Homeowner Digest

Icon Tiles asked:


 

Basically a tile is manufactured with the help of hard-wearing material such as ceramic, stone, metal, or even glass. They can range from simply designed square tiles to complex mosaics. Ceramic as the word originated from a Latin word “tegula” and French derivative “tuile” which is also an alloy. When CaCO3 (Calcium Carbonate) is mixed with white cement and plaster of Paris- ceramic tiles are originated. These tiles are thermo resistance and can withstand a temperature of 160 degree Celsius.

The properties of ceramic tiles are same as those of cement flooring, so these ceramic tiles are used as floorings. These flooring are very common nowadays because they are very easily available and economic in use and also cheaper than other ways of flooring. These ceramic tiles are easier to clean and maintain and such tiles last for a longer period of time due to their finishing and air tightening properties. Such wall and floor tiles only get affected by acids because CaCO3 gets distracted by acids. These ceramic tiles are very useful in flooring of bathrooms, walls, kitchens and floors as they give a very attractive finishing to the interior and are available in different colors and sizes. These ceramic tiles are easy to maintain. Tiles can be transported very easily, quickly and comfortably as they come in various shapes and sizes. They can also be manufactured and designs according to the necessity of the demand.

Nowadays, when it is mostly the interior portion which is looked after a lot, these ceramic tiles add to the beauty of the interior. They give a crystal clear finishing to the product adore to! For example it can be coated as the product value increases. Ceramic tiles are a good reflector of light where light diffracts into its original colors, so they used in enhancing the beauty of water fountains. The most world famous example of crystal water ceramic tiles fountain is in Muscat Oman.

The famous companies which produce ceramic tiles are basically located in the area where sand is readily available. So, that a product can be produced in a low transportation cost. According to the project ceramic tiles can be used everywhere in ceilings, fireplaces, in murals, bathrooms, kitchens, pools, spas, remodeling your home, floors, walls and as an exterior shield on buildings. In older days the tiles were comes in hand made styles. Each ceramic tile is manually formed and hand painted which is a form of art. But nowadays, Ceramic tile for the most part is not hand-made because of availability of automated manufacturing techniques.



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Groshan Fabiola asked:


Keeping your home clean and tidy equals performing a lot of chores, some more complicated than others. It is common sense that you should vacuum as often as every three days, or at least once a week, and that you should dust your furniture every time you vacuum. These are the most common ways of cleaning your home. What most homeowners fail to realize is that there is dust, dirt, and harmful bacteria in many other places of their home. While many people resort to carpet or rug cleaning with the sole purpose of prolonging the life of their investments, they should know that it is highly advisable to have these operations performed regularly and not just for reasons of aesthetical nature. The bacteria and spores that accumulate in many places of your home, such as carpets, upholstery, mattresses and even ceramic tiles can be hazardous to your health and to that of your entire family. Even though dirt may not be visible with the naked eye, it exists, and it should be your number one concern to get rid of it, especially if you have small children running around the house or if one of your family members is allergic to dust.

Tile cleaning is probably one of the most difficult maintenance cleaning operations to be performed in a household. Most of us think that some detergent, some water and a mop should do the trick, but we couldn’t be farther from the truth. These may remove visible and fresh dirt, but in time a lot of dirt gets trapped in grout joints and tiles, making it difficult for homeowners to have clean and germ free tiles again.

As has been said before, many cleaning operation inside the house are performed with little more than just water and some detergents, but homeowners should be aware of the possible water damage with certain products. Water damage is frequently encountered with carpet or rug cleaning, not to mention leather cleaning. As all of these goods are either considerable investments or treasured objects, or both, you should definitely take into account water damage and the extent to which it can deteriorate the furnishings in your home. Water damage may not be an equally important factor in the tile cleaning process, as tiles are among the most resistant and durable floor coverings. However, there are other aspects related to tile cleaning that should be taken into account.

As has been said before, tile cleaning is easy to perform by any homeowner with a mop and some water. However, deep and sanitizing cleaning, which is a must given the traffic on ceramic tiles and the dirt that accumulates, can only be performed by specialists.

