Once our Kermans staff has helped you select the right tile, our professional installers will make sure it is properly installed in a timely manner. Yes, we know installation is often seen as a do-it-yourself job but professional installation can make a huge difference in how long your tile investment wears and lasts. Many of Kermans installers have been working with us for 15 years or more and their experience will make the difference in your new floor.
Preparing for tile installation.
- Determine who is responsible for moving furniture and other objects from the area to be carpeted. Installers can do this but will charge an additional fee.
- Review your moldings and baseboards – they may need to be removed for installation and if so, any breakage or paint retouching will be your responsibility after installation. Our installers try to be very careful, but scratches and scrapes to painted surfaces can’t always be avoided.
- Move all breakable, computers, electronics etc…
What to know and do during installation
Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case the installation crew has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct tile is installed in the right areas and the right layout. But plan to stay out of the way, your installers will be using a variety of tools and equipment and you do not want any children or pets underfoot. We also recommend that you walk thru your newly tiled areas with the chief installer to ask questions and be aware of any final details.
While each installation job is different you should expect to stay out of the area for 2-3 days. Here are a few steps you should expect:
- First the substrate, the foundation of your tile, will need to be cleaned to provide the best surface for tile adhesion. Next, the installers will level the surface of the substrate to provide an even base. If the substrate is not level, the tiles may not be set correctly resulting in chipped or cracked tiles when weight is applied.
- If your tile is being placed in a kitchen, bathroom or exterior room–the installers may apply a waterproofing layer to the substrate before laying the tile.
- Next, following the layout plan created by your Kermans consultants, the installers will lay out the tile to determine the pattern and orientation. Once the tile is set into place it needs to cure for 12-24 hours.
- The installers will come back to your home to complete the final step–grouting the tile. The application of the grout is the process which brings it all together by blending the lines of the tiles, edges of the room and fixtures into your new floor.
- Please note that tile installation in considered a construction project and will create dust.
What to know and do after installation
How long before you can walk on your new tile? The mortar and grout need 24 hours to cure before you can walk on the tile. Waiting this time period will help ensure the tiles don’t shift or become loose before the adhesive and grout have a chance to set. In some instances, our installers may recommend mopping your new tile daily to prevent the grout from cracking or curing unevenly.
On rare occasions, our installers will discover an existing problem such as a plumbing leak or subfloor problem when your old flooring is removed. Should this happen, our installers will notify you immediately. Any unforeseen repairs or prep work will result in additional charges. Kermans will provide you with a quote prior to the work being done. If the problem is electrical or plumbing-related, we will recommend that you contact the service of your choice to correct the problem.
Your Kermans tile consultant is available from start to finish – from tile selection thru installation. Before you visit our showroom, we’d like to suggest a few questions to consider.
Installation Checklist
- Disconnect gas appliances, computers and electronic equipment from rooms where flooring is to be installed.
- Remove all breakable items from areas where flooring is to be installed, and place the items in a safe location.
- Remove all items from tabletops, desktops, etc.
- Empty and store the contents of bookshelves, entertainment centers, armoires, etc.
- Clear the floor areas of closets where flooring is to be installed. We request that a space approximately three (3) feet above the floor be cleared so our installers have more room to move.