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bone 

May-31-2007 14:15

Tile man, I am using 12x12 ceramic tiles with some 1x1 glass accent tiles but of course they aren't the same thickness. What do I use to bring the glass tiles flush with the ceramic tiles?

Dear BONE: You could do this a few ways. You could screed extra thinset and let that dry to build the area up for the glass. Or, you can set the tile in a deeper thinset bed and clean it up level with the 12x12 tile. Gerald Sloan

construction mgr. 

May-31-2007 12:27

I have a tile deck where the miradrain material was short of an ez test drain. The mortar installed blocked the weep holes in the drain assembly. Is there a TCA or other detail for this assembly?

Dear CONSTRUCTION MGR.: For that assembly, no. But there are similar details that show proper weep hole protection at the drain. Consult the TCA Handbook and order one at www.tileusa.com. Gerald Sloan

Ron 

May-31-2007 11:18

Hello, I am looking to start my second tile project and need some guicance. I would like to tile a shower floor and not use a pan or dam. How do i proceed?

Dear RON: There are several types of shower receptors available, usually at building supply or plumbing supply locations. Gerald Sloan

irish tile 

May-31-2007 09:40

Tile person, I have another questions regarding the bathroom. I am boxing out the toilet cistern which is also a houseing for the sink. It will be a tiled countertop and front will be tiled. I will be using merine ply but was wondering will the pli be ok for the tiles to be fitted to or should i also fix plasterboard. Regards, Paul, irish tile

Dear IRISH TILE: There are thinsets that can bond to the wood, but I would highly recommend that you fasten a tile backerboard to the wood, and fasten the tile to the backerboard. There are issues with bonding to any type of wood where there is potential for the area to get wet.

irish tile 

May-31-2007 08:57

Good afternoon Tile Man. I am installing a round sink in my bathroom which will be flush with the tiling on the countertop. Although i wish for the tiles to cover the edge of the sink. How do i seal between the sink and the tiles, will the grout be enough to cover ?. Regards, Paul

Dear IRISH TILE: Don't use the grout. Use 100% silicone caulk, color matched to the grout or the sink. Bart Bettiga

meshuggah 

May-31-2007 01:02

just aheads up on this site. Great information and suggestions!

Dear MESHUGGAH: Thank you so much. Bart Bettiga

handyman55 

May-30-2007 23:37

My Mother-in-law's house was flooded during Hurricane Katrina. We have just recently moved her back into her home after total renovations. Walls removed and resheetrocked,repainted, etc. We chose not to remove the ceramic tile in the kitchen and baths because it was still in good shape. The problem is that some of the grout between the tiles is now white instead of tan. (The original color of the grout. The floors are 7 years old and were never sealed) We hired a commercial floor/carpet cleaning company to clean the floors, but the white places still exist. I'm not sure if it is paint, or maybe sheetrock dust imbedded in the grout. What would you suggest we use to remedy this situation? I've tried spray comet, but it only seems to make the problem worse. Could I just color the problem areas? Thankyou in advance.

Dear HANDYMAN55: This could be the dust in the joint or it could be discoloration caused from efflorescence, which are the minerals left after water evaporates. I would try a quality grout stain or colorant. Before you do the whole area, try a test in an area to see how it works. Bart Bettiga

Mark 

May-30-2007 18:14

Can ceramic tiles be stored in temperatures down to 0 degrees F?

Dear MARK: As long as it isn't wet before freezing temperatures. Gerald Sloan

desgnr 

May-30-2007 13:33

Do oyu know where i can find some old American Olean 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" ceramic tile ?

Dear DESGNR: At times over the years I have been able to find old discontinued tiles from American Olean, because it was so commonly used in certain colors. Have you done an internet search for the tile? Do you have a specific color name you are looking for? Bart Bettiga

lorac 

May-30-2007 12:27

Dear Tileman, In replacing a bathroom window,several bathroom tiles around the window frame came off. The tiles were put up with construction adhesive. How can we clean the tiles and the area that they came off of?

Dear LORAC: Construction adhesive usually doesn't respond well to a razor knife and it is dangerous anyway. Check with a local hardware store or paint store about chemicals that may removed the adhesive. Follow safety precautions. Or, if possible, discard these tiles and purchase new ones to replace. On the wall, you would use a sharp chisel to cut the adhesive off of the wood, or replace the woodwork entirely. Gerald Sloan

Nina 

May-30-2007 12:20

We want to lay ceramic tile over a basement floor which has bee painted with concrete paint. We have heard there is special mortar which has a bonding agent in it, and also a suggestion to paint the floor with a bonding agent first. Do you have any experience with this? We have quite a bit to do and it will receive a lot of traffic, so I want to be sure that whatever we do works. Thank you!