For optimal results, the tile cleaning operation should make use of high pressure hot water coupled with powerful vacuuming that removes all the water and dirt from the tiles and grout joints. Any attempts to do this on your own may result in serious mess and even damage, as you should also attach a dome to the floor, so that there would be no overspray or mess. Therefore, it is best that you let professionals attend to your tile cleaning requirements, but make sure that you don’t resort to that kind of professionals who do no more than what you could do yourself, yet they charge a lot for their inefficient job.

For more resources about Water damage or even about Tile cleaning please review this link http://www.primeclean.com.au



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Icon Tiles asked:


History of ceramic tiles

The word ‘ceramic’ comes from the Greek word ‘keramos’ meaning pottery. Ceramic is related to an old Sanskrit root meaning ‘to burn’ but was basically used to mean ‘burnt stuff’. Ceramic tiles have been made by human being four thousand years earlier. The Latin meaning of ceramic tile is a roof tile of baked clay. Ceramic tiles are found first in the pyramids, the ruins of Babylon, and ancient ruins of Greek cities. Ceramic tiles are the oldest flooring material known to human being.

About Tiles

Ceramic tiles come in various range of sizes, shapes, design, shades and patterns. These tiles are an elegant and stylish substance whose true origins remain unknown. Ceramic tiles comes in numerous colors and is so tough and durable, it could actually last as long as your home. Ceramic tiles can be installed anywhere in your home such as in bathrooms, floors, walls, kitchens etc. But ceramics are commonly used for flooring and walling of kitchens and bathrooms. The best quality of ceramic tiles has been found on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt. Ceramic tiles are basically a combination of different kinds of clays that have been mixed with water, designed, shaped and then fired in special kilns. Ceramic tiles are basically a flame broiled mud.

Sophisticated, stylish and so easy to maintain, ceramic tiles is now becoming a famous design choice. From the elegance of realistically textured stone and marble-looks, these tiles are increasingly chosen as an economic and attractive flooring option. Nowadays, Italian style ceramic tiles are becoming famous all over the world. Ceramic tiles available online also. You can easily get ceramic tiles of your need. When choosing ceramic tiles for your own home from online flooring websites opt the most appropriate material which suits your home. These tiles are perfect selection to fulfill your creative visions. Ceramic tiles are almost very attractive to endure the grease and steam a kitchen can floor out. Your home is a very special place for you.To decorates your home with ceramic tiles so that it can look attractive, and comfortable is a good idea. Ceramic tiles are available online with the materials you require to make your home or business place the best it can be. Ceramic tiles offers timeless beauty and the benefit of being easy to clean.



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Mitch Johnson asked:


Ceramic walls can sometimes difficult to clean, especially when the stains is too old. Below are the tips on how to get rid of the stains. To clean the painted furniture needs some extra treatment so the paint will not go off. Get some ideas on how to clean them in a correct way.

GLAZED CERAMIC TTLE WALLS often can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. If filmed with soap, grease or soil, use trisodium phosphate, borax, or some other water softener. A teaspoonful or so in a pail of hot water may do, but add more if it seems necessary. For heavily soiled areas, sprinkle a little of your softener on a damp cloth and rub the tiles clean. Rinse the surface and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Mild scouring powders may also be used to clean glazed tile but must be rinsed off carefully afterwards. Harsh abrasives and acid solutions should be avoided.

PLASTIC TILES may need only to be wiped with a damp cloth, or you can use warm water with soap or a detergent. Rinse and wipe dry. No scouring powders or any other abrasive should ever be used on plastics. These tiles are usually made of polystyrene or vinyl plastics, sold under many trade names. Polystyrene plastics (Bakelite polystyrene, Catalin Luxtred, Plexon M, Styron) are not damaged by water, oil, alcohol, vinegar, or the usual household acids. Cleaning fluids, gasoline, nail polish and polish remover, and oil from lemon and orange peels damage them. Vinyl plastics (Vinylite, Saran, Geon, Marvinol, Ultron, and Monsanto vinyl butryol) are very tough. Ordinary household chemicals will not harm them and they resist damage from acids, alcohol, food, ink, and dirt; but be careful not to spatter them with moth preparations. Too much heat softens most plastics so be careful in placing electric heaters.

