Norvic Tiling FAQ

Norvic Tiling FAQ is a series off questions and answers about tiling & waterproofing

Waterproofing means applying a waterproofing membrane coating and other waterproofing components in place to stop leakage and moisture build-up in walls and Floors. This is required in places like bathrooms, toilets, Laundry, pools, spa, etc. It is mandatory by the Australian Building Standards.

Waterproofing is mandatory in areas with excessive water exposure—places like shower area, toilets, laundries and Balconies. In the same way, floor and wall junctions should be 
waterproof if the bathroom floor has timber or fibre cement floors.

Waterproofing can be done on screed and concrete. It can be done on substrates like structural plywood. Also composite timber sheets, wet area plasterboard. Also, concrete, composite timber sheets, fibre cement sheet, render and existing tiles, and blockwork.

Primer is a necessary step. It is used in preparing the surface for tiling because it improves the adhesive performance. Also, it gives the adhesive more time and moisture to cure. It is a liquid which consists of either latex, epoxy, or polyurethane. It plays a vital role in tile longevity.

Yes, applying primer is a necessary step. So necessary, that it may void manufacturer warranty if not applied.It is used on all types of substrates except waterproofing membranes. It is not used on waterproofing membranes because they are non-absorbent.

Primer increases water absorption of the water surface. This water ensures that curing of the cement below goes on longer and produces a good bond. Also, the adhesive stays wet longer and thus. The open time is more and also adjustment time. Also, it reduces the pin holding time.

A waterproofing membrane is a sheet or liquid that is laid over the surface where you have to do the waterproofing. This sheet is usually made up of modified bitumen, rubber, polypropylene, etc. while liquid waterproofing membranes are made up of polyurethane elastomers, epoxy, and bitumen- modified sprays.

Yes, primer before applying the waterproofing membrane is necessary. It also decreases the pin holding, helps the membrane adhere to the substrate better, and seals the dust particles on the surface beneath.

Yes, high temperature affects the performance of the primer since it evaporates before it can perform its tasks like sealing the contaminants below or controlling the water absorption.

Waterproofing bond breaker must accommodate building movement. Bond breakers use the elastic properties of the membranes to get them ready for coping up with building movement.

Yes, according to the set standards, the use of waterproofing bond breakers is necessary. It is used in places like internal corners, joints, and other areas affected by building movement.

It can be one of many reasons. Like, the incorrect placing of waterproofing components or the sealant was incompatible, or the adhesive was not compatible. Even wrongly applied bond breaker and primer can be the cause. If any part fails, it also leads to the failure of the complete waterproofing.

Efflorescence is a hazy white substance you see on your tiles or walls. It can weaken the walls and is a result of the water going into the cement. You know its efflorescence and no discolouration when you spray water on it, and it disappears. Discolouration does not disappear when the surface is wet.

Efflorescence occurs because water is going inside your cement, and Calcium Hydroxide inside it is surfacing. When this Calcium Hydroxide reacts with air in the atmosphere, it forms Calcium Carbonate. And this is the efflorescence.

To prevent efflorescence, take some simple steps, like using a low efflorescence grout and a fast-drying adhesive. This will stop calcium hydroxide from surfacing. Also, use lesser water while cleaning. All these steps will ensure lesser water goes inside and lesser chemical surfaces.

Porcelain tiles are low absorbent tiles with very high density. They are made by baking porcelain and some other minerals at a temperature of 1200 Degree Celsius. Porcelain tiles are similar to vitrified tiles because of their low water absorption rates. They are a popular preference for commercial tiling.

Ceramic tiles are a popular option for indoor household tiling and are consist of red or white clay fired in a kiln. They are also a good option but are somewhat inferior to porcelain tiles. Because ceramic tiles have a higher absorption rate than porcelain and are weaker in strength owing to its lower density.

Vitrified tiles are famous for their low water absorption rates and their glossy look. They are made from clay mixed with feldspar, quartz, or silica and are very resilient. They are also very durable too.

Rectified tiles are ‘rectified’ by a ‘grinding’ process. In this grinding process, all tiles are cut to the same size, and this means that the edges are less irregular and requires smaller joints required. This creates a unique stone/tile look on the whole wall or floor as the grout filled is also lesser.

The most common types of tiles to use are Ceramic and porcelain. Next are stone tiles like that of marble, travertine, bluestone, limestone, etc. Other types of tiles available in the market are glass tiles, cement tiles, mosaic tiles, metal tiles and even resin tiles.

