What is Grouting?
Grout is a paste like material that is used to fill in the gaps between tiles once they have been affixed to the wall or floor. You can get grout ready mixed if you prefer or you can buy it in powdered form. The powder is the cheaper option but the ready mix is the easiest as no preparation is necessary. You will mostly find that grout is white but it is available in a variety of different colours if you require it.
A couple of basic things you need to remember before choosing your grout are where it will be and when the tiles were placed. If your grouting will be used in areas where they are likely to be exposed to water you should ensure you purchase a waterproof grout. Secondly, you need to ensure the tiles have had proper time to set before you begin grouting. When all tiles have been laid, wait at least 24 hours before you begin grouting. Check the instructions of your adhesive product for a more specific waiting time.
Wall and Floor Tiles
Use a Grout Spreader to apply the mixture. Drag the grout loaded spreader across the tiles and ensure that all gaps are completely filled. Do not worry about the thin layer of grout that will cover the face of your tiles.
Allow the grout to dry for approximately 15 minutes and then clean off the excess using a damp sponge. Wipe carefully and diagonally to the grout lines to avoid cleaning out the grout in the grooves between the tiles. Remember to rinse the sponge frequently with clean water.
After approximately two hours the grout will have begun to properly harden. Use a grout stick to smooth out the joints and provide the ultimate professional finish.
Once the grout has fully hardened polish the tiles with a dry cloth for a neat and clean finish.
Quarry Tiles
Grouting quarry tiles requires mortar instead of grout in most cases. This is a mixture of one part cement and three parts sand. Mix thoroughly and add a little water until the mixture is smooth.
Quarry tiles are also prone to staining because they are unglazed so it is a good idea to protect the tiles before you begin grouting. Use a tile sealer or grout release to stop the grout damaging the quarry tiles and permanently staining them.
If you are attempting to add an extension to your home or building, you may have already realised that tying to existing brickwork can be a daunting and difficult task for the first timer. Since not many of us have more than one extension added to our homes as these are the most expensive home improvement projects we can endeavour to take on, it is likely you haven’t done this before.
Traditionally the problem was solved by “toothing out” the brickwork. This meant knocking out bricks to leave a tooth like shape into which a new extension could be built to keep the integrity and strength of the existing wall.
Another method of tying to pre-existing brickwork is known as Block Bonding. It is also possible to use a wall tie pack thanks to modern technology you and now bolt on the wall tie pack to the existing wall and wall ties are slotted into the rack when tying a new wall. The bond for this method remains as strong as the original wall bonding from the “toothing out” method and yet requires less time and effort to complete.
Before you complete any building alterations you should check with your building inspector to see if damp proofing is required between the walls or if an existing cavity need sot be included within your new walls. Make sure you check the building regulations and legal restraints before starting a project like this as well as ensuring you successfully apply for planning permission beforehand. This is a very important safety aspect of the project and is not just a legal requirement.
When tying new walls to an existing building such as when you are building an extension to your home, it is important to maintain the cavity. This involves cutting into your existing walls to continue the cavity around the entire building as a whole. This allows for insulation to continue without breaks and avoid cold spots in your walls. You need to be able to maintain a free flow of air within the walls.
If you are unsure about any aspect of this project and your building requirements then talk to your building inspector and your local council for further advice and information on safety concerns. Especially if you are in a densely residential area or landscape orientated area you may need special permissions and requirements set by your local council to protect surrounding residents and scenery.
Cutting and fixing plasterboard is a very common DIY home improvement project that can be very useful when separating rooms for example. Plasterboard is a fantastic versatile material that is very easy to use once you know how. The problem is that most people are frightened of what can seem like a large job so they tend to avoid it without looking into it further. Fixing and cutting plasterboard is easier than you may think and you can create your very own plasterboard project armed with these handy tips.
Cutting Plasterboard
Just use a simple timber saw for cutting up your plasterboard. Try to use a saw with fine teeth as this will produce a cleaner edge on your plasterboard. If you have a large project on the go you should be aware that plasterboard can easily blunt a wood saw so get yourself a saw specifically designed for plaster board use in this case if you can.
Measure the opening in the plasterboard you wish to make carefully and as accurately as possible. You can use an ordinary pencil to mark your measurements on the board. Take the axe end of a hammer and hammer inside your measurements to make a small hole. Use this to insert your saw to cut out the rest of the hole.
To produce a straight line, while cutting plasterboard, first mark out the path of the line in pencil. Then you can lay a spirit level on the line to check you have accurately drawn the line. Score down this line firmly with a sharp hobby or craft knife. Do not try to cut all the way through the plasterboard; just enough to cut through the paper. Once you have scored all the way down the line, place the board against a wall and bend the board away from the scoring you made. The board will split neatly along the line and you should see a crease develop along the “complete” side of the board. Now run your blade along this crease to finish off the cut and tidy up the edge with a rasp.
Fixing Plasterboard
You can screw, nail or stick plasterboard to a surface depending on your preferred method. Nailing plaster boards it the most popular choice and is relatively easy to accomplish. Use plasterboard nails which are galvanised to protect against rust which occurs from having wet plaster layers.
If you are inundated with graffiti nightmares on your garage, walls or even in your home if you have a naughty little monster armed with crayons and felt tips it can be nightmare to get rid of and a chore to keep on top of. There are various ways you can rid yourself of graffiti so don’t despair just yet.
Sugar Soap
Sugar soap is a time long solution to unwanted marks on your walls, however, it is also a very abrasive liquid so don’t use it on delicate paint jobs. Sugar soap is ideal for external walls and garage doors to help you get rid of those tough paint marks.
Bleach (and bleach based products)
Bleach is another household favourite for white walls but like sugar soap it can damage your walls and eat away to the plaster beneath them. Your white walls may end up pink instead!
Anti Graffiti Lacquer
This is a great . This is especially useful if you suffer from graffiti frequently in all it’s forms and is available for household interior use, not just commercial and external application. Just apply to wood brick or stonework as the final coat for a completely clear finish that works just like your bath room tiles. You can easily wipe and clean your wall surface, touch dry in 2 hours and available in a variety of finishes.
There are a large variety of cleaning products out there for you to try out, just make sure you have a look at the label beforehand, especially if you wish to use it on a painted surface. Some chemicals are not suitable for paintwork and may remove the paint as well as the graffiti. Other products are more suitable towards a certain product such as felt tips or wax crayons. Make sure you check the label to find out what the chemical is suitable for use on and any safety precautions you may need to take. Some products contain very harmful chemicals that require you to avoid skin contact and wear rubber gloves when applying. Others may also need you to wear a mask and use it in a well ventilated area so make sure you open up all the windows while you use them on internal surfaces. As with all chemicals, follow the guidelines accurately and store them in a safe area away from children and pets.