PAINTED WOODWORK AND PAINTED FURNITURE can be cleaned by the methods described for walls, or you can use a cleaning wax. If you wax them when they are clean and dry, they will resist stains and dust.

COMMERCIAL PAINT CLEANERS are often excellent for surfaces finished with flat paint. These may be powders, liquids, or pastes. The liquid cleaners are soap solutions, some with softeners added, or non-soap solutions containing washing soda, sodium silicate, or trisodium phosphate the painter’s TSP. The pastes are similar to the liquid cleaners but contain more soap. Other cleaners are wax emulsions, plus soap and an abrasive. Powders for paint cleaning consist of the dry ingredients used in the pastes and liquids. Use prepared paint cleaners exactly as directed on the container. If too much is used, some of these cleaners will remove the paint along with the grime. Trisodium phosphate, which you should be able to find in a paint or hardware store, is tops for cleaning flat paints. Use a teaspoon (or more) to a gallon of water. Trademarked cleaners such as Wyandotte Cleaner, Soilax, and Oakite are more or less in this same category. Do not use scouring powders on a fine painted surface unless it is absolutely necessary (scuff marks, etc.), and then select the mildest you can find. Whiting is good or you can use a little silver polish.

CALCIMINED WALLS and walls finished with similar water paints cannot be washed. They must be refinished.

While cleaning the ceramic tiles, use the softener to clean the ceramic tiles walls which has heavy grease. For Plastic tiles you can use the soap or detergents. Use the wax to clean the painted woodwork and painted furniture. If using others commercial paint cleaners, read the direction and suggestion portion so it won’t remove the paint.



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Vincent Platania asked:


Many people love the look of ceramic tile in their home but don’t like the idea of keeping it clean. Ceramic tile can be difficult to clean especially in the cracks and grout of the tile.  If you find the right products and techniques keeping your ceramic tile clean are easier than you might think.  There have been many advances in the products and methods that are used for cleaning ceramic tile.  You will find that the new techniques have made the work less strenuous for you.

The tiles that are used on your ceramic floor can be either small or large. They are made from clays that are baked at high temperatures to give the good looking and strong flooring.  You can find glazed and unglazed floor tiles for your home.  The tiles that are glazed will be easier for you to keep clean.  Unglazed tiles tend to be porous and will hold the dirt in them and be difficult to keep clean.  You will also have to seal your unglazed tiles to keep them protected.  The grout is usually made up of cement and sand.  There is also grout that is made from silicone.  You will find that the cement and sand combination is more difficult to clean than the silicone type.  If you take the time to seal the grout it will be easier to keep clean. 

When you clean your tile floor you should make sure to use a grout cleaner.  It does not matter if your tile is glazed or unglazed you should use a cleaner that is made specifically for ceramic tile.  Tile can be scratched easily and if you use a product that has a particularly abrasive texture you will damage your floor.  Using a good grout cleaner will work as a disinfectant and eliminate any germs and mildew.  If you don’t know how to clean your tile floor you should follow the directions on the label. 

If you are going to do an initial deep cleaning on your ceramic tile you will want to give the grout cleaner an ample amount of time to work.  You probably will need to let it sit on the grout and tile in order for the product to work effectively.  The product is softening the dirt and grime that has accumulated on your floor so that you can clean it up more easily.  You will not want to use a brush or scouring sponge so that you don’t scratch your floor.  There are even some cleaning products that will add protection to your floor and prevent heel marks on the tile.

The products can be quite strong so be sure to follow the directions on the label.  You will also want to wear rubber gloves while you are working with the product.  Keep the room where you are working well ventilated and make sure that you are practicing the proper safety precautions. 

