Home Improvement

7 Common Causes For Cracks in Tiles

Published

1 year ago

January 26, 2022

sylvia J

No one really likes cracked tiles. It is definitely not a pleasant sight to see a tile floor repeatedly getting cracked. Not only is this unattractive, but it also depreciates the value and the appearance of your house. Fortunately, this is where the durable tiles come into the picture.

With advancement in technology, tiles available now are durable and are less prone to cracking if they are installed the right way. However, it is still important to note that most of the time, the cracks are not a result of an inferior quality tile. Instead, it is usually caused by anomalies under or around the tile. Hairline cracks in tiles may result from remote and obscure reasons like improperly cured concrete, flexing underlayment and joists, and so on. To proceed with buying stronger tiles or repairing the cracks in the tiles, you must first understand how those cracks come about. Let’s discuss the issue in-depth.

Why Do Tiles Crack?

There are a plethora of reasons why tiles crack. Some of the common reasons include lower quality of tiles, heavy load, incorrect installation, and so forth. Often, it has been noted that such cracking has occurred due to extreme weather conditions. However, it is important to note that tile breaking is a typical occurrence. The secret, in such cases, lies in nailing the root causes.

Let’s look at some of the most common explanations in this light —

Hard Impact

It is no rocket science that any object, considerably heavier than the other, can induce significant damage. The same applies here in the case of tiles. Most tiles are capable of enduring a weight of 250 pounds. Due to variations, some tiles’ capacity exceeds that, but some are easily damaged even with much lesser weight. When such inferior tiles, unable to withstand such heavy pressure and load, are subjected to such weight, they tend to cave in and crack.

The factor of load-bearing capacity is duly emphasised in floor tiles at Orientbell Tiles, with most of its tiles being put through a rigorous durability test. In one instance, more than 1,000 trucks, each carrying around 60 tonnes of load, were run over the floor tiles for the test. Every single tile came out unscathed, and not a single crack was seen. For such high-power durability, you can opt for full-body tiles, the Valencica collection, and GVT tiles to begin with.

Incorrect Installation

This is by far the most crucial factor in assessing a tile’s longevity and durability. A minor miscalculation here or there in laying the tiles and the entire installation can go for a toss. Orientbell Tiles’ step-by-step guide videos explaining how to lay tiles properly on walls and floor can be of great help here.

It becomes essential to consider the two main aspects related to adhesion:

Improper adhesive application

Even the slightest of gaps or voids on the surface can impact the integrity of the tiles, which gives way to weak spots and, eventually, cracks. One has to ensure that all the tiles are fixed down with adhesives covering the entire back of the tile properly to avoid such trouble.

Unsuitable adhesion

Using the wrong adhesive material for application on the tiles, like grout or a cement mix, has adverse effects. Similarly, not applying flexible membrane leads to the fracture of tiles, with their cracking being a natural consequence. Thus, it becomes absolutely important to use suitable adhesives and securely fix the tiles to the surface using such adhesives having flexible properties for allowing small movements.

Cracked Substrate

Especially in the floors, the surface below the tile is as important as the final tile, if not more. If the substrate, or the surface after the tile, cracks, it gives rise to the domino’s effect and leads to multiple cracks quickly. Small movements of the concrete or wood in expansion and contraction are the most common reasons for substrate cracking. Sometimes, it can also be due to the installation without a flexible membrane or a screed that stretches as the substrate moves.

Tiling Over Control Joints

Control joints are simply concrete slabs that help in preventing random cracking. The keyword here is ‘random’, as these joints actually restrict the cracking of a tile to a straight line. This way, even though the tile has cracked, it becomes easier to replace it without any difficulties, as the crack has occurred only in a line. Nevertheless, the curling and the movement of the control joint is quite common. Tiling directly over such joints can lead to a reflective cracking in the tiles above.

Inferior Quality Tiles

Ultimately, the quality of tiles used on a surface plays a massive role in deciphering the reasons for the cracks. No matter how good looking a tile is, if its quality is compromised, everything comes crashing down. Low-quality tiles return a negative outcome, as it will cost you more than what you saved to fix the installation and then engage in retiling again. When it comes to tiles, investing in superior quality material is always considered wisely in the long run.

If all these factors overwhelm you, or if you simply have any queries related to tiles, you can always reach out to Orientbell Tiles, which has renowned in-house tile experts to solve your questions.

