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Repair hollow tiles without replacing them by using a bonding compound designed specifically to repair hollow or loose tiles. Tile bonding compound is sold in various forms to meet requirements for specific repair applications. A standard caulking tube filled with the bonding compound is ideal to fix hollow or loose tiles around your home. The tube fits standard caulk guns, which allow you to disperse the material easily.
Ceramic briquettes help to improve the gas grilling experience, giving food that special grilled flavor without the use of charcoal. While these small blocks of ceramic are designed to last for years, they eventually require replacement, according to Grilling.com. Periodically replacing ceramic briquettes helps to ensure successful summer barbecues by giving guests that perfect grilled food flavor they crave.
Floors and walls are rarely straight, square and uninterrupted by obstacles like outlet boxes, pipes, corners and jogs. In nearly every ceramic tile installation, you may encounter some oddly shaped areas you need to work around. While every odd shape may be unique, the method of installing tile to fit problem areas remains the same. Implement a few tricks of the trade to maneuver around any object that comes in the path of your ceramic tile installation.
Luxury showers that contain multiple showerheads or water sources are often installed in master bathrooms. These custom showers involve as many as three showerheads, plus a minimum of three body sprays, as well as the controls needed to work them. While these types of showers can give you a spa experience in your own home, make sure your home and bathroom are set up to accept the rate of water that will travel through them.
A ceramic tile floor can be a great addition to any room of the house. It can also be a noisy addition. Because a ceramic tile floor is so hard, it can amplify sounds below it, such as the sound of a person walking. Installing a sound barrier below the ceramic tiles helps to deaden the sound of walking or other activities going on in the room. Sound barriers are typically rolled out onto the floor just prior to the ceramic tile installation; the tiles are adhered to the barrier, rather than to the subfloor.
When removing old adhesive from ceramic tile, you're always going to want to keep a few very basic things in mind. Remove old adhesive from ceramic tile with help from an expert with over 25 years of experience in all mediums of construction in this free video clip.
Repairing a crack in tile grout isn't as difficult as you might be assuming. Repair a crack in tile grout with help from an expert with over 25 years of experience in all mediums of construction in this free video clip.
Repairing hairline cracks in tile grout is a great way to avoid replacing whole tiles later on. Repair hairline cracks in tile grout with help from an experienced construction professional in this free video clip.
Patching bad tile grout only requires the right tools and a little bit of your time. Learn how to patch bad tile grout with help from an experienced construction professional in this free video clip.
You can fix ceramic tile grout in a number of different ways depending on your overall preferences. Find out how to fix ceramic tile grout with help from an experienced construction professional in this free video clip.
Decorating with ceramic tile is a great way to give the rooms in your home a really unique, interesting look. Get ceramic tile decorating ideas with help from a remodeling expert, speaker, writer, certified construction manager and LEED Accredited Professional in this free video clip.
Polyblend caulk is used to seal the joints around ceramic tiles in a sink, tub or shower area. The substance is implemented when laying new tiles, or to fix an area where a tile is cracked, for example. Always keep your caulking gun in constant motion as you work, applying the caulk in a consistent amount, so leveling it out is easier.
Walk-in showers are roomy and luxurious, but they can’t deliver the same feeling of being pampered as a long bath in a soaking tub. If you’d like to add a tub to your walk-in shower, you’ll need to start with some demolition work.
Improving a bathroom usually adds market appeal to your home. Converting a bathtub to a tub-shower is easier, however, if the tub is surrounded by three walls that are plumb and level. You will need to install backerboard to support tilework and grouting, so having well-aligned studs under the drywall is always helpful. Tiling the walls and caulking seams and gaps will comprise most of the work. Make sure the tub is in good shape; having to take out the tub for repairs or replacement in the future can cause tile to crack.
The three most common tile cutters are wet saws with a diamond blade, manual scoring cutters that snap, and tile nippers. Of the three, only wet saws with a diamond blade leave a smooth edge on the tile as it cuts. Scoring cutters and nippers leave cuts that are sometimes as sharp as broken glass. You can smooth sharp or jagged tile edges with a manual tile sander, which is merely an abrasive sheet that resembles sandpaper, or use a handheld rotary power tool with a diamond attachment.