To keep your floor clean between deep cleanings you should make sure you regularly wipe it down with plain water.  This will keep the dirt from building up on your floor and make the time you spend deep cleaning much shorter.  You should also spray your floor with a product that will prevent mildew on a regular basis.



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Gary Piscopo asked:


by Gary Piscopo

In the last issue, we discussed creating your own paper-faced glass mosaic tiles. Today, we’ll go into detail on how to install the tiles you made.

Installation of paper-faced glass mosaic tiles takes a bit of patience and requires some attention to detail. Paper facing is typically used for glass tiles that have some level of translucency to them; whereas, if a mesh backing was used it may show through the finished tile. The paper face allows you to install the tiles with no backing, so if you do see through the tile you won’t see the underlying mesh. Paper-face tiles are also popular because they costs less to manufacture than fiberglass, mesh-backed tiles, thus they can be purchased at a lower price. If you’re good at paying attention to detail and not rushing through your project, you’ll find that installing paper-faced tiles can be quite rewarding.

The tools needed for installing paper-faced tiles are the same that you would use for installing any other tiles. You may need to use a saw if you have curves that will need to be cut. For this a stained glass cutter is very popular.

The requirements for the backing (the wall behind the tiles) are the same as they are for ceramic tiles. Be sure to choose the appropriate backing according to the environment in which you’re installing the tiles. Use cement board for showers and high moisture areas, green board for areas with occasional moisture, and drywall for areas where you’re sure it won’t receive any moisture. If you use the wrong backing there is a danger of the tiles coming loose years down the road.

Because glass tiles have a bit of translucency, you’ll need to use a latex-modified, white thin set for adhering the tiles. You can easily find this at your local building supply store. Let them know that you’ll be installing glass tiles and they’ll give you the appropriate thin set. (Just verify for yourself that it is white.) When you mix the thin set, it won’t be perfectly white. The thin set will look more gray than white, if the label says white then you do have the correct color. It’ll lighten up and be much closer to white once it dries.

Once you have collected your tools, prepared your surface, marked a few reference lines, and mixed your thin set; you’re ready to start installing the tiles. Follow these steps for the setting process.

1) Apply thin set using the notched end of your trowel, holding the trowel at about 45 degrees to the surface. The notches will measure just the right amount of thin set to leave on the surface.

2) Using the flat side of your trowel lightly flatten the peaks and remove the valleys of the thin set. This is so that there won’t be any empty spaces behind the tiles, as this will show through on the clear and semi-clear tiles. Be sure not to remove any of the thin set or move it, as you have measured just the right amount in the previous step.

3) Set your first sheet of tiles on the thin set, making sure you align it with the reference lines you created during preparation. Press the tiles with firm, but even pressure. Apply adjacent sheets of tiles aligning the tiles with the first sheet. Be sure to set the spacing between sheets to match the spacing between the tiles. Getting the sheets lined up and the spacing correct is critical to the success of the project, so take your time at this point and make it look good.

4) Using a wooden beating block (a short piece of 2×4 or other such block of wood), even out the surface of the tiles with light tapping using a hammer on the beating block. This makes sure that there are no raised tiles and the finished surface is flat and smooth.

5) Apply the remaining sheets using this same process.

6) After about 20 minutes you’ll need to remove the paper. Using a wet sponge, dampen the paper on the tiles. Keeping the paper wet for about 10 minutes will dissolve the glue holding the paper to the tile.

7) Gently remove the paper from the tiles. The paper should be easy to remove if the glue has dissolved completely. When removing the paper, pull it back on itself to ensure that you don’t lift any tiles.

Replace any tiles that are chipped or cracked. Typically you’ll find a couple of tiles that need replacement. Lift the chipped tile using a screwdriver then apply a small amount of thin set to the back of the replacement tile (butter backing). Firmly press the tile into place. Make sure the surface of the replacement tile is even with the tiles around it.

9) Allow the tile to cure for a minimum of 24 hours.

10) Clean any remaining glue from the tiles using a sponge, warm water, and a nylon scrub brush. Let the tile dry before going to the next step.

