One、Whether to apply jointing to floor tiles
Generally, joint finishing is required. Finishing the joints between floor tiles is mainly due to three reasons:
1、Joint filler can effectively fill the gaps between floor tiles. During floor cleaning, dust, dirt, and bacteria in the gaps between the tiles are also removed, resulting in a clean and environmentally friendly cleaning process.
2、Self-leveling grout comes in various colors and can be matched with the style of the floor tiles to achieve a better visual effect compared to ordinary white cement.
3. Apply jointing treatment to the flooring for a more modern and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Two. Can tiles be installed without joint sealant?
While it is possible to forgo grout, from the perspectives of durability and aesthetics, it is recommended to apply grout. Without grout, dirt and debris will accumulate in the grout lines over time, potentially leading to unpleasant odors and the growth of bacteria, which can negatively impact your health and the health of your family.
Three. What is the correct procedure for grouting tiles?
1、Tile grout width design options
Typically, floor tile joints should be pre-cut with a width of 1 to 8 millimeters and a depth of 1 to 2 millimeters. Narrow tile joints result in a better overall aesthetic, while wider tile joints create a more three-dimensional effect with strong layering and allow for better control of overall size discrepancies.
2、Reserve space for floor tiles.
The positioning crossbars can be embedded in the gaps between floor tiles to ensure consistent tile width. Subsequently, use ordinary cement or white cement to fill the gaps. After filling, use a broom to smooth and compact the joints, ensuring the depth of the joints is between 0.5 and 1.5 millimeters.
3、Curing Period
After the base patching and joint filling are complete, ensure that the cement material within the joints is completely dry before applying the jointing agent. Use a clean cloth to remove any remaining dust from the floor tiles.
IV. How to Choose Tile Joint Spacers
1. First, consider environmental factors. For a space of this size, if the product is not environmentally friendly, it may contain formaldehyde or have an unpleasant odor. According to monitoring, volatile organic compounds released from decorative building materials can gradually release after one year of application, and these substances can be harmful to the human body. If the product also contains excessive heavy metals, it will only cause harm with no benefits. Therefore, when purchasing grout, it is essential to first review the product's quality inspection report.
2. This refers to the color, as homeowners typically undertake renovations infrequently and desire a visually appealing result. The color of the chosen grout is often carefully selected after considerable effort, and any discrepancies between the selected color and the color chart can create significant issues.
3. In the field of grout, the effectiveness of pigments is a specialized issue, primarily focusing on the following aspects:
(1) Flexibility: Products with higher elasticity are less likely to crack after flooring tiles are jointed.
(2) Washability: Higher washability indicates a denser protective film, which in turn results in better sealant performance and easier cleaning. Stains can be easily removed.
(3) Anti-mold Properties: Due to the humid climate in southern cities, especially during the rainy season, areas prone to moisture, such as the inner walls of kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms, are susceptible to mold growth.
(4) Coverage: A high-coverage sealant effectively covers stains on the substrate, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and hygienic finish.