Before we delve into its usage for tile installation, let’s first understand what a spirit level is. Also known as a bubble level or a carpenter’s level, a spirit level is a handheld tool used to check whether a surface or object is leveled accurately. It consists of a long rectangular-shaped plastic, wooden, or metal tube filled with liquid, often colored yellow or green, with an air bubble trapped inside. The tube is mounted on a straight edge called a stock, which can be held against a surface to determine its levelness.
The purpose of a spirit level
The primary purpose of a spirit level is to achieve a level condition on a flat surface. It helps in aligning objects or materials, ensuring that they are perfectly horizontal or vertical, depending on the user’s requirements. Spirit levels are commonly used in construction, carpentry, engineering, and other fields where accurate leveling is essential.
Using a spirit level for tile installation
When it comes to installing tiles on a floor, ensuring a level surface is crucial for a professional and long-lasting finish. Spirit levels can be a useful tool during this process, although they have limitations when used in isolation.
Preparing the floor
Before using a spirit level to install tiles, it is essential to prepare the floor properly. Any bumps, dents, or unevenness should be rectified using suitable materials or techniques, such as self-leveling compounds or floor grinding. A spirit level should not be solely relied upon to correct major irregularities in the flooring.
Checking the floor level
Once the floor has been adequately prepared, a spirit level can be used to check the levelness of the surface. Begin by placing the level at various points across the floor and checking the bubble’s position in the tube. If the bubble sits perfectly between the lines, the surface is considered level. If it does not, adjustments can be made by adding or removing materials to achieve a level condition.
Limitations of a spirit level
While a spirit level is a useful tool for general leveling purposes, it does have limitations when it comes to tile installation on a floor. Tiles need to be installed on a perfectly level surface, but a spirit level may not detect slight unevenness or variations between different sections of the floor. It may only indicate if an area is generally level but cannot pinpoint localized variations.
Using additional leveling tools
To achieve the most accurate and level tile installation, it is recommended to use additional tools specifically designed for this purpose, such as a laser level or a tile leveling system. Laser levels emit a laser beam that can be used to create a perfectly level reference line across the floor, eliminating any guesswork. Tile leveling systems, on the other hand, are designed to ensure an even and flat surface by using clips and wedges to align and level each tile as it is laid.
While a spirit level can provide a general indication of whether a floor surface is level, it may not be sufficient for achieving the precision required when installing tiles. A professional and flawless tile installation typically requires the use of additional leveling tools such as laser levels or tile leveling systems. These tools provide more accurate and reliable results and greatly assist in creating a perfectly level and aesthetically pleasing tile floor.