11) Now you’re ready to apply the grout. You’ll want to use a non-sanded grout in a color that compliments the color of your tiles. I recommend using a similar color, but in a lighter shade. (If you’re unsure about the shade, it is better to err to the lighter side.) Using a rubber grout float, work the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Hold the float at about 45 degrees to the surface work the grout into the spaces in between the tiles. For the final pass, use a diagonal sweep – this ensures that the spaces have grout up to the surface of the tiles.

12) Remove the extra grout from the surface of the glass tiles using your rubber float; holding it nearly 90 degrees to the surface and scraping in a diagonal path. Be sure not to remove any of the grout from in between the tiles.

13) Let the grout set for about 20 minutes. You want the grout to harden, but not cure. Gently clean the surface of the glass tiles using a damp sponge. Again, be sure not to remove any of the grout from between the tiles. Cleaning the surface is much easier when the grout hasn’t cured, if you wait 24 hours it will be very difficult to clean. I emphasize that you need to be very gentle when cleaning the surface, use very light pressure and rinse the sponge often.

14) Allow the grout to set for 24 hours then clean the remaining haze by polishing the tiles with a dry cloth. Once you have finished with the final cleaning, apply grout sealer according to the manufacturers’ instructions. The sealer will help to protect the grout and extend the life of the project.

You’re done! While making and installing paper-faced mosaic tiles can be a somewhat lengthy process, the results are usually amazing. You can be proud to show off your new room. You’re friends and family will be quite impressed!



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Charles Kassotis asked:


When you go to the trouble of installing tile flooring, you expect it to last for some time, and you don’t want human or animal carelessness to ruin it. Tile adds a great look to any home, and it can be pricey to put in, especially if you have to pay someone to tackle this job for you. That’s why you may want to institute a few ground rules at first so everyone will know what is expected with regards to the new floor.

1. Remove or wipe shoes at the entrance to your home. Some people keep socks, slippers, or house shoes near the door so family members can remove outdoor shoes or boots and help protect the flooring. At the very least, they should expect to thoroughly wipe or scrape their footwear before proceeding into the house. Lay out a front door mat on the porch or stoop as the first line of defense. Then place another indoor mat on the floor just inside the entrance. After two wipes, the shoes should carry considerably less dirt into the house.

2. Keep pets elsewhere. If your dog or cat enjoys free run of the house, try to keep them off the tile as much as possible. Their nails can scratch the tile surface, depending on how hard it is, and if the pets go outside at all, they can track in mud, dirt, excrement, or dust that is hard to catch with a doormat. Many pets like to hang around the kitchen, which is where many people use floor tile, due to the warmth and food odors that entice them. Find ways to entertain your pets in other areas when they first enter the house to help minimize the amount of traffic on the tile flooring.

3. Keep potential stain-causing substances in check. Don’t let the kids paint, glue, or carve hobbies in rooms that have tile flooring. These substances can drip or spill onto the floor, sometimes leaving permanent stains. Set up an area where they can safely work under your watchful eye in another area that doesn’t have tile flooring. Or at least cover the floor with newspapers in the area where the kids will be working.

4. Be careful when cooking. Many people put down kitchen throw rugs to catch drips and spills from cooking or cleaning. If you do use throw rugs, put down those with a non-skid backing. If you don’t use rugs, use care when mixing, processing, or cooking foods to reduce the likelihood of an accident.

5. Insist that smokers use ashtrays. If someone in your home smokes tobacco products, or you have visitors that do, be sure to set out ashtrays or ask them to smoke in designated areas (like the front porch). This may help to minimize the risk of someone spilling cigarette ash on the floor, which could cause burn marks.

In general, ask family members to use caution when walking on the tile floors. While you don’t want to be hypersensitive, a little thoughtfulness on everyone’s part will go a long way to keep your tile floor tidy and in good condition.



