Ceramic tile installation FAQs

What is a sealer or sealant for ceramic tile?

Sealer is a clear liquid coat applied to the porous surface of stone, tile or grout, to protect it from oxidation, natural deterioration and physical abuse. It prevents the transfer of moisture and protects unglazed tile and grout from stains and spills. It also adds luster.

What is an installation bed?

The layer of mortar or other adhesive that covers the surface to be tiled is called the 'installation bed' or just 'bed'. It is the surface onto which the tiles are set.

What is meant by bonding material?

Any mortar or adhesive used to install ceramic tile is known as bonding material. The choice of bonding material depends upon the selection of tile and the requirements of the area to be tiled.

What is mastic?

Mastic is a type of tile adhesive.

What are tile spacers?

Plastic, rubber, wood or rope used in wall or floor installations to separate tiles is termed as spacer. They are used during installation to maintain even joint width between tiles.

What is an expansion joint?

Expansion joints represent the space allowed between walls and other fixed objects relative to the installed ceramic tiles. Expansion joints allow for the movement caused by temperature changes and humidity levels in the area where the ceramic tiles are installed. They bolster the ceramic tiles stress points to prevent cracking. They are also known as control joints.

What is caulk?

Caulk is the waterproofing compound or material used to fill joints, seams, or voids to ensure an air-tight seal.

What is epoxy?

Epoxy is the resin material used in mortars and adhesive grouts for thin-set tile installations. Here is a description of the multiple epoxy combinations:

• EPOXY ADHESIVE: An adhesive system employing epoxy hardener portions.

• EPOXY GROUT: A mortar system employing epoxy resin and epoxy hardener portions.

• EPOXY MORTAR: A two part adhesive system employing epoxy resins and hardener to create a very strong bond. This often contains coarse silica filler and is usually formulated for commercial installations where chemical resistance is highly important.

• EPOXY RESIN: An epoxy composition used as a chemical-resistant setting adhesive or chemical-resistant grout.

What is meant by breaking strength of a tile?

The physical ability of a tile to withstand breakage or rupture from a tension. Higher kiln temperatures can increase the breaking strength of ceramic tile � the higher the temperatures, the greater the strength.

What is meant by the electrical conductivity of ceramic tile and electrical resistance?

Ceramic material is insulates electrical current. However it does not substantially accumulate electrostatic charges. Antistatic tiles are useful in areas where electrostatic charges are common or adversely affect the proper functioning of instruments. Anti-static tiles are specially manufactured to absorb electrostatic charges and conduct them to the ground. They are used in hospital operating rooms and computer installations.

What is a flat-back tile?

Tile without buttons on the back is a flat-back tile.

What is a hand-pressed tile?

Special tiles pressed by hand into molds for decorative effect are termed as hand-pressed tiles.

What is meant by thermal shock resistance?

The ability of a ceramic tile to resist alteration when subjected to rapidly fluctuating extreme temperatures is termed as thermal shock resistance. It is determined by ISO testing methods.

What is meant by moisture barrier?

Moisture barrier is a component of the installation bed that provides protection from wetness to mortar and tiles.

What is meant by moisture expansion?

Moisture expansion can cause a change in dimension of a porous tile. It is almost similar to the change produced by temperature increase. (See Linear Thermal Expansion).

What is meant by linear thermal expansion?

The change in the dimensions of a given material as a result of change in temperature is known as linear thermal expansion.

What is a through-body porcelain tile?

Some people refer to unglazed porcelain tile as "through body" - i.e. the surface color and pattern on the top is carried through the entire dimensional thickness of the tile. This feature is also referred as �through-body composition�. As a result, these tiles do not show wear when chipped or during heavy usage, even in commercial applications.

How are tiles graded for different characteristics?

Grading procedures for the dimensional, structural, and chemical characteristics of ceramic tile vary in different regions of the world.

• In the United States, standards are established by ANSI (American National Standards Institute). ANSI is responsible for establishing standards and testing methods for ceramic tiles in the United States. The ANSI currently uses ASTM testing methods.

• ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is a US based 100-year-old standard setting organization for organic materials.

• Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) is responsible for research, testing and analysis of ceramic materials in the United States. Most of the tiles are rated for use by the abrasion ratings developed by PEI.

• In Europe, the CEN (Comit� Europ�an de Normalisation) standards are used.

• ISO (International Standard Organization) standards have now been approved by many member organizations to unify standards worldwide.