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3 Reasons to Choose Cement Tile
Home Carpet One stocks an expansive collection of cement and concrete-look tiles. Outside of their aesthetic, cement tiles have other natural benefits that we’ve listed below. Durability Are cement tiles durable? Cement is one of the most durable and long-lasting surfaces around. It is a great surface for homes, offices, and retail environments because it can resist wear and tear, heavy foot traffic, stains, and moisture exposure. Environmentally Friendly Cement tiles for flooring are completely handmade and never have to be fired in a kiln, which means that the amount of energy consumed is very low. Because no firing is required, no fossil fuel pollution is created in production of the tile. Uniqueness Cement tiles have slight handmade variations and imperfections adding to its natural appeal and do not compromise the performance of the tile. Because the tiles are handmade, a larger labor force is required which means that cement tiles help fuel local economies and create jobs. For more information on commercial or residential cement tiles or to get started on your new floor, please contact us.
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Radiant Heat under tile installations
Winter weather, particularly in places like Chicago, can be harsh and trying to keep the chilly temperatures outside can be challenging. One way to keep your home warm and cozy is through the use of radiant heat flooring systems underneath tile. Radiant heated floors offer a number of benefits in addition to keeping your home cozy during winter months. There are different types of radiant heat systems available, but one of the most affordable involves a simple low profile mat system and appropriate thermostat. The first benefit of this type of heating system is that the radiant heat mats are energy efficient, consuming only 12 watts per sq ft, and can even be installed in shower or sauna applications. They can be custom ordered to be installed wall to wall or simply in the areas of high traffic. Second, you can control the exact temperature of your floors with radiant heat mats. Every radiant heat system requires a programmable thermostat that gives the owner the freedom to set the temperature and/or the hours the system will be operational. Lastly, radiant heat systems are available in 110 volt and 220 volt making them ideal for both renovation and new construction projects. Though the warranties vary depending on the manufacturer, it isn’t uncommon to receive a 25 year warranty when purchasing a radiant heat system. If you have any questions regarding radiant heat installations, please feel free to call one of our flooring specialists, and we will be happy to assist you!
The Endless Benefits of Porcelain Tile Flooring
From entryways to kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor flooring, porcelain tile offers an endless variety and wide range of styles, colors, and textures to suit any type of interior design style - from classical to contemporary. Although typically pricier than ceramic tile, porcelain is denser and nearly resistant to stains, chipping, scratching, odors, dirt, and damage due to temperature changes. This exceptional durability makes porcelain a great choice for anything from heavily trafficked hallways to sun rooms, and exposed outdoor patio areas. Of course, for kitchens and baths, nothing offers the kind of beauty and lasting quality that porcelain tile provides. And cleanup is a breeze – most messes can be cleaned up with nothing but a damp mop. Porcelain tile will outlast and outperform practically any other type of flooring, so costly repairs and replacements won’t be an issue. If unexpected damage does occur, you can simply replace the impacted tiles. Porcelain’s array of colors and textures makes it one of the most versatile types of tile available. For shower floors and bathrooms, stone-look porcelain tiles offer the perfect combination of beauty and sure footing. Color options are practically infinite, ranging from colorful hues to speckled and grained stone patterns that can be indistinguishable from marble, linen, or whatever type of stone best matches your home’s aesthetic. Porcelain tiles are also available in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from tiny one-inch mosaics to tiles that measure 24 inches or more on their shortest edges. At Home Carpet One, we have hundreds of porcelain options in stock and thousands available for special order in stone looks, concrete looks, and vibrant patterns.
Deteriorating Grout and Its Causes
Living in an older home with tile in need of repair can prove to be quite challenging. One of the most common problems with an existing tile installation is cracked or missing grout. There are a variety of reasons that can cause this including an inferior sub-floor, improper grout installation, and inadequate grout spacing. The first step is to determine what caused the grout failure. A popular underlayment for tile installations is Durock. It is a water durable, mold resistant panel used in both interior and exterior applications. One misconception installers often have is to simply install the Durock without applying a thin-set bed first. This crucial step is extremely important when installing floor tile and omitting it will inevitably contribute to the overall poor performance of your installation. Also, one should note that when installing tile on a floor, the overall thickness of the sub floor should be an inch and a quarter. This helps increase the stability of the floor and decreases any flex that ultimately can cause the grout to fail. Another culprit regarding poor grout performance is using the wrong type of grout for the application or simply utilizing the wrong consistency. In most cases, one would use sanded grout on floor applications or any grout joint over an eighth of an inch. However, when installing stone or other delicate surfaces that are subject to scratching, unsanded grout is used. In both cases, the proper consistency is crucial to the longevity of the grout performance. Also, there are additives available to help minimize grout shrinkage and aid in keeping the grout looking new. Stain resistant grout additives offer superior stain protection and actually seal the grout. Being that it is used in place of water while mixing the grout, there is no need to come back and seal. Finally, it is important to ensure the proper grout joint is used. Bigger grout joints can crack easier, thus utilizing smaller joints typically offer better performance. There are understood guidelines regarding joint width, yet the installer should always refer to the instructions on the grout label. Sanded grout does not crack or shrink as easily as unsanded, and therefore is the preferred grout choice when either grout can be used.