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Icon Tiles asked:


Everyone knows that the tiles are the best way to cover the surface of walls and floor you can use in the bathrooms. Bathroom wall tiles are ceramic tiles which has properties such as durable, non-flammable, hygienic and easy-to-clean material. These ceramic tiles have a 4000 year older history, which is continues to evolve today. Bathroom wall tiles are waterproof, easy to clean and have protective surfaces which enhances by the beauty that tiles have on walls and floors of the bathrooms. Ceramics for flooring comes with slip proof surfaces; can be co-ordinate with bathroom wall tiles and the only limit to style and individuality is your imagination. According to need you can mix and match styles and colors, turn tiles on their side, add borders, design your own style with the use of bathroom wall tiles that will be unique and stunning.

Bathroom wall tiles add a great look to your interior design of your home. Proper planning and installation of bathroom wall tiles can be very economic while constructing your bathroom, if you keep a few things in mind. Good bathroom wall tile installation can make ultimate look of your bathroom. You can place tiles anywhere in the bathroom, where you would like to add ceramics such as bathroom floor, bathroom walls, bathroom vanities, bathroom showers and shower stalls and countertops. Bathroom wall tiles pattern is the initial step in choosing a ceramic tiles for your bathroom. Nowadays, you can find a variety of ceramic tiles right from your home while surfing on the internet. Online you can get tiles for every end of your home for example bathroom wall tiles, kitchen wall tiles, kitchen tiles, bathroom tiles, wall tiles, floor tiles, ceramic tiles etc. Ceramic bathroom tiles are classified under two main categories: porous tiles and non-porous tiles.

As we know that bathroom is the area which gets easily moist and damped, water may get clogged and deposits of soapy condensations and grime can be found and things can get dirty and stained easily. So usage of nonporous ceramic tiles which are waterproof is the best option to make your bathroom clean and good looking. According to the size of bathrooms bathroom wall tiles should be preferred for example we must use smaller-sized bathroom wall tiles with small designs and patterns for bathrooms with limited space. Basically, bathroom wall tiles are placed around shower areas and baseboard. However nowadays, people like install bathroom wall tiles around bathroom vanities and other areas too.



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submit111@gmail.com asked:


If tiling installation is not properly carried out, even the most carefully laid-out ceramic tile floor plan will still come out as a disaster. Learn how to work your tiling the right way with these quick and easy ceramic tile installation instructions, and see your dream tile floor appear like magic.

1. Do the necessary measurements as to the length and width of the floor you’ll be tiling in order to get a good estimate on the number of ceramic floor tiles, the amount of thin set, or cement, grout, as well as the tools and materials you will need to purchase (or rent). Start measuring by finding the center point of floor area you will be working on. You can do this by measuring across the room and marking the center. Do this in opposite direction and mark the center, as well. The intersection of the two lines is the center of the floor you will be tiling over. Run chalk lines over the intersection lines. These chalk lines will help you later with your tile positioning.

2. Get the necessary tools to get the project done. You can buy most of the tools and materials you’ll need at you neighborhood hardware store, or home center. For equipment that might over your budget like tile cutters, try asking your local home center or tool rental yard if they have the tools you need for rental.

3. Make sure the subfloor (or, the area that you’ll be tiling over) is clean from debris, and smooth and secure. If you’re working on a concrete subfloor, check for cracks and debris. Clean your concrete subfloor first, and repair the cracks. If you see that some of the cracks are too large to repair, replace those floor sections with new concrete. Large cracks (or even smaller ones) widen over time and this will affect your tiles, as well. If you’re working with a plywood subfloor, make sure it is structurally sound and capable of supporting your ceramic tile installation. Your plywood floor has to be at least 1 1/8″ thick, and supported by an equally strong underlayment beneath it. Ceramic tiles are heavy and would need a subfloor that can support their combined weight. Otherwise, they will become dislodged or even break. If you’re working on an existing ceramic tile floor, all you need to do is use a large flat-bladed chisel and a mallet, and just hammer away. Be sure to keep yourself protected — use heavy-duty leather work gloves, safety glasses, and long-sleeved work clothes.

