Many peoples are curious; why do tiles need to be soaked in water? Let’s take a look at it together.

  Question 1: Why do tiles need to be soaked in water?

It is similar to the watering principle of red bricks for building houses in the past to avoid too much water absorption in the cement mortar. However, it results in the tiles’ deformation and hollowing, so it needs to be soaked in water and then paved. Whether it soaks in water or not is only determined by the characteristics of the tile and has nothing to do with the quality of the tile itself. For example, suppose the tiles that need to soak water direct laid without soaking in water. In that case, the tiles will absorb a large amount of water from the cement mortar, and some voids will appear during the solidification process of the cement mortar, which is tiles hollow. Soaking in water prevents the tiles from absorbing the moisture of the cement mortar, causing hollowing and falling off. Tiles will be more or less porous, which is normal. And soaking in water before laying allows the pores to absorb moisture fully.

   Question 2: Which tiles should soak in water?

In terms of the water absorption rate of the tiles, the water absorption rate of the tiles is low, so there is no need to soak in water when paving. In contrast, the glazed wall tiles and floor tiles for kitchen and bathroom use generally have a relatively large water absorption rate; It is necessary to soak them when laying. But, of course, if it is a tile with low water absorption, it is no need to soak.

  Question 3: How to soak the tiles in water?

Since it says “soaked in water,” then the tiles must be fully immersed in water. So, generally, the construction party will prepare a large basin. However, pouring water on them with water pipes cannot make the tiles fully “saturated.” As a result, various problems are likely to occur after laying.

  Question 4: How long does it take for tiles to soak in water?

Since different tiles have different water absorption rates, there is no specific standard. But the result is that the tile “drinks” the water until it stops bubbling. The higher the water absorption rate, the longer it will soak. In rainy weather, because the air is relatively humid, the time will be shortened, and when the hot summer weather is dry, the time will increase accordingly.

  Question 5: What are the precautions for tiles soaking in water?

After the tiles soak in water, the colour will darken compared with brand new tiles; the colour looks different. So when everyone is laying tiles, use a few pieces to absorb a few pieces, don’t soak them all at once. Otherwise, it will be a waste if you can’t return later.