot Them
From the kitchen to the bathroom and beyond, tiling can add an elegant touch to any decorating scheme. While tiles can look great when installed properly, a bad job can do more harm than good, and completely ruin the look the homeowner is trying to achieve. No matter if you’re having part of your home tiled or you’re thinking about buying a property that already features this type of work, here are some ways to spot five common mistakes made by a tile contractor or inexperienced do-it-yourselfer.
1. Improper Surface Preparation
One of the biggest mistakes any homeowner can make during a tiling project is the improper preparation of the surface. This is one mistake that gives immediate feedback, as you won’t be able to properly attach the tiles if the adhesive doesn’t stick because you didn’t clean well enough.
2. Skipping a Backer Board
Tiles are common in bathrooms, kitchens, pool decks and other areas that frequently feature water, which is why you need to install a waterproof backer board during your project. Compromising or failing to install this barrier will leave the wall experiencing typical symptoms of water damage such as crumbling drywall.
3. Bad Grout
Grout is an important part of any tile installation project, as it gives a finished look while also providing stability by filling in the gaps. You can spot poorly installed grout because it crumbles to the touch and doesn’t make clean lines between tiles.
4. Incorrect Layout
Laying tile is a bit of an art form, and while a good layout looks impressive, sloppy placement can ruin the aesthetics for the entire room. You can spot a rushed job quite easily, as the lines won’t match properly and patterns in the tiling don’t make sense.
5. Forgetting About Expansion
Tile and stone can expand and contract with temperature changes, and you need to account for this properly during your project. Failure to include an expansion joint between tiling and its surrounding surfaces can result in cracks and other complications.
6. Avoid These and Other Tile Mistakes from the Start
While mistakes can be corrected, it’s better to avoid all of the hassle and headache from the get-go. Tile Specialists of Madison are experienced and trained to meet the highest quality and standards. Why live with an eyesore or the potential of additional damage when help is just a phone call away? Make sure your next tile project is done right and schedule an appointment with one of our tiling specialists. Give us a call today at 608-770-1540.