There are always going to be problems with any type of flooring. As far as tile flooring is concerned, however, there are specific problems that need to be addressed.
The most common problem with hardwood flooring is when the tiles don’t adhere to the subfloor properly. This is an issue that not only occurs during insulation but is also a problem that can occur long after the floor has been installed. It is something to be considered, as it can ruin the floor if it is not corrected quickly.
That is one of the many different issues that can be seen with tile flooring. Of course, it is by far not the only issue and we will address many of the problems associated with tile flooring in this article.
As you will see, some of the problems that are associated with tile flooring are relatively easy to correct. This includes some that are primarily due to not caring for the floor properly.
Like any type of floor, it is important to care for tile floors on a routine basis. The type of care that is needed, however, is much more than is seen in other types of floors.
For the most part, you can get by if you run a dust mop over it on occasion and then wet mop the floor. In fact, it is easy to care for that regard.
The problem is, it is not always something that is on the surface that is leading to the problems you are experiencing. For example, you may have problems with the grout, and that is often due to a bacterial buildup that continues to grow in that area.
Many people also purchased tile because they feel that it is a very hygienic type of floor. Although that can be the case, it is not without its problems when it comes to hygiene.
Tile floor can, in some cases, even have a problem with mold. This is not generally a problem because it can be washed away but it can grow under the floor if it has a suitable place to grow along with moisture.
Let’s consider some of the more specific issues that you may experience with your tile flooring.
Tile Flooring Problems
One of the best pieces of advice you could listen to when it comes to tile flooring is making sure that the installation goes smoothly. When the floor is installed properly, problems are much less likely to occur.
This would include having everything set up in advance, using the proper tools and having at least a little experience under your belt. It’s a project that any homeowner can take on if they have some DIY experience, but it’s a big project.
Trying to rush through the job is a big mistake as it will likely leave you with some problems that are going to be long-lasting. Many of those issues are going to revolve around the floor layout and materials, so it’s not something that can be easily corrected.
Even after the floor has been installed, you can experience problems if you don’t continue to take care of it regularly. Not washing the floor is going to have an obvious issue associated with it but washing it improperly can also cause problems.
Some types of tile are more prone to damage than others, including having the finish worn away. Although it is possible to refinish a tile floor using epoxy, it is certainly not a job that you would want to take on too soon.
Considering the fact that you are spending a lot on tile flooring, regardless of whether you are going with porcelain, marble, or anything in between, it’s a good idea to take care of things properly. Avoiding the problems is always easier but even if you experience issues unexpectedly, they can often be corrected.
Top 6 Problems During Tile Flooring Installation
It is very important to install a tile floor properly. Unless you do so, you are prone to have problems.
1. The biggest issue you have with the tile floor during installation is not preparing the subfloor properly. If the subfloor is unstable in any way, it is going to show up in the tile. In fact, it could crack the tile and may ruin the finished job if the subfloor is not properly prepared.
That is just one of the many problems associated with installing a tile floor. Here are some other installation issues to consider:
2. Grout
Although grout is one of the last parts of the project, we are going to include it first because it is likely to be a problem. You have to grout the floor properly and you need to be cautious that you don’t damage the floor in the process.
The grout holds the tile together in a rather interesting way. As you are grouting the floor, you need to be cautious that you don’t place any weight on the edges of the tile while you are working your way from one side of the room to the other.
In addition, you have to properly wash the tile after you have grouted to remove much of the residue. Make sure that you keep plenty of sponges on hand and 5-gallon buckets of clean water.
3. Spacing
If you don’t space out the tile properly, you may end up with a thin slice at the edge of the room. This is going to be more than an aesthetics problem, it can actually cause the floor to crack in that area.
It is always best to measure the room carefully, doing so at both ends of the room because no room is going to be perfectly square. You should then strike a line where the first tile goes and work in both directions.
Never start working on one side of the room and work your way across to the other side of the room.
4. Expansion
Although you won’t have the same type of expansion that you may have with hardwood or other types of flooring, it can still be a problem. As the tile expands and contracts, even slightly, it can lead to cracking of the grout or cracking in the tile itself.
5. Spacers
Although you may think that you can ‘eyeball’ the room and install the tile in that way, you are never going to get it perfect. Using spacers is not cheating, it makes good sense.
6. Adhesive
Make sure that you have plenty of adhesive available and that you are using the proper type. The tile floor is going to be down for many years so be sure that the adhesive is going to last as long as the tile.
Top 4 Problems After Tile Flooring Installation
Most homeowners are surprised by the number of issues that can occur with a tile floor. Here are some of the most common.
1. Dirty Grout
By far, the most common issue that occurs with a tile floor is for the grout to get dirty. The floor itself is not very likely to get dirty permanently but due to spills and even the buildup of bacteria, grout can get dirty and stain permanently. Make sure that you are cleaning up any spills quickly and that you mop the floor with a cleaning solution regularly.
2. Mold
It is not very likely that you are going to have a problem with mold on the tile itself but you can have it in the grout line and even underneath the tile.
Mold will grow anywhere it has the opportunity. As long as it has food, oxygen, and moisture, it has the opportunity to grow. Those factors can come together on the subfloor or in the grout lines.
3. Dull Appearance
When you first put down the tile floor, it is going to be shiny and beautiful. The finish can easily come off, however, leaving you with a floor that looks darker and dingy, even as you clean it.
You need to be cautious that you are not damaging the finish on the tile unnecessarily. This could include using cleaning products that are too harsh or using a stiff scrubber to scrub the floor. In most cases, regularly mopping the floor is all that is necessary.
