Articles and tips about tile and tile design ideas, of interest to homeowners.
Modern roofing options are the result of eons of invention and experimentation. Some, such as slate and wood shakes, have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Others, such as asphalt/fiberglass composites, lightweight concrete, and coated-metal tile, are products of the technological revolution. Each has slightly different durability, appearance, cost, and ease of application.
Tile roofs initially cost a lot more to install than asphalt shingle or wood shake roofs but they also last much longer. Depending on the quality, a tile roof may last 50 years or more. Traditional clay tile is very heavy, sometimes requiring structural reinforcement. However, many tile roofing materials are now offered in new light weight versions which can be used on most structures without reinforcement.
Nothing compares to tile for adding personality and practicality to a home. The results are immediate, the effects can be dramatic, and it is often inexpensive. But as with all home improvements, care must be taken to assure that each project turns out to be an asset to the property.
Q: I had some tile installed in my home. I noticed that several of the tiles sound hollow when you walk over them. The tile installer claims that it's normal, and that it's due to one of two things: Not enough mortar was used or that my floor was unleveled. He claims the floor is the problem, the job was done correctly and any other person would have gotten the same result. Which is it?
Q: I have a one-inch white tile in my bathroom surrounded by white grout. The tile always looks dirty because the grout is impossible to clean. Is there any solution, such as painting over the tile? Replacing the grout to a darker color? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Q: We have a one-storey, three bedroom house. The kitchen has ceramic tile, the dining room, living room, hallway and bedrooms are carpeted, and the entry has ceramic tile. We have been thinking of removing the carpet in the dining room and hallway, and replacing it with ceramic tile. The kitchen and entry tile needs to be replaced.
Cement board is a product that revolutionized the tiling industry. It's literally a board of concrete (usually in 4- x 5-foot sizes). It ranges anywhere from a half inch thick for walls to 1/4 inch thick for floors.
The most durable of all tiling materials are ceramic tile and stone materials that, when properly installed, last the lifetime of a house. This toughness, combined with the natural beauty of stone and the incredible array of tile types, colors, patterns, and textures makes tile and stone the materials of choice where quality and character are important.
Q: I would like to know the different grades of ceramic tile. I was told that they are graded from 1 to 5, 5 being the best. Is this true?
Q: I had new ceramic tile installed in my kitchen a few months ago. My wife dropped a bowl on the floor and chipped one of the tiles. I have the chip, is this repairable with glue? My contractor said if he replaced one tile it may loosen the ones around it.
Q: Is it possible to color ceramic tile? I just bought a house that has a new white ceramic tile floor in the kitchen and I hate the fact that it constantly needs cleaning. Any ideas?
Q: I purchased a one year old home from a builder. The ceramic floor tile makes a crunching eggshell type noise when walked on and the grout is cracking. What might be the problem? There is 3/4 plywood subfloor with a cement scratch coat on wire mesh.
Repairing tile is a cumbersome job that can be done by the average homeowner. But it is a messy, dirty job. Professionals can do your repairs in a quick and timely manner, saving the pain of doing it yourself.
If the grout around your tile is stained and dirty, but you don't feel like digging it out to replace it, consider applying a stain.
Stone is one of the most durable of all floorings. When properly installed, it should last the lifetime of a house. This toughness combined with the natural beauty of stone makes it the material of choice where quality and character are important considerations. Stone is just what its name implies: quarried slate, limestone, flagstone, granite, or marble.
Consumers are often puzzled by the wide range of prices they can receive from contractors bidding on the same job. Understanding the basics about tile purchasing, design, and installation can help consumers compare estimates to get the best return for the time and money spent.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about repairing stone tile.
Q: We just purchased a house that is about 35-40 years old. There are 4x4 plastic tiles applied with a glue base in both bathrooms. The shower in the master has plastic tile that is in great shape, but we aren't sure if this should be sealed somehow. The inspector who looked at the house said that moisture would get behind the tile and ruin the drywall. Any suggestions?
Q: Should I use quickset for putting tile on my greenboard shower stall, or should I use some kind of glue or caulk?
The delicate colors of stone can often be altered by the improper use of cleaning chemicals, mopping with dirty solution, or using chemicals that are not designed for stone care. Sunlight can also fade the color of natural minerals.
Tile inlay is used mostly to create geometric or figurative designs. The combination of ultra high-pressure water jets and a computer guidance system cuts pieces so precisely that almost any design can be achieved.
There are many types and textures of stone tile available today. There are six basic surface textures available.
Q: How long does it take for ceramic tile to dry after installation?
There is a new concept in cleaning and restoring grout to its original beauty -- steam cleaning.
Q: I have a small and a medium size bathroom with ceramic tile that I want to replace. Is it possible to lay ceramic tile on top of old ceramic tile?