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grout | Flooring Supply Shop Blog

Dealing With Cracked Grouts

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Dealing with cracked grouts is a common problem being faced by almost every homeowner these days. Cracked grout is a common issue associated with all kind of tiles, which gives a very bad look to the floor and walls.

Reasons for Grout Cracking

There are many reasons for grout to crack and most of these are because of poor installation methods. One of the reasons of this can be excessive use of water or polymer additive in the grout mixture. Another reason can be excessive evaporation of water content in the grout mixture which leaves behind pinholes that lead to grout cracking.

Grout cracking can also occur if thinset is not used sufficiently during the installation of tiles. This is because, if the layer is not thick enough, it will pull away from the tile, leaving behind gaps of air under the tile, which subsequently leads to the breakage of tiles.

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Repairing Cracked Grouts

Problem of grout cracking is an issue that can occur even in properly installed walls and tile floors. You can take up several measures to repair the cracked grouts, one of which is using grout caulk. Caulk is a substance that matches the color of the grout exactly and is available in the form of tube. One can squeeze the tube and apply it to the cracks to fill the gap. This method usually works on the cracks which are small in size, however, it is one of the easiest ways to get rid of the cracks.

Another option that one can opt for is to find the matching grout for the floor. It will be an easier option if one has some grout left over from the original installation. But, if this is not possible, then one should look for the same brand and color as the original installation.

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Next step is to mix the grout and apply it on the cracked area. For this, water and grout are mixed together in a bucket in proper proportion. An important thing to be kept in mind while preparing the mixture is that right quantity of water should be used in order to obtain the perfect consistency. After applying this to the crack, wipe off the excess grout present outside the grout line and leave it for drying.

In case, the grout doesn’t stick to the surface, then one should take a saw and remove the grout present between the tiles. While doing this, one should keep in mind that pressure should not be applied to the tile, else it will break. When the grout is removed, the mixture is applied to the cracked area using a sponge, which provides a uniform and clean look.

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Replacing the cracked grout can be another way of curing the cracks. It is the best way to overcome the problem of cracked grouts. Though it is an expensive procedure as compared to repairing the cracked grouts, but it ensures that the tiles will continue to serve well for a longer period of time. As a matter of fact, replacing grout will save you from the problem of re-tiling the floor and walls again.

Wrapping Up.

Depending upon your requirements, you can choose to either repair the cracked grouts or replace them to solve your problem. This would definitely add beauty to the interiors and would provide a clean look.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

WaleTale Vacuum Attachment Dustless Mixing

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WaleTale Vacuum Attachment is an important tool which every tile setter should have. This effective tool helps in eliminating dust at the time of mixing mortars and grouts in buckets. It is a well known fact that inhaling dust is harmful as it can lead to various health problems, like eye irritation, sneezing and coughing. Not only does dust worsens the existing heart disease, but also damages the lung tissues and aggravates lung diseases, like asthma. To prevent such scenario, it is advisable to use the WaleTale Vacuum Attachment for avoiding these health problems.

Some people do not realize the seriousness of the issue, unless they themselves suffer from these problems. Dust sometimes contains free crystalline silica that can lead to chronic lung disease silicosis, which causes irritation in the respiratory system. People develop this lung disease on continuous exposure to crystalline silica for a period of five years or more.

The invisible silica dust is so light that remains suspended in the air for a long time and hence travel long distances in air, affecting many individuals, especially tile setters. This health problem is incurable as well as irreversible, where the condition continues to deteriorate even when the exposure stops. Hence, you must take appropriate measures to avoid generation of dust to eliminate the chances of developing this lung disease. Furthermore, prolonged and repeated inhalation of dust can also lead to lung cancer, which can be fatal.

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Along with minimizing chances of developing health problems, WaleTale Vacuum Attachment also provides various other benefits. Since it eliminates dust, the surrounding remains clean and you do not have to worry about cleaning the work area after completing the job. As it is compact and effective, you can easily carry and use the WaleTale Vacuum Attachment anywhere, even indoors. It is also not very expensive and suits everyone’s pocket.

WaleTale Vacuum Attachment has also gained popularity because of its various other attributes, like durability, optimum performance, and no maintenance requirements. Moreover, the WaleTale Vacuum Attachment is easy to use; you just have to attach it to the bucket and forget about dust. It effectively pulls dust and does not allow it to escape from the bucket. The attachment sucks up the dust generated while pouring the powder into the bucket, without affecting the powder flow into the bucket.

Many people argue that one can use dustless mortars instead of WaleTale Vacuum Attachment, but such mortars do not eliminate dust completely. Furthermore, dustless mortars are more expensive than the effective and efficient vacuum attachment. Few other people would suggest that you can use mask while doing the job. Though it is effective in protecting you from various health hazards caused due to dust, but it does not protect others on the job site. People working around you will inhale dust and subsequently develop health hazards. Hence, be considerate and responsible; use WaleTale Vacuum Attachment which completely eliminates dust, thereby protecting you as well as those around you.

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Owing to all these benefits, more and more people are increasingly using the WaleTale Vacuum Attachment while mixing mortars and grouts for tile setting.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Things to know about before tiling

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Tiles are one of the most popular choices for various areas of the house, such as the kitchen and the bathroom. Some of the factors that make tiles so popular include high durability, ease of installation, availability of different designs and the related cost. Tiling is generally considered as an easy Do-It-Yourself project; however, there are a number of factors that you should keep in mind before initiating the tiling process.