The intake pipe for a shower is also known as the supply pipe. This is the source for the water the shower takes in to force out of the shower head when the valve is turned. Both hot and cold water pipes are needed for the shower, but once these are installed, you only need to connect the valves and shower head to complete the shower unit.
Placing a new floor covering can be a long and messy process, especially when you must remove the previous floor covering prior to installing the new surface. When the old floor material is a still strong ceramic tile surface though, you can place the new covering over the tiles as long as you create a smooth surface beforehand. With a floor leveling compound, the smooth subsurface is easy to create. All that’s required is spreading the compound over the prepared tiles. From there, the compound does the rest, curing into a smooth level surface that you can cover with confidence.
Solistone pebble tiles are used for a wide variety of home improvement projects, from creating a striking entranceway to a shower floor. The tiles are initially laid on a slim layer of thinset and allowed to dry for approximately 24 to 48 hours before the grout is applied. The grout provides a protective layer that fills the gaps between the pebbles -- creating a smooth, comfortable walking surface. Prepare your Solistone pebble tiles before applying the grout to create a uniform, clean finished appearance.
Ceramic photo tiles make a unique gift for loved ones they can keep for years to come. Before you can present your homemade gift to the intended person, you must add a firing glaze to finish the ceramic photo tile. Several commercial glazes are readily available for purchase. However, they can be a bit expensive for the amount of glaze you get. Instead, make your own homemade ceramic firing glaze using products found at craft and pottery stores.
A mud bed, also known as a mortar bed, creates a sound underlay for ceramic floor tiles. The process involves the use of layers of roofing felt, wire mesh and a mortar mixture to create an underlay that's effective for ceramic tile. Because some skill is required to achieve a smooth, well-laid underlay made with mud, it's a project best left to those who aren't novices.
When installing a shower pan where there was once a tub, you might find that it's necessary to move the drain. Sometimes it's necessary to cut through a floor joist to accommodate a new P-trap when moving the drain. Cutting a joist to install a shower P-trap requires cutting as little as possible and creating a significant support for the cut joist. The support comes from creating four sets of double headers between the joists on each side of the joist you're cutting.
Tile Molester is a sprite creating and editing program for Windows-based computers. The program lets you create and edit sprites for GameBoy, NES, SNES, PlayStation and Nintendo 64 games using the programs pixel color palette. If you want to access and use any of the program's preloaded or installed pixel palettes, you can do so through the program's "Palettes" menu.
Glaze not only gives sinks a smooth texture and clean, glassy appearance, but also forms a water-resistant barrier over the basin's ceramic body. Since the area beneath a sink rarely becomes wet, glazed underside's primarily perform a decorative function. However, in certain installation circumstances, a sink with an unglazed bottom prevents your bathroom or kitchen from achieving a truly finished appearance. An understanding of the types of sinks that have glazes and appropriate installation circumstances helps you choose the right type of sink for your project.
Installing a raised shower base in your bathroom involves some planning and a little bit of masonry skill. Since a raised shower sits higher than a regular shower, another layer of material is installed beneath the shower pan. You can still install any type of shower pan you like; you just need to raise it off the floor. This project will take at least an entire day or more to complete.
GE Profile ranges are available in gas, electric and dual-fuel models. Electric ranges have a ceramic stove-top panel that has several burners below the surface. The ceramic panel gives you a flat surface on which to work in your kitchen. If a heavy object is dragged across or dropped onto the ceramic panel, the panel can be scratched or broken. If that happens, you must remove it and install a new one.
Plumber’s putty is a clay-like substance designed to create a seal around drain and faucet areas. This seal is water-tight. When you’re installing new plumbing fixtures in your shower, plumber’s putty is an important element in the process. Use the putty when installing a new shower head or shower drain collar.
