Assembly
Laying tiles on terraces and balconies: Here's how!
Laying tiles outdoors is certainly a heavy discipline. Natursteinversand reveals what needs to be considered and how it works.
Tiling on terraces and balconies: It's that easy!
Laying tiles on terraces and balconies is certainly not an easy discipline, as the stones and tiles are exposed to the weather all year round. The probability of damage outdoors is accordingly high, at least compared to tiling in other living areas. Almost all damage is due to water, which makes its way through joints and stone and can create fine cracks due to temperature fluctuations - not to mention expansion in case of frost. However, with a little patience, a delicate touch and the right tile laying aids, the most common damage outdoors can be significantly reduced.
Checking the subfloor
Proper tile laying begins with checking the subfloor. Check for firm, load-bearing ground that cannot be undermined or move in any way. Movement and rising moisture lead to cracks, which significantly reduce the lifespan.
One by one
Only rarely are walls completely straight over a larger width. Leave the first row directly at the wall for now and start with the next row. With a straightedge, you determine the necessary distance for laying a complete row of tiles and add the joint width. The tear-off is now taped over with fabric tape or waterproof tape on the pre-treated patio or balcony floor.
A sticky affair
Now mix the tile adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it with a trowel. For larger areas, the tile adhesive can also be poured on. With the joint trowel, the adhesive is now combed to a uniform image down to the adhesive tape and the entire area in tile size is covered with adhesive. To avoid voids, the buttering-floating method is recommended, where you also apply adhesive to the back of the tile. This full-surface, even contact minimizes the risk of voids.
Laying is allowed
Now it's time to start laying tiles. By pulling off the tape, the tile adhesive leaves a precise finish, where the first tile is now placed. Press it into the tile adhesive with a slightly rotating movement and complete the row. When laying the tiles, pay attention to the joint distance by starting at the edge of the previous tile and then pulling to this distance. Now align the following rows with this first one. No more adhesive tape is needed for this.
With joints and right
If you lay tiles yourself, it is absolutely important to use the right joint mortar. For outside use, this should be a flexible variant. After mixing and a short maturing period, distribute it diagonally over the tiles with a rubber joint and then work it into the joints. After drying, a bright veil appears over the tiles. Now remove the excess mortar with a sponge board. Once the mortar is completely dry, you can clean the tiles with plenty of water and a dry cloth to remove the cement haze.
All sealed with silicone
Once the tiling on the terrace and balcony is completed, the transitions are sealed with silicone after drying and cleaning. Here it is important to allow a little room for movement. If this is not granted, unfavourable tensions arise, which can lead to cracks and water penetration. A adhesive tape is recommended as a pointing aid, which is filled with silicone in a uniform bead with a gun. Make sure to seal all voids. Excess silicone is removed with appropriate tile tools, for example a joint smoother. After you have removed the adhesive tape, smooth the silicone with a water-detergent mixture.
When tiling on terraces and balconies, patience and skill are required. The matching tiles, natural stones, tools and aids can be found in the Natursteinversand online shop. Tip: With the RLS (Raimondi Levelling System) tile laying aid, DIYers and professionals get an indispensable assistant that ensures a uniform surface and a uniform joint pattern.
