1、 Is it possible to lay tiles without leaving any seams?
The answer is no. Tiles must be laid with gaps. Regardless of the size and grade of tiles, there will always be some differences in length, width, height, and thickness. If gaps are not left, the effect of the tiling may be crooked. In addition, there is the impact of thermal expansion and contraction. Even if the impact on ceramic tiles is not significant, they still need to follow natural laws, so it is necessary to leave gaps.
2、 Why should
1. The characteristics of thermal expansion and contraction of ceramic tiles and the cement mortar used to paste ceramic tiles both have the problem of thermal expansion and contraction. During the process of temperature or humidity changes, ceramic tiles and cement mortar will have a certain degree of expansion. If no joints are left, it will cause the ceramic tiles to bulge or crack during later use.
2. Ceramic tile repair is more convenient to leave gaps for tiling, which can make future maintenance and upkeep more convenient. For example, due to human factors, heavy objects accidentally fall and cause ceramic tile damage. If gaps are left, the damaged ceramic tiles can be easily replaced.
3. Although ceramic tiles are now produced mechanically, there may be certain dimensional errors during the production process (excessive errors are considered a quality issue of the product). If no joints are left, it is easy to cause uneven joints during tile laying, which affects the aesthetics of the tiles.
4. The laying of ceramic tiles during construction is a highly skilled construction project, and workers cannot completely ensure that there is no error in laying each tile throughout the entire process. If there are no seams left, it is also difficult to ensure the straightness of the joints of the tiles, which affects the aesthetics of the tiling!
5. Ceramic tiles with gaps will be more aesthetically pleasing. The regular lines formed by tiling with gaps can achieve a certain three-dimensional effect. At the same time, its function not only beautifies the overall paving space, but also to some extent alleviates visual fatigue.
3： Selection of joint filling materials
1. Advantages of sealing agent: strong adhesion, pressure resistance, reduced shrinkage, wear resistance, flexibility in crack prevention, and lower price. Disadvantages: The color is relatively dull, and it is prone to getting dirty and black during construction and use. The strength is low, and the powder is not waterproof. In damp places such as bathrooms and kitchens, there may be odor and mold production after water seeps through the gaps.
2. Seam beautifying agent is a new type of organic material, mainly composed of high-tech polymer with pigments and special additives. Advantages: Bright colors, high glossiness, suitable for matching with various colored tiles. It has waterproof, impermeable, and oil-free properties, and is not prone to dirt, black, and mold growth. Disadvantages: Low hardness, thin protective layer, and high price.
4、 Precautions for Tile Jointing and Paving
1. The gap size of ceramic tiles should generally be between 1-1.5mm for seamless tiles, but not less than 1mm. And ordinary ceramic tiles, roughly between 3-5mm. In addition, the better standards that should be adopted during construction are also determined based on actual factors such as the type, size, and overall area of the tiles.
2. Cross joint paving with ceramic tiles Cross