Hard Surface FAQ
Let us answer all of your hard surface questions here!
Q. What’s involved if a tile gets cracked and has to be replaced?
A. The grout surrounding the broken tile, the tile, and the adhesive beneath the broken tile all must be removed. A new tile is set, and re-grouted. There are tools designed to enable this work. You may wish to have a professional do the job. Because “these things happen”, it is a great idea to save a few tiles from the original installation, and to note the brand and color designation for the grout.
Q. Are there areas where I shouldn’t be putting tile?
A. There are tile products for practically every surface in your home – floors, walls, countertops, indoors and outdoors. But, every tile is not right for every setting. Tile is rated based on several factors which tells you whether it is good for floors or not is likely to be slippery when wet, or not, etc. Your Jabara;s flooring will help you focus your selection on the right source.
Q. What the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?
A. Porcelain is actually a type of ceramic tile. It is made with the mineral feldspar added to the mix and fired at a higher temperature. The result is a harder tile, with almost zero water absorbency. Porcelain tiles hold up to the heaviest foot traffic, and can be installed outdoors as well as in.
Q. Can I combine different types of tile on my floor?
A. Absolutely. Pay attention to the traffic rating, sometimes called the PEI rating, for each type, to ensure it will perform properly in your space, and pay attention to the thickness of the tiles, to ensure they will produce a consistent surface height. Otherwise, measure your floor space, lay it out on a piece of graph paper, and get creative!
Q. What is the best way to take care of grout on a tile floor?
A. Grout requires regular cleaning – mopping with a mild soap-and-water solution, then rinsing with clear water. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt from being ground into the grout. You will find products on the market for sealing grout lines, making them more impervious to water and staining, but there are different points of view about when and where that is a good practice, so consult with your Jabara’s Flooring about the specifics of your situation.