4. Stained Tiles
With some types of tiles, staining is going to be more of a problem. This is especially true of porous tiles, such as Mexican tiles.
If you are dealing with any type of porous tile, it is important to clean it as soon as a spill occurs. Of course, you should always clean up spills quickly because they can also stain the grout of any tile floor.
Tile Flooring: Pros And Cons
Like any product you are considering using, it’s a good idea to consider both the good and bad when it comes to tile flooring.
The most common benefit that is seen with tile flooring is how easy it is to maintain. It provides a water-resistant seal and spills are easily cleaned, provided they are cleaned up quickly. Tile is a very resilient floor and unlike other types of floor, such as hardwood, they do not damage or stain too quickly.
Let’s consider some of the pros of using tile flooring. We already discussed the fact that it is easy to maintain, but there are many other good points to consider.
Durability – When it comes to durability, you will have a difficult time beating what tile brings to the table. It is a long-lasting floor that will be in your home for many years. As long as you care for it properly, you can be proud of the floor you are walking on.
Cost – Most homeowners are looking for something that is in between the cheapest and the most expensive option for flooring. Tile tends to fall somewhere in the middle but you get a lot of benefit out of the cost.
You will spend less on tile than you will on hardwood but you are going to spend more than you will on carpeting. Considering how long tile lasts, it is something to keep in mind.
Moisture – Although you don’t want to expose the floor to consistent moisture, it is relatively moisture resistant. If something spills on the floor and it isn’t cleaned up quickly, it isn’t going to ruin or stain the floor immediately.
It’s also an excellent choice for areas of the home that tend to be areas of high moisture. This includes the kitchen and the bathroom.
Germs – Although you do need to be cautious about any floor when it comes to germs, tile floor is relatively sterile. You can wash it with a neutral cleaner on a regular basis and be happy walking around in your bare feet.
Let’s consider some of the cons of using the tile floor.
Slippery – Slip and fall accidents are a reality for far too many families. You need to be cautious when you are walking on tile flooring, especially if it gets wet.
Some of the more modern tile floors do have a slip-resistant material built-in but you still need to be cautious. Of course, you should always be cautious that you aren’t going to slip and fall.
Cold – If you are somebody who loves a warm home in the winter, then a tile floor is not going to be very user-friendly. It tends to be cold and if you walk around in your bare feet, you will notice it.
In some rooms of the home, you can heat the floor and that is of great benefit. This is especially beneficial in the bathroom, where a heated floor has obvious benefits.
Weight – One other thing to consider is the weight of the floor. You need to think about this, especially if you are putting a tile floor over top of another floor. Make sure that the joists are able to handle the additional weight.
What Kind Of Tile Is Best For Flooring?
Many homeowners are surprised by how many different tile options they have. Choosing the right one is not always going to be easy.
Porcelain tiles tend to be the most common tile for homes for a reason. They are relatively inexpensive and stand up to a lot of foot traffic. That being said, if you are going to install tile in an area that is prone to moisture, such as the bathroom, you might want to choose a tile that has a nonslip surface, such as travertine.
Each different type of tile was going to have its own benefits. You might want to consider the following when choosing one for your home.
Area – Think about the part of the home where the tile is going to be installed. If it is a relatively open area with light foot traffic, you would want to choose a different tile than you would in a high-traffic area or one where slip and fall accidents are more likely to happen.
Budget – Of course, budget is also a consideration. This is not only true of choosing tile but of choosing anything with a DIY project.
Installation – Most tile flooring is relatively straightforward when it comes to the installation process. That being said, there are certain types and sizes of tiles that are easier to install than others.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of Tile Flooring?
Most people want their flooring to last for as long as possible. How long can you expect your new tile floor to last?
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 26, 2021.
If you choose a high-quality tile and install it properly, you can expect to live on it for many decades. It’s not out of the ordinary to have tile down for up to 50 years when you choose high quality. For a lower-quality tile, you can generally expect it to last 20 years or longer.
An important factor to consider when it comes to the longevity of your tile floor is maintenance. If you aren’t maintaining the floor properly, it isn’t going to last very long.
You also need to consider the installation of the floor. Was the subfloor properly prepared and were all of the correct materials used for the installation process?
This can be a problem because if things weren’t properly prepared in advance, the tiles could come loose over time. It may only happen here or there, but eventually, it could be a big problem.
Is Tile Floor Cheaper Than Hardwood
Are you comparing hardwood and tile flooring? Let’s talk about cost.
A tile floor is a lot less expensive than a hardwood floor. There are going to be variations in the amount that you spend, depending upon the type of tile that you choose and whether you are having it professionally installed. Generally speaking, however, you are going to pay less for a tile floor than you would for a hardwood floor.
There is more to the cost than simply considering the amount that you spend at the store. You also need to think about the longevity of the floor and how easy it is to maintain.
Both hardwood and tile floors are relatively easy to maintain. Tile, on the other hand, is much less resistant to damage than hardwood.
You can install either tile or hardwood and be happy with the results. If you are trying to save some money and not compromise on quality, tile is the way to go.
There are always going to be problems with any type of floor and this includes a tile floor.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 26, 2021.
Cracked tiles are one of the more common issues associated with a tile floor. It can take place during the installation process or many years after the floor was installed. A cracked tile is not always due to something being dropped on it. In fact, it is more likely a problem with installation and not preparing things properly ahead of time.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 26, 2021.
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