4. To get a clearer visual of how your tile floor would look like, lay out your ceramic tiles by following the chalk lines you’ve previously made. Start at the center and work you way down to the edges. Start at the center, where your intersecting lines meet and work your way out. You can go creative at this part of the ceramic tile installation instructions and actually see your desired look for real.

5. Once you’ve positioned the tiles on the floor in the manner that you like, you can now begin tiling. Place the center tile and bond it to your subfloor using a thin set mortar, or a tile adhesive of your choice. It is recommended that you use a notched trowel to apply the mortar to the subfloor, but you may actually use the more common trowel variety that may be suggested by many ceramic tile installation instructions. To secure the ceramic tile in its place, press down while twisting it back and forth till the tile no longer is set. If some of the mortar or adhesive oozes out, use your trowel to scrape off the excess.

6. Allow the floor and its adhesives to settle overnight. You may also check your thin set mortar or tile adhesive’s ceramic tile installations instructions for the bonding’s setting or hardening time.

7. Apply the grout once the tiles have settled overnight and are good, dry and even. Tiling grout is a construction material used to connect tiles, fill void and seal in the spaces between tiles. It comes in a wide variety of color tints that may be matched to your desired look, and tile color. Mix the grout according to its package’s ceramic tile installations instructions. Then, using a rubber grout float, work it into the joints. Use your grout float at angle so that you can fill in the joint gap with as much grout as possible.

8. Use a damp sponge to wipe off the excess grout and grout smudges. Rinse the sponge frequently to get as much of the excess grout off, and keep each tile clean. You have the option of applying a sealant to the grout lines when they dry.

Once you follow these steps, you’ll realize how easy it is to make your dream ceramic tile floor come true! Now, all you have to do is maintain your new ceramic tile floor by keeping it clean and hygienic. And remember: Your new ceramic tile floor will be approximately 1/2 inch; higher, so you might have to adjust your furniture, electric outlets and other fixtures.



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yangxp asked:


Granite tiles are tough and are not easily scratched. They carry an extremely dense grain, and this is why granite is considered the toughest of all building stones. In fact, only diamond or another piece of granite can scratch it. It is an igneous rock which has a composition much like that of lava.

Although granite looks like a low-maintenance countertop material, there are some important things a homeowner with granite countertops has to keep in mind. Granite is protected from the elements with sealant. This sealant protects the stone, but is affected by acids and other chemicals which may wear it off.

Vinegar, for instance, may adversely affect granite tiles’ sheen when spilled and left uncleaned on the counter. There are a lot of household chemicals such as powders and liquid cleaners that may be too harsh and could not be used to clean granite tiles. Even grooming items such as toothpaste, hairspray, and perfumes may cause the sealant to erode when exposed to them for a long time.

When these harsh liquids accidentally spill onto your granite Kitchen Countertop, immediately grab a sponge to soak the liquid. Do not wipe it off as the liquid may spread to a wider area and cause more damage. If the spilled liquid has some granules in it, be careful in getting rid of them too, as wiping them off may graze the sealant.

To remove rust stains from granite tiles, first make a paste by blending together powdered whiting and a commercial rust remover. Apply a thick coat to the area stained with rust, and let this poultice sit for about 10-15 minutes. Cover it with plastic wrap and seal with masking tape to keep it from drying. Next rinse with clean water and rub the area dry using a soft piece of cloth. If the stain is not totally removed, repeat the process.

For organic stains such as spills from coffee or tea, soak them in a 20% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Employ the same procedure as that of the one for removing rust stains but keep the paste on the stain for 1-2 days. If the stain does not come off with the peroxide solution, then use mild powdered detergent instead.

To keep granite tiles clean, don’t use cleaners or detergents that are highly acidic. Instead, choose a cleaner with a neutral pH. You can use mild powdered cleaning detergent or non-sudsy ammonia mixed with water. Use a soft cloth to wipe with. Some people use a non-yellowing paste wax for granite tiles every 6 months.

Even if you clean granite tiles regularly, sealant still needs to be reapplied two times a year. If the granite tiles are exposed to spills more frequently, then you have to reapply sealant more frequently as well.



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