Stone and porcelain tiles for sure. Both have low water absorption. But stone tiles may need sealant regularly to maintain their sheen. Stone tiles like quarry look tremendous. But porcelain tiles also have a great look. You can also use Glazed Ceramic tiles and glass tiles.

Again any tile with less water absorption is an excellent preference. Porcelain, vinyl, and stone are great options. Ceramic is also a popular option, but it has a higher water absorption rate. A glazed ceramic tile is an option here.

Constructing new walls is not always possible. So go for a white theme in your bathroom. White tiles, natural white lighting, etc. This will make a smaller bathroom look bigger. As white colour does not absorb any light but only reflects it. Thus the bathroom looks bright, and the boundaries are somewhat extended.

Yes, we recommend installing an exhaust fan in your bathroom. Because bathroom air mostly stays damp and humid. And mould formation is straightforward in such cases. Also, humidity can damage the paint and fixtures. You can also have a timer installed so that you do not incur electricity bills on leaving it switched on.

Yes, surely you can tile over your existing tiles. Provided the existing tiles are smooth, unbroken, and not hollow. Also, they should be able to absorb the adhesive. Also, the surface beneath should be concrete.

You can keep the same tiles while you are renovating the rest of the bathroom, only if they are not broken, or leaking. Also, keeping the same tiles becomes necessary if you have the same tiles in the adjacent room as well.

Often you cannot detect leaky bathroom soon enough. But some signs are peeling paint or mould formation on the back of the walls of your bathrooms. We mean the side of the wall in your adjacent room. Also, if the bathroom is on the first floor, then look for these signs on the ceiling that lies below your bathroom.

Brass has longevity. Stainless steel and chrome are good options too. Many modern designs are coming in these materials. Zinc and zinc alloys are also an option. Lastly, plastic fixtures are also available.

The first step is to prepare the surface. For this, you require to do waterproofing in the required areas and make the surface smooth and even. Next, you need to butter the adhesive and make grooves in it with the help of a tool. These help the tile to adhere better. Now, lay the tiles and do not forget to insert spacers in between. Now, remove the spacers and do the grouting. Lastly, apply the sealant if required.

Grouting is the process of filing grout in the spaces between two tiles. Grout is a paste consist of sand, water, and cement. There are many types of grouts made though Epoxy grout, unsanded grout, etc. Grouting helps in managing stress between the tiles and also accommodates the building movement.

Add additives to grouts or adhesives, to help them do their work better. There are different additives for different purposes. Thus, depending on its purpose, it can increase bond strength or flexural strength. It can also increase resistance to water, chemical reaction, and also stains.

A tile adhesive is an adhesive for tile. It sticks the tile to the surface beneath. It comes in two versions- cement-based and pre-mixed paste. Various conditions determine the type of adhesive to use. Like, first and foremost, the type of tile, i.e. stone, ceramic, or porcelain. Next is the area and the surface beneath. Plus other conditions like humidity and temperature.

Low humidity means that adhesive will lose water soon due to excessive evaporation. This loss of water at an early stage means that there will be less curing, and the bond strength will be lesser. This may lead to less tiling longevity.

High temperature also leads to lesser strength in the bond. Because, in high temperature, the cement-water reaction is fast-paced. This fast-paced reaction makes smaller crystals and smaller crystals do not have that good strength. Temperature above 35 Degree Celsius is not favourable.

Exterior wall and floor tiling require special care because it goes through thermal expansion and exposure to water, which indoor tiling does not. So, first of all, use additives for enhanced performance. Next, use liberal amounts of cement. For walls, install mechanical joints every 2 meters. Also, use a joint sealant between tiles and background to prevent water ingress.

The first step is preparing the surface. If the surface is not appropriately waterproofed or is porous or uneven, it leads to failure. Also, other reasons are using the wrong product or using the wrong amounts of that product. For example, large tiles need more buttering of adhesive. But if not provided, the tiling can fail.

Caring for tiles is easy. Simply brush and mop regularly. You can also make use of rugs and doormats. These protect the tiling from wear and tear, plus complete the look. Also, wipe off the spills as soon as possible. Lastly, once in a while, give the tiles and grout a deep clean.

Grouts also need cleaning. Otherwise, a lot of dirt collects in them. To clean them simply make a paste of baking powder and water, and apply it over the grouts. Now, let it rest overnight. In the morning, rinse it with a brush and lastly mop the area with warm water.

Norvic Tiling is an experienced, old, and reputed service provider. These long years of serving various clients have taught us a lot. It has made us more knowledgeable and more passionate about our work. We also take pride in the quality of our work and our attention to detail. We promise that we will provide a speedy, smooth, and complete service.