Why should tiles be acclimated before installation?

Tiles should be acclimated before installation primarily to minimize expansion or contraction due to temperature and humidity changes. When tiles are produced, they often contain moisture, and once they are brought into a new environment, they can absorb or lose moisture based on the surrounding conditions. This can lead to dimensional changes in the tiles once they are installed, resulting in issues such as cracking, uneven surfaces, and gaps between tiles.

Allowing the tiles to acclimate in the space where they will be installed ensures that they reach a stable condition in terms of moisture content, effectively preventing problems related to thermal and moisture-induced expansion or contraction after installation. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity and appearance of the tiled surface over time.

The other options do not address the essential purpose of acclimation in terms of the physical properties of the tiles. Enhancing color, pre-adhering tiles, or matching colors with adjacent walls are not influenced by the acclimation process and, therefore, do not serve the same critical functionality as minimizing dimensional changes.