|
General Aspects and Features of Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tile is quite brittle before it is installed,
however after it is installed it is a permanent fixture of your
construction and, therefore, will not crack or chip unless it is struck
with a heavy object.
Ceramic tile has the capacity to last the lifetime of your home if it is
maintained correctly. For example, keep the tile free of grit, sand and
other such debris.
There is a distinct difference between glazed and unglazed tiles. Glazed
tiles have a coating of liquid glass baked into the surface of the clay.
This glaze provides the tile with numerous colors, shades and designs;
it also does not stain or fade. Unglazed tiles are quite the same as
glazed, but their surface is not coated. The color of the unglazed tiles
extends throughout the tile, therefore, they do not show their wear.
This makes them perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic.
Unglazed tiles are resistant to frost and are best suited for outdoor
use. In fact, only use tiles that are slip-resistant outdoors in such
places as patios, around walkways, pool decks, etc. Glazed tiles may be
used on vertical surfaces, such as walls, when installed outdoors.
Hard surfaces such as wood, vinyl or tile will be slippery if the
surfaces get wet. However, there are quite a few tiles that contain
surfaces which are slip-resistant. These tiles are mostly the abrasive
type, which will also be more difficult to maintain because of their
abrasiveness. If you want a nice looking tile around areas that become
wet, use a mat on those areas.
Do not wax glazed tile. Its purpose is to provide a maintenance-free
floor (as well as providing a nice appearance). Use a mild detergent and
warm water, followed by a clean rinse to clean your tile.
Also, do not use a sealer on ceramic tiles as they are already
stain-proof. You could apply a penetrating sealer on unglazed tile. The
sealer is invisible and stain resistant and provides a shield for the
tile that is absorbed into the tile's surface. Do not use a surface
sealer as it will wear unevenly and you will need to constantly touch it
up in the areas that have a lot of foot traffic.
Many people think that ceramic tile will be cold on their bare feet,
however, that is not true. Ceramic tile absorbs heat and cold because it
is a thermal product. The tile will actually stay cool in summer and
warm in winter.
Resource Links
Flooring ¤
Home related ¤
Interior designs
|