Thermoplastic facade ceiling tiles are a plastic made to look like tin that is durable, attractive and designed with interesting patterns. The non-corrosive tiles are applied directly to the existing ceiling or used to create a dropped ceiling. The tiles are lightweight and the installation does not require technical knowledge or skill with tools. The project typically is undertaken by two people and is completed in a weekend or less.
Tile is beloved for its durability, but things still happen. Replacing is always better than repairing when it comes to tile, but if that's not an option for you, there are products on the market that can help. Discoloration is actually harder to repair than chips or cracks because the cover-up must be applied to the surface. This disrupts the smoothness of the tile and makes the repair more obvious. Tiny areas may be okay, but if a large area is affected, it might be best to paint over all the tile.
Hexagonal tiles are a popular option for a traditional look in the bathroom or kitchen. The hexagonal shapes makes it easy to create decorative borders and designs, each individual tile serving as a pixel. When creating a border out of hexagonal tiles, you may eventually need to switch to half-pieces of hexagonal tiles or to a row of square tiles to produce an even edge.
Backerboard, also known as cementitious or cement backerboard, is used for shower walls and under other surfaces that may also be exposed to moisture. If subjected to moisture, plywood or drywall, which are typically installed as wall materials, will expand and contract or crumble and buckle. Backerboard provides a fire-rated, strengthening substrate to be placed prior to tiles or other surfacing. Backberboard, which should be installed after the mortar pre-pan for the shower floor has been built up to a point that it has been covered with waterproofing membrane, must be properly installed and used in conjunction with a suitable…
Marbling ceramic requires at least two contrasting colors of wet slip, or liquid clay, that are applied to the object in a way that allows them to blend together forming a marbled appearance. English slipware pottery provides an excellent example of one technique for marbling with wet slip. Other techniques require the application of glaze to the hardened surface of a pot, followed by feathering with a paintbrush or feather to create the finished look.
Tiles that lock or snap into place are made from laminate. They mimic stone kitchen tiles but are more affordable and easier to install. They come in panels that you lock together for a neat, even seal. These are a great option for a kitchen because they are so durable, water resistant and come in so many styles. These locking tiles are designed so almost anyone can install them with a few basic tools.
Ceramic corner trays are an attractive way to create space for bath items. Some ceramic corner trays come prestocked with screws, anchors, brackets and instructions for installation. Ceramic corner trays without hardware can be installed by recessing the tray into the tile. When cutting tile, always wear a dust mast for protection.
Single-piece shower units make remodeling a bathroom a simpler task. By using this type of unit, there are no worries about setting tiles or having leaks at seams. Single-piece units are usually made of cast acrylic or resin; they can be easier to maintain and keep clean than tile or marble. Installing this type of shower can be done in a day and ready to use 24 hours later. Tools and supplies are available at many home improvement and hardware stores.
With the innovation of mesh-backed mosaic tile, installing these tiny tiles is simple and quick. Sheets of mosaic tiles can be installed anywhere, from kitchen backsplashes to showers and even outdoors in pools and fountains. Some types of tile, like glass and porcelain, perform better than others in wet environments.
Parquet flooring is a decorative type of wood flooring made from geometrically shaped wood pieces constructed into tiles that are usually applied to subflooring with glue. Parquet flooring is generally long-wearing, but the tiles can work themselves loose over time, especially if the floor has been exposed to standing water. If the damage is not extensive, all you need to do to repair loose tiles is to remove the old glue from the tile, replace it with new adhesive and reattach the tile.
A long, relaxing soak in the tub feels great, but chances are that life moves at a less leisurely pace in your house. If there is a second bath with only a tub, you can add a shower to that tub without opening walls, plumbing new pipes and scheduling inspections. Widespread adoption of the “personal” hand-held shower head provides a choice of metals, finishes and styles to suit any tub and bathroom. Installation of the new personal showers is easy, taking only hours compared with the day or more required to add a traditional shower head.