Dear NINA: There are mortars that are latex modified that can be used over concrete that has been painted. You need to be specific when you go to purchase the thinset or mortar to apply the tile and make sure it is recommended for this type of application. Bart Bettiga

tsurra 

May-30-2007 07:14

I just removed 4x4 plastic tile that was used in the 60's from a bathroom plastered wall. I remove the mastic glue with a heat gun and scraper. I want to apply ceramic tile now, will I need to do any type of prep to the plaster/glue film for the thinset to adhere. Above the shower enclosure I filled in with DensArmor Plus, will the thinset and tile adhere to this material. I am also considering doing the ceiling above the shower with tile, is there a specific thinset that I need to use. Would Laticrete 317 work for this. Thanks for all the help.

Dear TSURRA: You need to use a heavily modified mortar (recommended by the thinset manufacturer) to bond to the area that had the glue for the plastic tile. You can bond to the DensArmor Plus, but I would still use a latex modified mortar here, in a wet area. The ceiling tile request, you need to check with Laticrete for their product recommendation. Bart Bettiga

mdakram 

May-30-2007 05:46

Thanks Mr. Bart for your consideration and understanding, u reply me. actually i want start a tiles manufacturing business but i didnt get the all information like from where i get the technology,chemical composition and cost of plant setup.

Dear MDAKRAM: That is why I suggested you contact the Tile Council, as they represent American manufacturers. I am not sure if they have access to this information or not, but we do not have this. Bart Bettiga

Tony S. 

May-29-2007 19:55

Tile Man, I have a few questions, I currently own a manufactured or mobile home. I am in the process of doing some DIY activities in the home to upgrade some items, my questions are in realtion to ceramic tiling a few formica counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms. They are relatively level, with no curves I have never tiled before but I am very handy with tools and a quick learner. A friend of mine has offered his tiling books and tools to include the two tile wet saws small & large and a small tile cutter and most of the general tiling tools. My counters are in very nice condition and are about 3/4" thick with no damage. What size or type of tile would you recommend for this type of project? The other question is both one of my bath rooms has a vinyl wall surround to protect the walls in the tub area, can you tile over this type of material and if so how hard is it and what type of tile would you recommend? I also have a stand up shower with vinyl or plactic surround walls it is one piece shower insert with three wall and a glass door the same question as above would apply can you tile over this type of material? Thank you very much for assistance in answering my questions. Regards, Tony S.

Dear TONY S.: The industry recommends that the Formica would be removed, a waterproof membrane and backerboard to be installed. However, it is not uncommon for people to sand down the Formica and to bond to it with a latex modified thinset. You need to make sure the thinset you buy is recommended for this type of surface if this is the route you go. Tile size is your choice, could be small or larger. We don't recommend bonding to a vinyl or fiberglass shower enclosure. It has been done, but it is very risky and this could not be a long lasting solution. Gerald Sloan

patti 

May-29-2007 12:12

Dear Tileman, Wehave a home in Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. where a good deal of rainfall occurs, my problem is we had a tileman instll porcelain tile on our existing wod decks. The upper deck is uncovered. He used hardibacker screwed down then applied thinset and the tile and grouted, we thought that this would provide a dry area below on our other deck which is also tiled in the same manner. Problem is we have a good deal of rain seeping through somewhere and settling in the ceiling below the upper deck. I have to add that this tileman did not make sure that there was enough pitch and ther is aswale occurring in the middle of the deck where wate settles and has to be squeegeed off. We were think of installing drains that would exit to the ground on the lowere deck but cannot come up with a viable solution for the upper deck. an you help? There was no membrane used the tileman said his compay had too many occasions where moisture would get trapped below the tile and popping would happen so they discontinued using this method of install. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Dear PATTI: Without having to completely remodel, the drain repair on the upper deck is unlikely to have a positive effect. Unfortunately, the only sensible solution is to remove the upper deck tile and have a waterproof system installed (with proper slope away from the structure) and a water management system must be implemented prior to the new tile being installed. There are proprietary systems available just for this type of application. You received misinformation about why not to use a waterproof membrane. While moisture can build up in a waterproof system, proper drainage management would eliminate the consequences your contractor alluded to here. Bart Bettiga and Gerald Sloan

