Expert Advice Blog

Though grout may seem to be a secondary-to-the-tile functional necessity, it is also the essential design element that finishes the look of a tile installation. Neutral grout colors are still the most common choice, but current trends have elevated grout to make more of a statement. The latest style trends have grout both blending in and boldly standing out. A grout line can be very thin or very wide to make a big impact. The many contrasts in grout aesthetics make perfect sense when looking at the trends that influence grout. Trends in technology, tile and color are driving the current changes in grout installation, style and color palette.

Innovations in mortar technology have made it easier to meet the specific demands of a variety of jobs. However, mortar is only as good as its installer, and forgetting installation fundamentals can result in callbacks and job failures. Help avoid costly mortar missteps with the following four basic – but crucial – techniques.

No longer do 12-inch square tiles reign over the tile world. Common tile sizes have been increasing, and now 12-inch by 24-inch tiles or the 48-inch-long planks are now normal. The misconception is that these larger tile sizes do not affect the methods or equipment needed for the installation. Large format tiles require a bit more planning ahead due to their size.

Tiling a pool is a great way to enhance a property and adds value by showcasing intricate detail and design.  In fact, according to Bankrate, a pool can increase a home value by 5-8%. Not only are tiled pools beautiful, they require very little maintenance compared to plaster or aggregate pools. An accent band can be added to the waterline, or the entire tank shell can be tiled with stunning results.

Liquid-applied waterproofing crack isolation membranes represent one of the best values within the tile installation category by preventing two of the top post-installation issues: water damage and cracked tiles.

For years, installers have counted on self-leveling underlayments (SLUs) to prepare subfloors for tile installations. Understanding different technologies can help you select the right SLU and save time and money on your job.

One of the pains of specifying and installing tile over concrete is figuring out the proper way to keep tile intact despite substrate cracking due to shrinkage.

Current guidelines for writing soft flooring specifications leave room for interpretation, from each user and the personal network of experts they consult for answers. The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) developed the 4-C’s (see the Construction Product Representation Practice Guide) to ensure effective communication of any specification.

To commercial and residential building owners, water damage from interior leaks is an out-of-sight, out-of-mind problem until they see evidence such as a water spot on a ceiling. For the flooring contractor that failed to seal openings in flooring material around plumbing fixtures, for example, the damage is also out of sight and out of mind—until they hear from an angry building owner with an immediate callback demand.