Garage Flooring
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Before we even start it is important to note that every brand has their own information and you should rely on the manufacturer of the tile you intend to use.
Questions from Previous Thread
1. How much room should be left for expansion? I personally would suggest 1/2" gap at every wall and the garage door as well as around any cabinets, shelf legs, etc.
2. How long does the tile need to sit in the sun? As I mentioned in my article I do not believe this to be a silver bullet but I do believe it helps. There is not a simple answer as it depends on the sun etc. I would put it out in the hottest part of the day for a couple of hours at least. Get it as much exposure and warmth as you can, but get it installed before it starts to cool off.
3. Does every piece of tile need to be removed from the box and put in the sun? That is the best case, yes.
4. How long should I wait until I move the heavy stuff back into the garage (tool boxes, workbenches etc.)? For best results get it back in while the floor is still expanded.
Is there anything other than the above that I need to think of? Tile selection is important. My personal preference would be the TrueLock Plus Ribbed or Swisstrax Ribtrax as the product is capable of containing most of the expansion within the tile itself. If you are opposed to an open tile, I would suggest the use of an expansion joint, especially on south and west facing garages.
One of my garages faces south. The other faces east. I want the ability to leave the garages open when I want to. The southern facing garage will also have a 4-post lift installed in it next month. Obviously I would work the tile around the 4 post lift leaving the gaps mentioned above. The south facing garage and the door open is, to be honest, about the most likely case for a problem. You really need to consider the rib tiles.
Any advice other than the questions asked above would be great. I'm starting my project on Saturday! Take your time and place a phone call to the manufacturer of the tile you purchased. Make sure you have an answer from them on all of these questions.
Questions from Previous Thread
1. How much room should be left for expansion? I personally would suggest 1/2" gap at every wall and the garage door as well as around any cabinets, shelf legs, etc.
2. How long does the tile need to sit in the sun? As I mentioned in my article I do not believe this to be a silver bullet but I do believe it helps. There is not a simple answer as it depends on the sun etc. I would put it out in the hottest part of the day for a couple of hours at least. Get it as much exposure and warmth as you can, but get it installed before it starts to cool off.
3. Does every piece of tile need to be removed from the box and put in the sun? That is the best case, yes.
4. How long should I wait until I move the heavy stuff back into the garage (tool boxes, workbenches etc.)? For best results get it back in while the floor is still expanded.
Is there anything other than the above that I need to think of? Tile selection is important. My personal preference would be the TrueLock Plus Ribbed or Swisstrax Ribtrax as the product is capable of containing most of the expansion within the tile itself. If you are opposed to an open tile, I would suggest the use of an expansion joint, especially on south and west facing garages.
One of my garages faces south. The other faces east. I want the ability to leave the garages open when I want to. The southern facing garage will also have a 4-post lift installed in it next month. Obviously I would work the tile around the 4 post lift leaving the gaps mentioned above. The south facing garage and the door open is, to be honest, about the most likely case for a problem. You really need to consider the rib tiles.
Any advice other than the questions asked above would be great. I'm starting my project on Saturday! Take your time and place a phone call to the manufacturer of the tile you purchased. Make sure you have an answer from them on all of these questions.
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