CTEF Tile Tip

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Many projects today call for ever-increasing tile sizes, many of which are rectangular shapes such as 12" x 24", 18" x 36", 24" x 48" and larger, creating difficulties for the installer when bonding the tile to the substrate.

As the economy strengthens, we are seeing increased tile sizes and diverse types of tile flowing into the US market.

We’ve all seen them—tile installations that at first glance look pretty good, but then there they are: small and unbalanced cuts in the corners.

Recently during a CTEF Educational Program, an installation manager for a large company complained that installing movement (expansion) joints in any application is a pain in the butt.

Ceramic tile provides a beautiful and decorative surface, and functionally it provides a surface that is not affected by water.

Thin set and the new large and heavy tile mortars serve several functions within a tile assembly.

Expansion joints, also known as movement joints or movement accommodation joints, are critical to the success and longevity of ceramic and porcelain tile installations.

The use of thin-set mortars have met the challenge of properly installing ceramic and porcelain tile for years, and still do today.

High-quality installations of ceramic and porcelain tile require the installer to have the hand skills to put it into place, along with the knowledge of what products are available to finish the project successfully.