Thursday, November 26, 2009

Glass Tiles - How to install them

Redesigning the home is not an easy task. It takes much time to be implemented. When it comes to adorning the bathroom, glass tiles would be the right option for you in case if you are looking for a way to make your bathroom design unique. They may look like ordinary tiles from afar but they look better if they are installed at the right places.

If I am to describe it, they are merely pieces of glass formed into tile-like shapes. They are first came into existence in 2500 BC for mosaics and are now being used for various design purposes. If you are thinking how they look like, they are frequently used in swimming pools and bathroom.

However, if you are thinking of using glass tiles for your bathroom, you have to remember that they are not the same as ordinary tiles. For one, they are more translucent and can break. And two, they contain a different installation procedure.

When it comes to installing glass tiles, you would need a different type of adhesive. The white thinset mortar is the widely-used adhesive. An additive may be required to make this more effective. Some additives you can apply are Versabond Latex modified Thinset and Custom Building Products Megaflex Ultimate Thin set Mortar. Some people go with Mastic adhesive that are not recommended by tiles experts because it has the tendency to yellow your glass tiles when time passes. Avoid to use the product that does do its job properly.

The usage of the grout will depend on the type you have. You need to know about the grout. It is the mixture you put in between the tiles so they will look flat. There are numerous manufacturers who have
different suggestions when it comes to that but suggestions are mostly based on the type. Glass field tiles are better with sanded grout while glass mosaic tiles function better with non-sanded grout.

After having the materials, you should have to undergo a slight variation on the tile installation process.
You will need a 1/4 x 1/4 square notch trowel for glass field tiles and a 3/16 x 1/4 v-notch trowel for spreading adhesives for glass mosaic tiles. Remember to spread the adhesive thinly. The recommended thickness is 3/16 for glass field tiles and 1/8 for glass mosaic tiles. Make spaces for grout lines as you put each tile. You may even do this better if you have a separator.

After completing this process, you need to put the grout on your glass tiles. Now place it in the gaps, clean the tiles with a wet sponge and remove the haze with cheesecloth. Leave it for some time to be set.

Through this process you can install glass tiles in a proper way. It is as simple as you are installing an ordinary tile. It just requires some extra care and cleaning. Here the most important fact about these tiles is that they shine and they are very easy to clean. In case, if you are tired because you have just installed, just keep in mind that your bathroom will look great because of what you have done and not only that, you also helped yourself because it will be very easy to clean.

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