Ceramic tile

Ceramic components are made with natural clay and non-metallic minerals heated at high temperature and manufactured in modular units and sizes. The clay is pressed into a shape, glazed and then fired in a kiln. Products varying in dimensions, proprieties, and appearance. The glazing is from glass and metal elements which make the color and creates a hard, shiny surface. There are glazed wall tiles, mosaic tiles, paver tiles, quarry tiles and decorative tiles. The surface may have texture or raised design to make slip-resistant. Generally, ceramic tiles have high abrasion and moisture resistance, making them a good choice for interior finishes.
Tiles are applied on a tile backer and on top of subfloor. A thin mortar layer is applied on the subfloor as a setting for tile backer and on top of tile backer as a layer for setting tile. Tile backer is a sheet panel that is installed on subfloor as underlayment for the installation of tiles. Cement board is a common tile backer. In some cases, especially for wet area and steam room, tile underlayment membranes are required to provide additional sound abatement, waterproofing, or moisture control.

Setting product shall be selected according to the environmental condition. Cement mortar, dry-set mortar, Latex-Portland cement mortar, epoxy mortar and organic adhesives are the most used types of setting products. Mortar contains dry-polymer additives and should be mixed with water. Latex-modified mortar is produced by mixing dry-set mortar with a liquid latex additive.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes specifications for the installation of ceramic tile and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) publishes standard test methods for tile setting materials.

Substrate floor must be leveled, clean, and free form dust before installation. In case of using a back layer, it should be fastened into the subfloor properly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A layout plan similar to vinyl tiles is recommended. Tile cuts should not be smaller than ½ tile. Tiles are placed in the area covered with mortar. Grouting should be settled after ceramic installation. The floor grout is prepared and poured over the tile after adhesive is dry. The grout is forced into the joints with a rubber float trowel. A grout float is used to clean tiles surface and remove the excess grout.