Can Brick Walls be Tiled?

A Brick Wall gives a house a more rustic appearance, and many homeowners find brick to be an appealing decorative accent. However, if you are willing to alter the appearance of your home, brick removal is a laborious and costly process. Paint can alter the appearance of a brick wall, but it remains a brick. Tile could be used to cover the brick surface and give it a new look. As long as the brick wall in your home is structurally sound, you can use tile as a backsplash in the kitchen, around a fireplace, or on any brick wall.

Surface Preparation 

A brick wall must be solid and free of loose bricks before tiles can be installed. There is a possibility that the tiles will not adhere to the wall if this is not done. Proper surface preparation will guarantee a successful outcome. It is possible to remove loose mortar with a side grinder or a wire brush. The brick fireplace wall may have accumulated grime and soot. Wash the wall thoroughly before beginning your project to ensure a smooth surface for the thin-set to adhere to. Walling Bricks do not have a smooth surface. A layer of latex adhesive mixed with thin-set adhesive provides an acceptable tiling surface. The thin set must be smoothed into the mortar lines of the bricks with a flat trowel. After the first coat has dried, apply a second coat of thin-set for a finish that is more uniform.

Bricks Company UK

Setting Tiles

Laying your tiles out prior to installing your tiles. As you center the tiles, it will be easier to determine which tiles need to be cut to fit. After choosing a location, apply a thin layer of thin-set to a small portion of the Wall Bricks. In order to keep the predetermined pattern, insert spacers between the tiles. After the tiles have been positioned, apply the grout to them, pressing it into the grout lines. Wipe off any excess grout with a damp cloth as you go to keep the grout from drying on the tiles.

Considerations 

A straight, level line is helpful when deciding where to place wall tiles to level the entire wall. When installing tiles around a fireplace, take the time to draw a level line at the opening of the firebox. This area serves as the focal point of a fireplace, and an uneven row of tiles detracts from the beauty of the tiled wall. Nailing a board directly beneath the first row of tiles at the firebox opening provides a level starting point. After that, the tiles can rest on the board until they are set so that they won't fall down the wall. Take some time to determine where the decorative tiles will be placed in the design before beginning to set the tiles.

Options 

When tiling a bathroom's brick wall, special considerations are required. You are required to provide a dry surface. For a strong surface that resists moisture, you can use a cement-fiber board to attach it to the wall rather than smoothing the wall with a thin set. If the wall surrounds the shower or tub, leave a 1/8-inch gap between the tiles and the tub surround. After the tiling is finished, silicone caulk should be used to close the gap, allowing for expansion and keeping moisture out.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Home Renovation Tips: How to Lay Antique Bricks

Antique Bricks Will Enhance the Look of Your Yard

An Antique Brick Home's Pros and Cons