I have just purchased some boxes of ceramic tiles which say on th box "immerse in water for 1 hour before paving". Is this necessary? I have never seen a tiler do this before...
2006-11-15 13:00:50 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
They are indoor glazed ceramic tiles, not suitable for outdoor use.
2006-11-15 14:32:50 · update #1
Soaking ceramic building materials in water is a common practice. This is a necessity when laying tile that is very soft, like Saltillo tile, or low-fired, unglazed terracotta. When a tile (or a brick for that matter) is too porous, it will suck the water out of the mortar without allowing it to set properly, leaving weak bonds between mortar and tile.
Use this simple test:
Put a quarter on the back side of the tile
With a crayon or grease pencil, draw a circle around the quarter.
Remove the quarter and fill the circle with water.
If the water gets soaked up in less than three minutes, I would soak the tile. At least place them face down and hose them to allow them to absorb some water.
Trust me, I'm a ceramic engineer, and perform tests on ceramics (brick specifically) for a living.
2006-11-15 13:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by anon 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Soaking In Water
2016-12-18 14:28:53 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your using a cement based grout, then this is a good idea. The reason is the tile without being soaked in water will pull water from the grout and reduce the strength and bond of the grout your setting the tile in. This could cause the tiles to come loose later.
2006-11-16 01:28:08 · answer #3 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dad layed ceramic unglazed tiles without soaking them in water. But I'd say follow the instructions on the box. Thats the number one reason things go bad in DIY-not following the instructions
2006-11-16 06:48:49 · answer #4 · answered by Oliver K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have tiled front porches bathrooms and kitchen counters and floors using glazed ceramic, satillo and marble and have not come across any that said soak an hour. New kind? Contact the store and question the sales asso.
2006-11-15 14:50:42 · answer #5 · answered by koko 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On no account must you wet the tiles. The adhesive is designed to work perfectly with dry tiles. However, if you are sticking them on with a sand/cement mix then it is advisable to damp the backs before applying the mix.
2016-03-19 08:57:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you have unglazed, sun dried mexican clay tile. Soak in water and seal after you install.
2006-11-15 14:06:19 · answer #7 · answered by rlbendele1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would be great to know what tile you are using...could you forward a lable or name of the mfg.
i have never seen it on a pkg, but have done it in practice with satillo tiles on extremely hot days outside by sponging the back.
the draw of water is cut somewhat.
good luck
2006-11-15 16:58:49 · answer #8 · answered by ticketoride04 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are laying them outside yes the cure time is important so they dont dry out to fast and avoiding the chance of cracking. if you are laying them inside it is not needed they will cure slower and less chance of cracking. inside use thinset mortor with 1/8 inch gaps in your trowel. let the tile set at least 24 hours befor grouting
2006-11-15 13:17:22 · answer #9 · answered by candy p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although it's not technically necessary, you'll find it makes the tile easier to adjust, plus you'll also get superior adhesion. I've seen it done many times and I would definitely advise you to do it too. Good luck with your project !!!
2006-11-15 13:10:04 · answer #10 · answered by Bill P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