To ensure the quality and effectiveness of the bond—and to prevent issues such as hollow spots or a loss of adhesion between the cement and the tile—ceramic tile corner guards are typically soaked in water before installation. Let us examine the reasons for this practice:
1. Ceramic tile corner guards are absorbent; soaking them ensures they do not draw moisture out of the cement mortar during installation, thereby guaranteeing a high-quality bond.
2. Soaking primarily prevents the guard from absorbing water from the cement paste, which would otherwise lead to hollow spots at the corner installation site.
3. Allowing the corner guard to fully absorb water before mounting it to the wall prevents hollow spots from forming. Conversely, if the guard is not soaked—or is soaked for an insufficient amount of time—the dry material will draw moisture out of the cement. This compromises the bond between the cement and the tile, potentially causing the tile to detach.
In summary, there are three main reasons for soaking ceramic tile corner guards before use: doing so not only ensures better protection against damage but also extends the product’s service life.