Grammy 

May-29-2007 10:38

We have marble tile on our bathroom floor installed about one year ago. There is electric heating under the floor. Grout has begun to break loose between the tiles. When we leave the house for extended periods, we turn the heat off and then turn on upon our return. Could the expansion and contraction from the heated floor be causing the grout to become loose? The grout lines are very small - less than 1/16 between tiles (plus the bevel). Should we just re-grout using grout with water or grout with latex be better or what do you think of using a silicone product in the joints? Thank you very much. Any help would be appreciated as we do not want to go through this every year.

Dear GRAMMY: There should be no more than a nine degree temperature change in a 24 hour period in your home. This is harmful to the expansion and contraction of the tile work. You can regrout but if you don't the rapid change in termperature it is likely to reoccur with other potential damage. Gerald Sloan

mdakram 

May-28-2007 23:29

Dear sir / madam I want start a tiles and bricks business in INDIA for that i want to know from how i get the all necessary information regarding new plant setup. please provide me the details as soon as possible thanks & best regards Mohammed Akram

Dear MDAKRAM: Contact someone locally who has done this to get specific information that applies to you in India. You can contact American Manufacturing Associations like the Tile Council of America at www.tileusa.com but I would think your needs would be different. Bart Bettiga

DeltaDawn 

May-28-2007 18:03

We would like to put down river rock in our basement bathroom. Just wondering what type of concrete would be used. Also, have you ever seen plans or good pics of a snail shower? Any help would be great! Thanks!

Dear DELTADAWN: I am assuming you mean without a shower door and with curved walls, and yes we have very nice photos like this, and we have seen River Rock in these applications. Concrete that would be used we are assuming is your setting material, which should be a medium bed mortar to allow you to work with the different thicknesses of the stone. Bart Bettiga and Gerald Sloan

ny2la36 

May-28-2007 16:51

Need 400-500 sq. ft. of AZT - Durango Sand 14x14 ceramic tile. Any information as to where I can obtain this tile would be appreciated... email me at ny2la36@dc.rr.com TIA, R

Dear NY2LA36: Not sure what AZT stands for and Durango Sand is a color. My guess on AZT would be Arizona Tile Supply, as they are a large distributor in the Southwest who has many channels of distribution. But this is only a guess, and I would do a web search for them and see if this is their tile. Bart Bettiga

Sonie 

May-27-2007 22:20

what is the thickness of ceramic tile

Dear SONIE: It comes in many different variations that can range from an eighth of an inch to more than one inch thick and beyond. Bart Bettiga

spacemac 

May-27-2007 14:56

I ma looking for an older cermic tile 4 x 4 that is white with gold veins in it that I need to replace. I only need three pieces. Any ideas as to where I may be able to find them?

Dear SPACEMAC: Go to local tile dealers and find the closest thing you can to replace. Measure the tiles for the exact size because it is likely you will have to patch with a different look or color. Consider using smaller tiles to fill in for a border look. Bart Bettiga

CB 

May-27-2007 14:28

I am installing ceramic tile 12x12 on the ceiling above the tub/shower. The area is about 5'X32". I have the 15pound roofing felt that I have lined the entire tub area (tile will be installed from top of tub to ceiling on top of that the hardibacker board. What type of adhesive should I use, fast dry? How do I keep the tile on the ceiling after putting it up?

Dear CB: Properly mixed thinset mortars (Use Non Sag) should work fine. If it is properly bedded it will not fall. Make sure you wear a hard hat when you do this and hold it and press it into place. If it starts to turn loose in your hand it is not set properly. Backbuttering the tile with mortar can help you in this application. Gerald Sloan

zim 

May-27-2007 11:07

hi, I am considering ordering some vids, can you tell me wich one if any covers leveling subfloors or replacing them if need be and does the vid give a step by step instruction on these subjects? Also do any of the vids cover tiling over indoor stair cases and how to poroery tile a laundry room? thanks!

