Tile myths debunked
Tile flooring is a great option, but it’s also a topic that has quite a lot of myths surrounding it. Some of them are true, others are pure fiction, yet some people still believe them. Which makes you wonder, what is the truth about tile flooring, and what is a myth? Let’s find out right away!
Tile flooring is not environmentally friendly
Here it all depends on the manufacturer. There are tile flooring companies that use only natural materials, which do little damage to the environment. You can also find less environmentally friendly tiles too. So it’s important to address the manufacturing process, based on that you will have a much better idea of the manufacturer’s impact on the environment.
Tiles don’t need care or maintenance
This is not true; most types of flooring need proper cleaning and maintenance. Tiles are no exception either. Sure, if the floor is sealed properly, you will require less maintenance, but even then, some maintenance is still required. When you purchase tile flooring, you can expect them to need some maintenance or care after installation. That’s certainly something to keep in mind, and the benefits are bound to keep your tile looking great for years to come.
Installing tile makes your floor very boring
When you try to decide on what type of flooring you want, going with tiles can be a great idea because they make a huge statement. Tiles are visually impressive, and there are a plethora of designs to choose from. Plus, design is a very personal thing. That’s why there are so many options: if you find a design boring, then you can easily browse and pick another one. This way you will have no problem finding one that suits your style needs and requirements.
Tiles are very expensive
Generally, tiles are actually very affordable. There are some models that are a tad more expensive, yet you will notice that going with tile flooring usually saves you quite a lot of money. Ceramic, slate or marble are actually affordable, and you will be happy with the benefits and value provided. It’s always a good idea to study the market and check multiple stores or manufacturers until you can pick the best one that suits your requirements. But in the end it will be totally worth it.
Grout cleaning can be very difficult if you have tile flooring
Due to the properties of tile flooring, grout cleaning is actually a lot easier to do than you might expect. Sure, it’s a mundane task and no one really likes doing it. But if you want to complete it fast and in an efficient way, it just makes a lot of sense to choose tile flooring. It conveys great results and a lot of value, and the benefits are definitely impressive. That’s the right approach and it works better than you might expect.
Installing tile over existing tile
You can't tile over existing tile, this is the short answer. While it might sound like a great idea, it brings in quite a lot of challenges. Tiles are not the ideal surface for installing yet another tile on top of them. Also, not all adhesives are made for tiling over an existing tile. Granted, you can try to do it and in some cases it might work. But if you’re looking for an impressive, high quality result, you won’t be finding that if you install your tile over the current one. It might be an option if you want to avoid the hassle of removing your older tile. Yet, removing older tile is the right thing to do, and it will offer a much smoother and reliable working surface.
Tiles are very cold
One thing to keep in mind about tiles is the fact that they do maintain their temperature very well. Adding tiles in the basement or at the ground level is obviously going to lead to cold tiles, since the ground underneath is very cold. However, if you add subfloor heating, then you can maintain a very good temperature.
Porcelain is a very fragile material
The truth is that porcelain is a very durable tile, maybe one of the most durable tiles that you can find out there. It’s very strong, and it will last for many years. So you should think twice before acknowledging such myths as true, because you would be missing on some great benefits and results, which is something you really need to take into consideration.
Some tiles can warp and also move
Many years ago, that was the case. However, thanks to new and more efficient installation methods, the warping process is removed and it’s no longer a problem. That being said, thanks to modern installation methods, warping can be avoided, which is great because you obtain a much better result and experience.
Leaving soapy water on your tile surface can promote cleaning
This is a bad idea and not something you want to do. Soap residue is thick, so it becomes a dirt magnet. Which is why you want to avoid following this type of myth. You will end up doing a heavy rinse just to remove the accumulated dust, which is something you want to avoid.
Conclusion
There are many different myths that have appeared related to tile flooring. It’s important to understand what’s true and what’s not. We decided to debunk some of these myths because a lot of people follow them without knowing the truth behind them. Despite what some people think, tile flooring is very durable, reliable, and it will convey a great return on investment. It’s a very good idea to give it a try for yourself, and the benefits can be second to none. That’s why you have to challenge these myths and you will learn quite a lot about tile flooring.