Why Use A Tile Leveling System?
When it comes to achieving an exceptional quality tile installation, professional tile installers rely on various tools. One of the most critical challenges in any tile installation, whether on floors or walls, is tile lippage.
Understanding Tile Lippage
Tile lippage occurs when adjacent tiles are not perfectly aligned, leading to uneven height differences between the tiles. This issue is particularly pronounced with natural stone tiles due to their surface irregularities. Larger tiles, regardless of material, such as ceramic, can also exhibit warping and slight dimensional variations, resulting in vertical displacement between adjacent tiles. This not only creates an unprofessional and unacceptable finish but also poses tripping hazards on tiled floors.
Importance of Surface Preparation
Before using a tile leveling system, proper surface preparation is essential. Ensuring a flat and even subfloor is a critical step that cannot be overlooked. Mortar is used to fill dips or valleys in the subfloor, while grinding can eliminate peaks or humps. Correct surface preparation is crucial for a successful tile installation.
Benefits of Using a Tile Leveling System
A tile leveling system is designed to lock and hold tiles in place, significantly reducing the risk of lippage during installation. By using a quality leveling system, installers do not need to compensate by adding extra thinset to level the tiles at the time of installation. This leads to a more consistent and professional finish.
The choice of a tile leveling system depends on the specific thickness of the tiles being used. Most standard kits are designed for tiles up to ½ inch thick, ensuring compatibility and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Using a tile leveling system is essential for achieving a professional and safe tile installation. It helps prevent tile lippage, ensuring an even and smooth surface, and reduces the risk of tripping hazards. For more information on the best tile leveling kit for your next job, give us a call at 952-882-0436 or visit www.tilethis.com.