The phase “Tile Lippage” is used to describe the difference in height between the edges of installed tiles. If this is not paid attention to during installation it can result in damage to the tiles or a ridged surface that isn’t flat.
A damaged or uneven floor could be the cause of lippage when you’re laying floor tiles. To start with, you need to thoroughly examine the subfloor to make sure the surface is even. Using a leveller, put it in the middle of the room to see if the floor is slanted. If the boards are plywood or wood and are warping then they may need replacing. If its concrete surface with cracks or ripples then it may need repairing.
If you choose a tile with chamfered edges, lippage is less likely to occur when compared to tiles with regular straight edges. A tile with chamfered edges has a beveled rim, allowing one tile to fit against another smoothly.
When installing your tiles make sure that your tile adhesive is applied evenly and there is sufficient coverage. Apply the adhesive with a trowel, and spread it in horizontal and vertical directions to get an even covering. The instructions on your adhesive will instruct you, making sure that the material is spread correctly, as too much can cause tiles to tilt, creating lippage.
To securely hold tiles in place create grout joints. Thin grout lines may be visually appealing but then can cause lippage so we recommend joints no less than the minimum width of 3/32 inch.
Using a Tile levelling system
A tile levelling system interlocks your tiles meaning that the surface will remain flat while the adhesive dries. The interlocking design doesn’t only minimise the chance of lippage but also minimises the need to adjust the layer of adhesive during the installation process.
A tile levelling systems have three parts, the strips, the caps, and the pliers. These work together to prevent tiles from moving around while the adhesive layer is drying and therefore improves the smoothness of the surface.
When using a tile levelling system it is vital that the tiler works at a high level especially when it comes to mixing the adhesive and laying it as this will help prevent lippage. Tile levelling systems or anti-lippage systems are just an aid, not the complete solution.
It’s worth doing your research before buying a levelling system but some of the most popular with tile installers include ‘The Raimondi Tile Levelling System’ and ‘The Spin Doctor Tile Level System’.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us, a member of our team will happily answer any questions.
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