April 01, 2011 // Posted by: cooldude // Category:
Flooring
Are you redoing and remodeling your bathroom? Well, bathroom is the place where you relax after a hard day’s work and therefore you have to make sure that you do up your bathroom well. And this is the reason why, it is important that you choose the best tiles for your bathroom.
Ceramic tiles are pretty popular choices for bathrooms and powder rooms. Ceramic tiles are damp resistant and are extremely durable. They are budget friendly and you can get them in a wide array of colors. If you want to give your bathroom a luxurious look, heated tiles is a great choice. These tiles are installed by securing an electric heating pad beneath the tiles. The pad is linked to an electric outlet and you can turn it on and off according to your needs.
If you want to give your bathroom a spa feeling, go in for the glass tiles. These tiles are small and create a translucent feeling in the bathrooms. You can choose three-four complimentary colored tiles and install them in a nice pattern.
January 16, 2011 // Posted by: viewmybuild // Category:
Flooring,
Home Care
Inspecting the Damage
Before removing old grout ensure that the underlying tile is not damaged by tapping carefully on the tiles in several places. All the tiles would have to be replaced if you hear a hollow thud.
Cleaning
A solution of 1-part vinegar to 1-part water should be used to clean the area where the damaged grout is located.
Removing Old or Damaged Grout
Grout saws should be used to loosen and remove old grout. A small lever-type can opener with a pointed end can also be used to decrease the chances of damage to the tile.
Removing Grout from Corners
A utility knife or screwdriver should be used in removing grout from corners around bathtubs and kitchen tubs.
Grout Getters
Grout getter is a special tool having a triangle-shaped carbide or diamond blade for removing grout. The point of the blade is placed on the grout and the tool is moved forwards.
January 16, 2011 // Posted by: viewmybuild // Category:
Flooring,
Home Care
Old grout should be removed and repaired sooner for preserving the tile.
Instructions
1. The old grout should be removed using a grout saw running the saw back and forth over the grout line to break up all of the old grout.
2. The tile joints should be vacuumed out to remove all of the dust and broken-up grout. The joint should be wiped with a dry towel to remove the remaining grout.
3. The grout should be mixed in a small bucket according to the instructions on the packet.
4. A plastic putty knife should be used to scoop out and push the grout down into the grout joint.
5. A rubber grout float should be run back and forth over the joint and pressure should be applied to make sure that the grout gets packed into the joints.
6. A damp sponge should be used to wipe out excess grout and the grout should be allowed to dry.
January 16, 2011 // Posted by: viewmybuild // Category:
Flooring
Instructions
1. The dry grout powder and water should be mixed and stirred with a trowel in a clean bucket.
2. Any spacers you had placed between the tiles should be removed and cleaned away. A vacuum cleaner hose attachment can be used to remove all the grit.
3. The grout should be pushed into the space between the tiles, with your grout float, taking care that no air pockets are left. It should be applied to every side of the tile and any excess should be removed using your grout float.
4. Excess water should be squeezed out of your sponge and any grout should be wiped off that is higher than the grout space between your tiles.
5. The grout should be applied to the next section, while the previous section is allowed to dry and set up. The whole job is allowed to set up overnight. The job is finished by wiping down the tiles using a micro fiber cloth.