To sum up, while choosing to go for a tile installation, besides understanding the requirements of your house and budget, you must also consider its properties and quality as only that will make them a bang for your buck. Once installed, no one wants to look back again and make a tedious reinstallation. Keep these factors in mind while choosing the tile for your home upgrade, and you will never go wrong.

Author Bio:

Isha Tandon has worked within the architecture and interior design industry as a flooring consultant expert – specializing in tiles, stones, and terrazzo. She has worked with Orientbell Limited, a leading tile manufacturer in India, as a product development manager in the design team and has recently joined the marketing team as their digital content expert. Her experience comes in handy in understanding the audience as she creates value-driven functional & informational content for the readers. She creates lifestyle pieces that focus on interior design products, trends, and processes. She loves to travel to historic places with rich architecture.

Home Improvement

Best Shower Head For Low Water Pressure You Should Install In Your Washroom

Published

5 days ago

March 15, 2023

sylvia J

Best Shower Head For Low Water Pressure You Should Install In Your Washroom

If you have low water pressure in your home, you may be wondering what the best shower head for low water pressure is. There are a few different factors to consider when choosing a shower head, such as the type, size, and price. Keep reading to get the shower head for your washroom.

Choices for the Best Shower Head for Low Water Pressure

A few factors to consider when choosing a shower head are the pressure inverse of the flow rate, the size of the shower, and the type of water pressure, high, low, orifice. Other factors to consider are the type of HEADS Horns, jets, orifice, and shower curtain or door.

The higher the pressure, the more water the head can use. The smaller the orifice, the more water the head can use per minute. The type of HEADS-Horns, jets, and orifice indicated by the number of water jets will also affect the amount of water the head can use.

It’s important to ensure the shower head is compatible with the type of water pressure in your home. If the pressure is too low, the water will not flow through the head adequately, and the shower will not be able to produce the desired showering results. If the pressure is too high, the water will not reach the ground, and the shower will not be able to produce the desired showering results.

MyHomeware All Direction Shower Head Chrome

The MyHomeware all-direction shower head chrome is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality showerhead. Made from brass with a chrome finish, this shower head is built to last. It also features a water restrictor to help conserve water and an adjustable shower arm that moves up and down for a perfect showering experience.

An all-direction shower head is a popular option. As the name suggests, this type of shower head can be rotated in all directions, which makes it easier to direct the water flow exactly where you want it. This can be especially helpful if you have a small shower space. And suppose you have a large shower space or enjoy showering with multiple people. In that case, the all-direction shower head can be a great option.

What are the benefits of the best shower head for low water pressure?

Using the shower head for low water pressure has many benefits, especially in an area with low water pressure. One of the biggest benefits is that it can help to save water. Low water pressure can often lead to water waste because people often have to use more water to get the same amount of water pressure as they would with higher water pressure. This can lead to higher water bills and even water shortages in some areas.

Conclusion

Using the shower head for low water pressure can also help extend your shower head’s life. Their low water pressure shower head is that it can help to improve the quality of your shower. With the shower head for low water pressure, the water will come out in a much more controlled way, which can help improve your shower’s quality.

Home Improvement

Home improvement tips that make your home more valuable

Published

6 days ago

March 14, 2023

sylvia J

Home improvement tips that make your home more valuable

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home and make it stand out from the crowd, then these helpful home improvement tips are what you need. Home improvements can improve not only the value of your property but also its market appeal; when done correctly, they can help increase your real estate investment returns too! Whether you’re in search of ideas on landscaping, remodeling, or cleaning up an outdated area, this detailed post has a solution for every homeowner. From energy efficiency measures to vibrant decorating choices, this article explains how to get maximum bang for your buck — all while tailoring projects that fit within any family budget. Read on for great ideas on making significant changes without spending a fortune.

Repaint your walls with neutral colors to give the room a more modern look

Repainting your walls with neutral colors is a great way to refresh any room’s look instantly. Neutrals offer versatility, seamlessly blending with other colors while also acting as a blank canvas to build upon. Notable benefits you’ll reap from using neutrals are shades that don’t clash nor detract from any existing decor elements in the room and a timeless aesthetic that will make your home look modern for years to come. Whether you opt for chalky whites or subtle beiges, painting your walls with neutral tones can effectively open up the space visually and add dimension.

