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1. What kind of sub-floor
do I need for a tile application?
If floor is already 5/8", you will need to add another 5/8" of
exterior grade plywood screwed every 6" on the outside
perimeter and 8" in the body of the plywood.
2. Can I tile over a painted floor?
No, paint must be removed off of a concrete floor before
tile can be applied. Removal of paint can be done by
scraping it or by using a shot blasting machine.
3. Can I tile over a concrete floor? What if
it has some cracks?
Yes, you may tile over a concrete floor, but there are
guidelines that have to be followed.
If the floor is cracked, it is advisable to use an
anti-fracture membrane, otherwise cracks may transmit
through the tile. Also as stated in question #2, you
cannot tile over a painted concrete floor.
4. What kind of floor do I need for a hardwood
application?
Hardwood can be placed over a standard sub-floor with
16" or 19.5" joists on centre with a 5/8"
thick plywood,
although 3/4" would be preferred. Please note that
hardwood cannot go the same direction as the joists; it
should go
perpendicular or on a 45 degree angle to the joists for
structural integrity.
5. Can I tile over a painted wall?
Yes, you can tile over a painted wall; however, there may
be limitations. If it is a painted wall for a kitchen
backsplash or
a tub surround, it should be fine unless it has many
coats of paint on it. For concrete walls, the paint must be
removed first so the adhesive has something it can grab
onto.
6. How do I change the colour of my grout without
removing it?
Grout colour can be changed without removal with a stain
or a dye that can be purchased by most tile stores.
7. What is the difference between sanded and
non-sanded grout?
Sanded grout has sand added to
it to increase the strength in a larger grout joint. It
stops the grout from shrinkage and adds strength so that
the grout will not crack. Non-sanded grout is used in
many wall applications because of its non-abrasive
texture. If the grout joint is going to be more than
1/8", you need to use sanded. The only time a non-sanded
grout is used on the floor is with the installation of
polished marble.
8. What is the difference between porcelain and
ceramic tile?
The composition is what makes the difference. Ceramic
tile is made of either white or red clay, and porcelain tile
is made of porcelain. Porcelain offers less water
absorption, it is virtually impervious, and has more sheer
strength to it. Some porcelains are also suitable for
outdoor use, whereas a ceramic is never recommended for
that type of application.
9. I want to tile my back outside deck; what kind of
tile do I use?
As mentioned in question #8, porcelain tile (or a
natural stone) is recommended for this application. Please contact us for specifications
on how it would be done properly.
10. Why is my hardwood cracking in places?
The separation of pre-finished hardwood can happen if
there is not enough humidity in the home. To correct
this, humidity must be added. Our recommendation is 40 -
45% relative humidity year round. This is easiest to
maintain if you have a humidifier attached right to your
furnace. If there is
cracking in the middle of the board, it is probably a
structural problem. Mirage hardwood flooring is warranted against
structural damage.
Site finished floor cracking is called panelization and
can happen if humidity is not maintained properly.
11. Why does some hardwood change its colour after
time?
All wood changes colour. Mirage hardwood has a UV inhibitor
that has been added to the finish to help guard against
yellowing and changing of colour. It is in all species
of Mirage except in the exotic hardwoods, American Cherry and
Walnut as the changing of colour in these floors actually adds
to their beauty and warmth.
12. We want to do a shower in our basement; what do I
need to know?
Showers in the basement are becoming more popular
everyday, and every job is different. If you are
interested in a cement base using a dry pack mortar bed (as
opposed to a fiberglass base), you may want to have a
tile shop do the install. Waterproofing is the most
important thing in the tiling of showers, and we
strongly suggest you
use a cement board on the walls.
13. Can I put a floor tile on my wall?
Floor tile can be used on most applications and are very
popular on walls. The rule of thumb is floor tile can go
on walls but most wall tiles cannot be put on floors.
This is because the glaze
on most wall tiles are not rated for floor use.
Have more questions? We can get you the answers. Send
them to
sales@designflooring.ca
Design Flooring Centre .... design
makes the difference.
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