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Profile Issues for Tile & Stone Installations

Problem

Cause

Cure

Lippage between profile and adjacent flooring

Tile warpage

Ensure that all tile and floor flatness are within industry guidelines

Floor flatness, wall flatness / plumb deviations

In situ mock ups are suggested to ensure appropriate expectations for customers

Bow and/or twist of profile

Install on flat and even substrate

Incorrect tile installation method

Profile should be flush or up to 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) lower than the tile per manufacturer’s literature

Incorrect profile size/depth/height

Attend educational tile seminar for more tips

Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions

Tile cracking parallel to profile

Inadequate embedment of profile in tile assembly

Install profile and tile with sufficient mortar to create “sandwich” to fully support profile anchoring leg and tile

Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions

Etching and staining

Extended dwell time of thin-set/grout on profile

Remove mortar or grout residue from visible surfaces immediately

Dirty cleaning water

Take particular care with epoxy adhesives and grouts

Allowing cleaning water to remain on profile

Use fresh water to clean profiles

See problem: “Profile unsuitable for application”

End user should clean profiles periodically – consult manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance info

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NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

Chapter 1 | Pre- and Post-Installation Considerations