Crosses for tiles - perfect result

When laying tiles it is very important that the space between the tiles be the same. A discrepancy of 1-2 mm may affect the quality and appearance of the laid material. Because to create smooth seams, use special crosses for tiles. They allow you to withstand the pressure between the fragments of the tile and do not interfere with the penetration of the binder solution.

What is it and how does it apply?

Crosses for tiles have a cross-shaped shape, so they got their name. They are made of plastic. The absence of impurities in the composition of the material makes it possible to give the products a uniform smooth surface without inclusions and barbs. Absolute precision of the corners of the corners ensures perfectly smooth seams when laying tiles.

How to choose crosses

Considering how much it costs to put the tile, the desire to lay tiles on the floor or the wall on its own does not surprise anyone. To do this, it is sufficient to have some skills and understand the quality and characteristics of the material used. With regard to the supporting material in question, its use is both mandatory for laying tiles both on the floor and in wall finishing . And to choose crosses it is necessary, proceeding from the sizes of a finishing tile. The smaller the dimensions of the elements of the tile, the thinner the shapes used. Perhaps, this is the only rule that must be observed when acquiring crosses for tiles. Since the interlace joint also performs a decorative function, it is necessary to estimate in advance the appearance of the supposed intermediate space between the tiles. Given the range of proposed crosses, it will not be difficult. Manufacturers offer products ranging in size from 1.5 mm to 10 mm.

When choosing crosses for tiles, preference should be given to products with the same profile on both sides. The importance of this moment you will appreciate only when you have to pick out plastic crosses from the "embrace" of dried glue. To facilitate this process, during the work of the cross must be placed with the same side.

How to use crosses

There are two options for use. The first one is used for laying ceramic granite tiles, because it is characterized by a lack of chamfer and strict compliance with the size. Here crosses are inserted between the four tiles. This method is not suitable, if the finishing material has any irregularities.

The second method assumes the location of the crosses on the horizontal and vertical part. And they are inserted into the intertile stitches by the rib. This arrangement allows you to correct the alleged distortions and unevenness of the seam.

The crosses are taken out the very next day after the tiling. It is necessary to make sure that the binder solution has seized.

Cross for laying tiles

Recently, crosses for laying tiles are replaced with a special cross, which changes its shape when heated. From the usual products it differs in that it is made of metal. The cross is used as follows. Cement mortar is applied to the wall or floor. Between the tiles is installed a cross-shaped metal mold, all four corners are pressed tightly to the template. After solidifying the cement slurry, the cross-shaped product is heated with a hot object (for example, a soldering iron). As a result, the cross beams acquire an arcuate appearance and are easily removed from the grooves between the tiles. It is noteworthy that, after cooling, the crosspiece acquires the original shape, which makes it possible to reusable the product.