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The Basics of Ceramic Tiles: Substrates
The term substrate usually depicts subwalls,
subcountertops and subfloors. The most important aspect in ensuring a
proper and nice-appearing tile installation is to prepare an adequate
substrate first.
If you will be installing the tiles on new concrete subfloors, you must
let them cure for a minimum of 28 days before you start installing the
tiles. It is important that the floor and the wall substrates are rigid.
If there is any spring at all in the substrates, it could likely crack
the tile. The substrates must be structurally sound, flat or level and
plumb. If there is any oil, grease, dirt debris, loose paint, or
concrete sealers or curing compounds, these substances must be removed
before you start the installation process. Any of the fore mentioned
will result in a poor, improper adhesion of the tiles to surface in
which it is being put onto.
The following subfloors are suitable for tile installation: concrete
(must be in good condition and cured for at least 28 days); terrazzo or
natural stone; ceramic tile; cement backer boards; non-cushioned vinyl;
linoleum; exterior grade double layered plywood. Subfloors that are not
conducive to tile are those that may flex, expand, contract or warp.
Basically, any subfloors that may create too much movement would not be
proper as the tile will become loose and pop out the grout. Such
surfaces must be covered or replaced with an appropriate underlayment
for correct installation.
Subfloors that are not suitable for tile are: perimeter installed and
cushioned vinyl, single layered plywood, flake board, particleboard,
chip board, hardwood strip flooring, Luan plywood, OSB boards, masonite
and sheet metal.
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