Preventing Lippage: Start With The Right Tile Leveling System

Lippage occurs when there is a height difference between adjacent tiles. According to Section 4.3.7 of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, lippage is defined as “differences in elevation between edges of the adjacent tile modules.” At Tile This, we offer a variety of tools to help contractors achieve flawless tile installations. Here’s why lippage happens and how to prevent it with a tile leveling system.

The Reasons for Lippage

Lippage can be caused by:

1. Uneven Subfloors: An uneven surface beneath the tiles.
2. Defective Tiles: Variations in tile thickness or size.
3. Reflective Surfaces and Lighting: Highly reflective tiles or specific lighting angles highlighting slopes.
4. Spacing Errors: Inaccurate spacing between tiles, leading to sudden elevation changes.
5. Substrate Issues: Problems with the base layer where tiles are installed.

Preventing Lippage

To prevent lippage:

1. Ensure a Flat Surface: Make sure the substrate is even and flat before laying tiles. This can be done by using a self-leveling compound. 
2. Clean the Substrate: Remove dirt and debris to avoid unevenness.
3. Use a Tile Leveling System: This system is crucial, especially for large tiles, to interlock adjacent tiles and maintain consistent elevation.

Using a Tile Leveling System

After preparing an even substrate, a quality tile leveling system can be used to prevent lippage. These systems interlock tiles, eliminating differences in angle or elevation.

There are several types of tile leveling systems available:

• Cap and Strap Systems
• Wedge and Clip Systems
• Spin Top and Post Systems

At Tile This, we carry top-notch leveling systems from brands like Raimondi, Rubi Tools, and Xpro. These systems are designed to make your tile installation projects smoother and more precise.

For more information about our tile tools, call us at 952.882.0436 or send us a message through our contact form.