For a floor drain to serve its purpose, the floor's surface must slant toward the drain. To slope a ceramic tile floor, you must prepare the floor before installing the tiles. Create a mud bed as the tiling surface above your subfloor to provide the necessary slope. The mud bed is simply a mix of sand and cement that you can shape as needed. Once the mud bed is completed, you can install the ceramic tiles and the drain with the proper slope in place to direct the flow of water across your finished floor.
Recessed areas of your home create little surprises in the decor. Since the inside of a niche is not always visible from every part of the room, decorative items inside might be missed. Adding tile around the recessed area brightens the spot to make it -- and everything inside -- more eye-catching. Whether looking at a large recessed, box-shaped portion of a room, or a small art nook, tile sets this special area apart for a decorative showcase.
Salamander shower pumps are designed to pump water from a specific tank into your shower. Salamander shower pumps are built exclusively in the United Kingdom and are available in two varieties: as single or twin pumps. A single pump draws water directly from a single tank, whereas a twin pump draws water from two sources -- your cold-water tank and your hot-water tank, allowing you to mix the two to get your water temperature just right.
Constructing a custom shower on-site rather than using a prefabricated shower unit grants a homeowner or builder greater freedom with design, material and size considerations. To create an enduring and functional shower, several factors ranging from site preparation and framing to surfacing must be considered. One key part of a shower is the threshold, or curb, which is built to provide a transition between the shower pan and surrounding floor. The curb must contain the water effectively within the shower pan.
The purpose of glaze on ceramic and other natural tile is to harden the material and reduce its porosity. Ceramic is formed from nonmetallic minerals and fired at high temperatures to make it harden, bond and hold its shape. Most ceramic is made of clay. Glazing can add color and texture or accent the already-present color. Translucent, or see-through, glazes add a gloss or sheen to the natural ceramic surface.
According to the Hometime website, concrete is one of the best underlayments for ceramic tile. However, it is important that the concrete be clean, level and smooth. This may take some time, but it is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
Grout is one of many building materials that contains cement as a major ingredient. As a result, grout functions as a cementitious material that takes on the aspects of its own ingredients. Part of the nature of cement is that it releases moisture as well as absorbs it depending on the conditions of the soil and the surrounding climate. As a result, tile grout may sweat.
Keramia's Ampurdan tile is an extruded porcelain sold in various shapes, shades and sizes. Extruded porcelain is made from finely ground clay particles pushed through a mold to achieve a desired shape. The result of extrusion is a dense, durable tile that absorbs less than .5 percent water. Porcelain's impervious nature makes it ideal for kitchen floors and backsplashes.
Proper installation of DuraCeramic tile makes the difference between disaster and success. Tile manufacturers often provide installers, professional or not, with specific instructions regarding installation. Installation instructions include recommendations for the appropriate adhesive and grout products and aftercare of the tile. Following manufacturer's instructions is important and failing to do so could void your warranty.
A ceramic glaze is made from glass (silicon dioxide) that has been modified so it will melt under high temperatures and adhere to clay. Glazes incorporate many optional ingredients for different effects, but three ingredients are essential: Silica; minerals called fluxes, which are added to silica to lower its melting point; and clay itself (usually kaolin), in a form called alumina, so the glaze will shrink the same percentage as the clay object it is covering.
Installing ceramic tile in your home requires some type of adhesive. Pick the wrong type and you risk the tiles coming loose and potentially causing injuries from slips and falls. Fiberglass and ceramic tiles use the same type of tile adhesive. The type of adhesive you use depends on your skill level and where you place the tile in your home.
Choosing the type of tile for a project can be tough. Aesthetics, durability and function are all important issues to consider during the decision making process. Quarry tile is an extremely durable tile and is well suited to many applications. As with any product, it does have some drawbacks.
Grout is the substance used to fill the gaps between wall or floor tiles -- to provide stability for the surface and to add flexibility to the design. When you are grouting it is necessary to use a fair amount of water, both for mixing the grout as well as for rinsing the area clean once you have finished. If you do not dispose of the wastewater correctly but allow it to run off into your yard or the street, it may soak through the ground into the water table. This can have a significant impact on the quality of…