The first major decision that you will have to make will be selecting from a wide range of tiles that are available in the market. This decision will be based on two factors, namely the tile material and the tile size. Ceramic, porcelain and stone are the most popular tiling material that is selected by people. A stone tile is renowned for its aesthetic appeal as well as its high durability. On the other hand, porcelain and ceramic tiles are comparatively inexpensive that stone times, and are aesthetically appealing as well.

Tiling size can significantly impact your project by affecting the effort put in by you as well as the end result. Generally, tiles of size 12”x 12” are considered to be ideal for a tiling project; however, these days you can find tiles of varying sizes. 6” x 6” tiles are also popular among homeowners, but they increase the effort required to complete the tiling project. Furthermore, large tiles are quite difficult to set evenly, thereby affecting the final outcome of the project.

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After finalizing on the size and material of the tiles, it is important to select the pattern and design on the tiles. Since tiles can significantly affect the visuals of a room, it is important to select tiles that match with the décor of a particular room. For example, light colored tiles are generally preferred in the shower area to create a comfortable environment. On the other hand, the kitchen area should preferably be covered with dark colored tiles.

Next, you should carefully decide whether you want to use epoxy based grout or cement grout. Grouting is an essential aspect of a tiling project since it can ensure that the tiles stay in place for a long duration of time. Although epoxy grouts are highly effective, and errors during the installation process are quite hard to fix once epoxy grout has been installed. Grout color is also essential to ensure that the grouted area blends in with the tile décor.

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Finally, you should have the proper tools and equipment to ensure an effective tiling job. Spacers are essential to ensure even spaces between two subsequent tiles. Leveling systems, such as the Tuscan leveling system, ensure that you are able to install tiles without any lippage. Being prepared with such tools beforehand will enable you to install a uniform and highly durable tiled floor.

Thus, it is evident that although tiling is quite a simple task, it is important to consider various factors to ensure maximum effectiveness. In case you are not confident of completing the job yourself, it is advised to hire a professional contractor.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Do you have adequate tools to finish DIY task

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A number of individuals undertake ‘Do It Yourself’ home renovation projects as a hobby. Some of the most popular DIY projects include painting, tiling and grouting. However, it is important to properly complete the job at hand. An improper home renovation job can result in significant repairs and maintenance expenses in the future.

One of the prerequisites for undertaking a DIY project is the availability of proper and effective tools for the job at hand. Having proper tools can significantly reduce the efforts involved in completing a home renovation project. Furthermore, the right tools can also ensure that the job is done properly the first time, so that there are no repairs and maintenance requirements in the future.

While tiling, one of the common problems faced by DIY enthusiasts is that of lippage. Lippage occurs when tiles are not set properly, and can affect the aesthetics of the tiled area. Furthermore, lippage can also cause the tiles to crack and break in the future. It is for this reason that you should consider using a tool such as the Tuscan Leveling System. Such tools are specially designed for DIY enthusiasts, and ensure that the tiles are set in a uniform manner.

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Another tool that could help you in your tiling project is a tile spacer. The main purpose of a tile spacer is to ensure that all the tiles are set at equal distance apart. Tile spacers will also enable you to create straight grout lines, thereby ensuring a uniform finish.

Most people generally call in a professional contractor when they need to design a shower area, but there are a number of tools that can enable you to complete this task by yourself. Quick pitch systems and ready to tile shower pans are two such tools that can enable you to create a custom designed shower area by yourself. These tools can ensure that a standard slope of 1/4” is created on the shower floor. Furthermore, a ready to tile shower pan can be tiled immediately after installation, thereby saving on the total construction time.

Certain projects such as plumbing, carpentry, roofing and landscaping require you to create a level slope for maximum effectiveness. It is in order to complete such projects in a proper manner that you require tools such as Montgomery degree pitch level. These tools are easy to use, and can enable you to effectively check the pitch or slope.

Finally, apart from the specific tools for particular projects you should ensure that you have adequate safety equipment. Some of the commonly used safety gear includes respiratory masks, knee pads, gloves and cleaning cloth.

Undertaking a DIY project offers a number of benefits over hiring a contractor for the job. Not only does a DIY project bring about a sense of accomplishment, but also results in significant cost savings. Therefore, it is important to have adequate tools and equipments in order to be properly prepared for the DIY project. This will ensure that your project is completed in a timely and a proper manner.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Step by Step How to Install Tile and more

Step by Step How to Install Tile

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Difficulty of Installation

When using the thinset method in residential areas, installing ceramic tile is rather simple. To put it in better perspective, it is easier to install than wood or vinyl sheet goods and slightly more difficult than vinyl tile.

Actually, the subfloor preparation, layout, and installation is very similar to that of vinyl tile.

The only major difference is grouting. With proper planning and a little common sense, practically anyone can install ceramic tile using the thinset method.

Steps of Installation

If you are installing a new underlayment, it’s recommended that you staple polyethylene plastic on top of the subfloor before you install the underlayment to ensure protection from water penetrating down to the subfloor. Continue reading “Step by Step How to Install Tile and more”

grout | Flooring Supply Shop Blog