Replace any old windows with energy-efficient models to reduce heating and cooling expenses

To save money on the high cost of heating and cooling your home, you should consider replacing any old windows with energy-efficient models. New, energy-efficient windows prevent heat transfer from outdoor temperatures, making it easier to stay comfortably warm during the winter and cool during the summer. This can result in significant savings as you won’t be relying on your HVAC system to maintain a steady temperature in your home all day. Additionally, new windows come in a variety of styles that offer improved thermal insulation and noise reduction benefits over their outdated counterparts. With an investment in new energy-efficient windows, you can reduce energy bills while also maximizing the comfort of your home.

Look after the electrics in your home to keep everything up to date and ready for sale

When it comes time to sell your home, you’ll want everything to be in tip-top shape. This includes the electrics, which is why ensuring they are well looked after and kept up to date is essential. Investing a bit of time in checking wiring, smoke alarms, and security systems now can bring enormous benefits when you come to show potential buyers around. You should also consider having a professional electrician inspect the property just before listing – this will show that the electrics have been regularly maintained and give potential buyers added peace of mind when deciding whether to make an offer. A residential electrician should be able to advise on any changes needed and how to solve any electrical issues in preparation for sale.

Upgrade your kitchen appliances for a more modern aesthetic

Kitchen appliances have come a long way in recent years as manufacturers strive to provide an upgraded and modern aesthetic. If you’ve been looking to add some grit and style to your own cooking space, consider investing in new appliances. Consider purchasing stainless steel appliances for a sleek but classic look, or move towards more contemporary offerings such as black matte, chrome trim, and built-in features. Adding a few new appliances can truly transform your kitchen into the modern oasis of your dreams. Whether you want an overall update or an upgrade here and there, nothing beats the satisfaction of having a modern, stylish kitchen perfect for fulfilling all your culinary needs.

Home Improvement

Let The Spring Sunshine in with These 3 Tips

Published

2 weeks ago

March 9, 2023

sylvia J

Let The Spring Sunshine in with These 3 Tips

For many, spring is a joyous season. It means temperate climes and longer daylight hours, bursts of fresh air throughout the home, flowers blooming and trees opening their buds. It’s a time of positivity and new beginnings. So how can you bring this feeling of newness and vitality into your home?

This article offers three simple ways to embrace all that spring offers, inside and out, and all year round. If you want to pull the light, airy and refreshing qualities of the season into the house, consider your lighting choices, ideas such as casement windows for your home, and paint colors as described below.

Consider Your Lighting

A fantastic way to replicate the springtime sunshine is by installing carefully considered lampshades and light fixtures. In kitchens and bathrooms, hidden-stripped LED lighting can add a burst of illumination while creating an interesting focal point. In bedrooms and living areas, semi-flush ceiling lights will help distribute the light both upwards and downwards, maximizing the amount of brightness spread throughout the room.

Placing floor lamps and tabletop lamps around the room with clear or sheer globe covers will help create layers of light. Bookcases or shelves around the home tend to cast shadows. Installing strip lights on the underside of each shelf is an easy and affordable way to brighten the space.

Lastly, if you have dimmer switches, change your light bulbs to tunable smart bulbs with warm-to-cool settings. This way, you can alternate the bulbs’ brightness and warmth in line with the sun and its patterns.

Think About Your Windows

Windows are an important and relatively obvious consideration when you’re trying to brighten your home. If you plan on redoing your windows soon and maximizing daylight is essential, picture windows are a great option.

Unlike other windows, fixed windows (also known as picture windows) cannot be opened or closed. They can, however, be custom-manufactured in combination with operational styles like casement windows to create bay or bow windows — a service offered by window specialists. Here, fixed windows can be manufactured in larger sizes than standard windows, so if you have a beautiful view and room for a large custom window, a picture window can truly optimize natural light.

Another consideration for the window area is the type of sheers, curtains, or blinds you use. If you’re in a populated area and you value extra privacy during the daytime, opt for sheers or slat blinds — both will allow daylight in a while, giving you a degree of privacy.

If you favor curtains, install a curtain rod which exceeds the width of the windows. An elongated curtain rod will allow you to draw the curtains past the window line during the day so that you’re not blocking any natural light.

Don’t Forget the Walls

It’s very trendy this year to paint spaces in dark and moody colors. But if you’re looking to encapsulate the feeling of spring, these tones simply won’t work. Instead, pick out light ‘linen’ type shades to draw the light in and reflect it through the home. Another decorative detail for walls is hanging mirrors in key areas where the light hits naturally. If your space is especially gloomy and one mirror won’t suffice, create a feature wall using eclectic styles of mirrors.

If you’re eager to bring the illusion of spring indoors this season, making some adjustments — both big and small — will make a world of difference.