INTERIORS


Covering practicalities


rom increasingly popular large formats, to the importance of meeting British Standards, The Tile ssociation looks at technical tiling issues in bathrooms


T


iles are among the most durable and stylish finishes that can be chosen for any bathroom


or wetroom. Drien by consumer fashion and product innoation from manufacturers, tiling offers beautiful and practical solutions for wall and oor finishes in the bathroom. Often self-builders may wish to


replicate the look that they hae seen oerseas or when leafing through home decor magazines. They also recognise the many benefits of tiling in the home  proiding a long-lasting finish that is hygienic and easy to maintain. Product trends are helping to drie our enthusiasm for tiles, with an increasingly wide range of size, shape and teture options aailable. This means more choices and inspiration are aailable to the self-builders. The latest trend in tile sizes is towards


the larger format ersions. Gone are the days when 4 in x 4 in wall tiles were the only option. Currently the trend is towards increasingly large tiles and panels of up to  mm   mm. The use of these types of tiles reduces grout lines and maimises the impact of the tile design, helping to create a really strong statement for any bathroom. While the design opportunities in tiling


are greater than eer, it is important that the technical issues associated with installing a tiled surface are fully understood, and that all work is carried out to British Standards. Following the release of the latest British Standard BS-  Wall  loor Tiling, there are particular reuirements regarding the need for mechanical fiing of large format tiles in certain installations. Other changes in the current standard include the remoal of plywood as a suitable background for tiling  installers should use a suitable bespoke tile backer board instead.


Ensuring that moisture is not able to penetrate the substrate behind the tiles


is hugely important. The British Standard says that for wet areas, such as showers, tanking of the substrate may be reuired, using either a membrane or paint-on system. ccording to the manufacturers of bespoke PS etruded polystyrene backer board systems, only the oints between their boards need to be taped, since PS is itself  waterproof. Bathrooms increasingly feature underoor heating systems  nowadays, as knowledge of the benefits and ease with which  can be installed has deeloped. ndustry estimates indicate that the market has been irtually doubling annually in recent years. t is not difficult to appreciate why this is the case, since  proides a cost-effectie, comfortable and unobtrusive heating solution. ts use enables building designers to meet modern energy efficiency regulations, reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and allowing for the implementation of contemporary design concepts. Self-builders may also look at underoor heating as a point of difference and a good SP on the resale market. The use of  with tiling transforms what was traditionally iewed as a rigid and cold surface, into a warm and welcoming enironment.  installations can also be tied to renewable energy sources, because of


the lower running temperatures of the technology, and this concept appeals to consumers who aspire to a zero carbon house, as well as those who ust want to reduce their fuel bills. t therefore seems certain that the  will continue to grow in importance.


more prealent in smaller installations of less than  m


lectric matting systems tend to be , such as bathrooms, and


they are less disruptie to install, but they are more epensie to run, maybe by  to .


The installation of such systems, particularly wet systems, is not always problem-free, and care should be taken to ensure they are installed according to British Standards. nother area of concern when installing a tiled surface is slip resistance. Slipping is the single most common cause of inury in the , comprising  of all inuries. Ceramic tiles are not inherently slippery when clean and dry, but the slip resistance of any type of oor coering can significantly drop if it becomes contaminated by any form of lubricant, such as water or dust, depending upon the oors surface teture and footwear used. Retailers should be able to advise on which oor tiles offer the best slip resistance, and which are most suitable for use in the bathroom.


Ensuring that moisture is not able to penetrate the substrate behind the tiles is hugely important mar/apr 2023


www.sbhonline.co.uk 63


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