The Steps to a Successful Steam Shower Installation
There is nothiang better than the luxury of having your own personal steam shower. Many newer custom homes are equipped with steam showers. One can enjoy that same luxury in an existing home so long as you adhere to the proper installation guaidelines. There are three main steps in building a leak proof, beautiful steam shower that will last for years to come. How to install a steam shower at home Step 1. The first step is to select a tile that is relatively non-porous. This helps in keeping the moisture produced by the steam from penetrating the tile, thereby preventing moisture damage. There are thousands of tiles to choose from at Home Carpet One that fall into this category. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are great options, as well as certain natural stone options. Being that the porosity of stone tiles such as slate or travertine are higher, various coats of stone sealer must be applied to the tile after it is installed. Step 2. The second step is to address all preventative measures regarding moisture control. It is imperative to have a vapor barrier on top of your stud network before the appropriate wall board is installed. Installing durock in shower This vapor barrier can be as simple as using a 4 mil plastic. Next, the wallboard must be Durock. This is a cement board panel used for tile installations that is an excellent bonding agent. When attaching this cement board, the correct screws must be used to avoid any potential corrosion. Also, all the joints and inside corners must be covered with an adhesive mesh tape and cement-like thinset. When attaching the actual tile, do not use tile adhesive; thinset must be the bonding agent. There are various thinsets available; we recommend using the Mapei Ultraflex line. Step 3 Finally, after all the Durock has been installed, make sure to roll on a water proof membrane that seals the entire closure. This is the final step that prevents any moisture from getting behind the wall board that can wreak havoc on the structure and insulation of your home. Finally, there are a few other odds and ends to ensure a successful steam shower install. The shower ceiling should be slightly pitched to avoid water condensing and falling onto the user while inside the steam shower. A typical slope would be 1/8 to ¼ per lineal foot and would slope to the back wall of the shower unit. Also, the glass enclosure around a steam shower must be watertight leaving no gaps anywhere for the steam to escape. These glass enclosures can be slightly more expensive than a typical shower enclosure so make sure to budget accordingly. The steam units themselves come in a variety of sizes, styles, and output and can be purchased at the appropriate dealer. Steam shower installers The plumbing and electric obligations associated with steam units should be handled by a licensed tradesman rather than a tile installer.
5 Inspiring Kitchen Tile Ideas & Designs
Tile is easily adaptable and can fit into any style kitchen - from contemporary to traditional. Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing tile for your kitchen? Here are 5 creative tile design ideas to think about when visualizing what your future dream kitchen will look like. 1. Subway Tiles Horizontal subway style tiles are a classic, timeless look in the kitchen. They're traditionally 3” x 6” ceramic tiles with a gloss finish that brighten the whole kitchen and are easy to clean with simple water. Ceramic subway tiles also come in a multitude of colors, finishes, and sizes so you're not restricted to only white. You can keep the look monochromatic, but also add depth to the design by mixing in herringbone tiles as a backsplash behind the oven and/or sink. You can also run the tiles vertically for a completely different look. 2. Stone Mosaics The use of stone mosaics is a growing trend among today's kitchen tile ideas, especially because mosaic tiles immediately draw the eye and enhance the entire design of your kitchen. You can have them installed over every wall of the kitchen or in a few specific areas like over the stove or around the sink. 3. Rectangular Floor Tiles Perhaps the strongest trend in floor tile design today is the use of larger rectangular porcelain and natural stone tiles on the floor. We see designs incorporating porcelain tiles ranging from 6” x 24” to 6” x 36” to 12” x 24” to 18” x 36”. The tile styles themselves vary from natural stone looks to concrete looks to wood looks. 4. Pops of Colors and Texture If you’re worried that having too much color in your kitchen is overwhelming, then consider only adding color to one or two key areas. Choosing brightly colored tiles and mixing them among painted walls and cabinetry can add a new hue to a neutral space and texture among otherwise flat surfaces. Placing the tiles as a backdrop to the oven, frame around the window or accent in a custom nook, brings color in without drowning out the calm of the kitchen. 5. Tile Artwork Think beyond traditional mosaic tiles with a custom piece of artwork or gorgeous patterns created from tiles. Handmade stone tile with art deco inlays and touches is an option that many find unique or appealing. Incorporating your unique taste is vital in any of the kitchen tile ideas you choose for the space. Whatever material you choose for tile, from glass to natural stone, it needs to stand up to the amount of traffic and use your kitchen receives. Today's kitchen tile ideas and designs combine form and function into a flowing and comfortable space for family and friends to socialize in. Tile has the potential to create a modern, yet timeless design in the sanctuary of your home.