TILING IN BATHROOM AND KITCHEN

There are often specified for areas that are likely to be subjected to high humidity or became wet such as bathroom and kitchen. Water leakage, debonded tile, and stained grout are frequently found problem. The product for grouting in these area should consequently be carefully selected.

Problem

Problem of Tile debonding

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN TILING IN BATHROOM AND KITCHEN 1. Tiling by applying traditional mortar in lumps at tile back (as shown in the picture) can create voids underneath the tiles, which leads to tile fragility. Moreover water ingress through the voids will damage the nearby areas. 2. The efficiency of tile adhesive will be decreased if using with wrong methods such as applying in lumps, or use with traditional trowel. This will cause tile being dislodged at later stage. 3. Fixing large size tiles with traditional way by using traditional mortar and doing floor leveling at the same time can cause debonding problem and tile breaking at the corners.

Infiltration of water through tile grout

Cementitious grout are porous and allow water to soak through into substrate layer. Some tiling substrates are affected by water such as plasterboard, which will lose strength when wet. Substrate material used in these area have to be water-insensitive.

Water leakage from bathroom to downstare

Water leakage from bathroom or kitchen to downstairs or nearby area can happen from the lack of under-tile waterproofing system. 1. Tile grout are porous and cannot be considered to be waterproofing material. Under-tile waterproofing system is then necessary to protect water permeation. 2. It is strongly recommended to correctly use tile adhesive according to the type of tile and the application.

Tile grouts are porous and allow water

Bathroom and kitchen are considered to be damp area. Water plays important role here as a carrier of dirt and moisture through small pores in grout, which causes dirty grout and can be a perfect source for the growth of bacteria and fungus.