Dear ZIM: Go to the Tile Doctor website to consult their new video series. Bart Bettiga

Bob 

May-27-2007 09:45

Ceramic tile popping up after 20 years. I need to learn the proper removal and reparing techique. Can you direct me to a publication with this info? Gator66

Dear BOB: This is generally done with a chisel and a hammer, and wear proper safety equipment for flying debris. You can go to local Home Depot or Lowes for books on proper tiling techniques for renovation. Bart Bettiga

meshuggah 

May-26-2007 23:24

oops, forgot: I do alright in tile layout, but I saw something new at Lowes in the way of dazzle or glittered epoxy grout. My wife loves it, but I think the color she wants looks sick. Am I to assume this type of grout is for wall tile only. Need an excuse here to get out of buying her choice, and going with the polyblend Captain Blue (opaque, and economical, considering the sq ftg involved. One way is 5 bags max, about $60; the other, which involves two-stage mixing plus addition of glitter, and small coverage, puts the price at about $600 just for the grout. I hate to put you between me and her, but hey, for all I know, you live way over there by George W, and I am way over here, and it's not like you stand to get beat up by nobody over expressing your opinion

Dear MESHUGGAH: Sorry I can't help you, this type of decorator grout is made for design purposes, and can be used on counters on floors as well as walls. It is really the choice of the consumer if they want to spend this money, but it does create a unique look. Bart Bettiga

meshuggah 

May-26-2007 23:17

I want to replace the old sanded floor tile grout and replace it with new grout. Reason is the old owner used whatever grout that was on sale, different colors, brand, and then tried to recolor it, twice. looks good after smoking 15 joints and drinking a 6-pak, listening to the blues. otherwise it's lousy. some of the grout is cracked, some is in as good a condition as it gets. I realize the job may be very labor intensive, but the tile looks nice and i would want to keep it. My options (as I see it): [1] remove enough to regrout a veneer layer; [2] remove all of the grout and replace entirely; [3] sell the house and get another one that has a better flooring situation; or [4] burn the house down and collect the insurance, starting with a new slab. Tools: I was looking for a diamond cutter to remove the 3/8" joint. If not that, I have a diamond blade, a skilsaw, and a shop vacuum cleaner to keep the dust and dirt down while using it as a wet saw (this meshuggah may be stupid, but I ain't dumb when it comes to free silica). I had tried oxiClean to clean the grout, which did pretty good, but the original color variation, ...well, that was mentioned already. any suggestions? thanks

Dear MESHUGGAH: I enjoyed your amusing tale, but nevertheless understand your plight. Assuming options three and four are out, I would suggest you remove the grout as far down as you can, and replace it with new grout. It is cracked, it has been stained, and you still are not happy with it. The best bet would be to start new, get a grout removal tool and vacuum out all the debris and dust, and regrout it. Bart Bettiga

Franny 

May-25-2007 17:06

Can you paint ceramic tile? The tile in my kitchen is gray and the grout has become so discolored over the years. The tile is still good so I don't see the need to replace it. I just would like to change the color and i wondered if i can paint it. I didn't find this answer in any of your questions.

Dear FRANNY: You may want to check with a paint specialist on what type of paint may be applied over ceramic tile, if this is the route you want to go. There may be some types of paints you can successfully apply over this existing tile. Gerald Sloan

joe 

May-25-2007 11:08

Can I install 18 x 18 Porcelain tiles to shower walls? How would be the best adhesive for these tiles?

Dear JOE: Yes, you can. I would suggest a Non Sag Mortar to apply to a vertical surface. There are also some premixed organic adhesives designed for large size tile units in this type of application. Carefully check the recommendation from the manufacturer to select the proper adhesive.

Thomas 

May-24-2007 21:21

I have a small remodeling business and have a customer that wants me to lay 1300 square feet of 16" ceramic tile. They will be supplying all of the material. What would be a reasonable price to charge per tile?

Dear THOMAS: The installation cost of ceramic vary widely across the nation. My suggestion would be to ask several local tile dealers in your area and be specific about the details--will it be installed over concrete or a wood subfloor--will it be grouted with epoxy or cement grout? There are several things to consider when pricing tile work. Gerald Sloan NTCA Director of Training

Joe 

May-23-2007 13:38

I need a recommendation for a waterproof mastic or glue product to attach ceramic, glass or porcelain tile to the tile channel in PVC pool coping. Although the tile will be slightly above the water line, it will be exposed to frequent submersion.

Dear JOE: Your situation requires checking with the manufacturers of both the coping and the tile for a suitable adhesive. Be sure the adhesive will bond to the coping and the tile. Caution, be sure to contact the glass manufacturer to get their recommendation. Gerald Sloan NTCA Director of Training