Tile Installation
Old Stone Work
Many of the problems with floor tile installation come from a subsurface that has too much movement or deflection. This is especially true in California, where plywood and beams are used to build structures instead of masonry and concrete. Wood has inherently more motion that must be controlled. Over time, too much movement can lead to grout cracking, tiles coming up, and broken tiles.
The best way to avoid future problems with tiles (and especially natural stone such as marble, granite, travertine, and slate) is to spend the time in advance to make the subfloor rigid, level, and flat. Preparing the subfloor ahead of time is your best insurance policy that the floor will last. Some tile setters rush this step and hope you won't mind if the floor cracks in a few years - we don't agree.
Many contractors use lower quality workmanship and materials for wet areas like showers and tub surrounds. Plain sheetrock that swells and rots when exposed to moisture or organic mastic that loosens its grip when it gets wet are common flaws that lead to a failure. We use the highest quality materials and high quality thinset cement adhesive – which are not moisture sensitive.
It is also important to select floor or wall materials that fit the environment. For example, a highly polished soft marble may be beautiful, but if it is in a very high traffic area exposed to cooking acids, it may etch and dull rapidly and need diamond pad refinishing sooner than necessary.
Similarly, if a tile is rated for wall and it is installed as a floor tile, it may not be able to handle traffic without breaking. We can help guide clients to a suitable choice for tiles and provide addresses for leading showrooms that have excellent selections of tile and stone.
After your new installation is complete, and the grout has cured, we apply a high quality impregnating sealer that does not affect the appearance of the tile and grout, but reduces porosity so the surface is more cleanable and continues looking great.
The best way to avoid future problems with tiles (and especially natural stone such as marble, granite, travertine, and slate) is to spend the time in advance to make the subfloor rigid, level, and flat. Preparing the subfloor ahead of time is your best insurance policy that the floor will last. Some tile setters rush this step and hope you won't mind if the floor cracks in a few years - we don't agree.
Many contractors use lower quality workmanship and materials for wet areas like showers and tub surrounds. Plain sheetrock that swells and rots when exposed to moisture or organic mastic that loosens its grip when it gets wet are common flaws that lead to a failure. We use the highest quality materials and high quality thinset cement adhesive – which are not moisture sensitive.
It is also important to select floor or wall materials that fit the environment. For example, a highly polished soft marble may be beautiful, but if it is in a very high traffic area exposed to cooking acids, it may etch and dull rapidly and need diamond pad refinishing sooner than necessary.
Similarly, if a tile is rated for wall and it is installed as a floor tile, it may not be able to handle traffic without breaking. We can help guide clients to a suitable choice for tiles and provide addresses for leading showrooms that have excellent selections of tile and stone.
After your new installation is complete, and the grout has cured, we apply a high quality impregnating sealer that does not affect the appearance of the tile and grout, but reduces porosity so the surface is more cleanable and continues looking great.
