As promised, in my previous post I covered on House Renovation and breaking down the process into phases for better understanding. Phase I was Planning, a natural start to any project that one embarks on. No planning is a one way street to failure, unless you’re very lucky!
Now, after Phase I – which was Selection of Materials, Layout Planning and Grout Joint, Phase involves Preparatory Work @ Site.
Phase II – Preparatory Work @ Site
1. The following preparatory works are to be carried out to ensure proper tiling works;
• Surface preparation
• Screeding / Rendering ( if necessary )
• Setting out tiling
2. Surface preparation – The surface of the substrate should be level and comply to design specification, or to a tolerance of 3mm measured by a 2 meter straight edge. When the surface evenness is not enough, screen or render should be applied. The substrate should be free from any loose substance such as dust, debris, oil and grease that may reduce or inhabit adhesion of the next layer of material.
Any strong acid or alkali on the surface should be neutralized prior to the application of the next layer of material. The surface should be cleaned with broom and wash with water jet, if possible.
** TIP: MAKE SURE it’s done by a professional! :DD
3. Laying of screed/render –Screeding is the act of spreading and leveling off a layer of mortar to provide a true surface.
In order to determine the correct levels for the flooring to be laid, the setting of a common reference line (usually marked at the wall at 1m) should be established. This is to prevent any mismatch in levels such as ceramic flooring to living room against parquet flooring to bedrooms.
Screed and render should be air cured for at least 7 days. Pre-packed mortar is preferred over the conventional cement and sand mortar mix in order to achieve consistent mortar mix.
Below: Screeding of floor before tiling.
4. Setting out tiling – It is important to set out tile lines according to the approved drawing. Try to minimize the number of tiles that need to be cut.
The position of cut tiles should be planned and marked before laying and they should place at less visible corners. It is a good practice to allocate switches and power points at edge of tiles to minimize tiles cutting
So that’s it for Phase 2! Watch out for Phase 3 soon and below are as usual, some FAQs commonly asked by home renovators.
Q:What should I do before fixing my tiles?
We recommend, before fixing, opening and laying out several cartons of tiles to confirm a harmonious and pleasant blend of shades. Also:
- Leave an open joint or tiling gap of 2-4 mm.
- Do a small test patch prior to full grout application.
- As a good practice, for polished or structured or rough surfaced tiles, apply a sealant or grout release product prior to grouting or refrain from using contrasting grout to avoid possible staining or stubborn trapped grout haze.
Q:Why do I have to inspect the products and the packaging label before receiving it?
Purchasers must inspect goods carefully for size and defects before acceptance of delivery. Our products are guaranteed to be in compliance with the ‘MS ISO’ and ‘EN’ standards in force. Our guarantee is limited to A grade products, with an industry tolerance of approximately five percent (5%). Any guarantee against defects is thus expressly excluded for B grade or stock offer lots, as special sales lots are always sold “as is” and with the purchasers’ full knowledge and approval.
Q:Is shading considered a material defect?
Any differences in colour/shades cannot be considered as material defects. Our guarantee is limited to the replacement of tiles found defective prior to fixing. No claim will be entertained after the tiles are installed. In any case, our guarantee only includes the replacement of materials found to be defective.
Q: Some of my tile patterns are not the same although it comes from the same range. Is this normal?
A: Ceramic Tiles are designed to emulate natural stones. Each tile is fashioned to exhibit unique veining and colour distribution. Therefore, a piece of ceramic tile does not totally represent its whole range.
Good tips.. guess all home renovators would have to take note on this, most just hire a contractor and leave it to them!
It’s rather dry and technical so I guess most ppl would be tempted to just leave it to the contractors!
But it pays to know.. cos you would want to know you’re spending on the right items!
Just did my house renovation. I used MML tiles as well! 🙂
OH cool! 😀
Guess you must be happy with the results! Speak to you again when we meet at future events!