Tile installation
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Tiles are usually cemented to a substrate surface such as a prepared wall or floor. The type of cement that is used in the application of tile is called thinset. Thinset is a Portland cement product that sets very hard which makes it better than any premixed "mastic" tile adhesive or construction adhesive for tlie installation. The thinset is applied using a notched tile cement applicator - the notches are dragged across the surface of the wet cement to form a series of ridges. When the tile is seated, the cement partially collapses, forming a solid cement bed with the air driven out along the valleys between the grooves. Trapped air could cause cracking or other problems with temperature changes, etc. The grooving also provides a uniform layer of cement so that the tile lays flat and matches the height of others around it. Tiles of nonuniform size or tiles that need to be modified are generally cut using a glass cutter or wet saw.
Tiles are usually spaced slightly apart when they are laid, and after the cement has set, the gaps between are filled with a finer cement-like material called grout. The grouting process creates a smooth, good-looking final finish. Grout can be made in any colour to match or complement the tiles. Grout is usually applied using a rubber squeegee, smoothed down with a wet sponge. Once dry, any residue can be easily cleaned off using a damp cloth.
