Thursday, November 19, 2015

What Consumers Should Know About Ceramic Tile

By Mattie Knight


Choosing the right construction material for any home improvement project is challenging. Tile is suitable for a variety of projects. If you live in San Francisco, CA and you are installing a new floor, shower, or countertop, ceramic tile offers multiple benefits when it comes to installation, durability, and maintenance.

Ceramic is made with water, minerals and clay. The mixture is then fired at high temperatures. Glazing involves treating the fired tile with a liquid glass solution and exposing it to high temperatures a second time. This creates a surface that is resistant to stains and scratches.

This type of tile offers an attractive finish that is less expensive than natural stone such as granite or marble. It works well in hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. This material is lighter than stone, so it may be used in second floor rooms without worrying if there is ample support. If you have a pet or small children, ceramic is a good option because it is easy to maintain.

Ceramic is resistant to water but grout lines can cause problems when used in the kitchen or bathroom because the material is porous. You should wipe up any liquid that can cause staining immediately to avoid grout discoloration. One way to reduce problems with mildew or mold growing on the grout is to use small tiles and thin grout lines.

When you buy materials for your project, you should always purchase more tiles than you actually need. This will come in handy in the future if you ever need to replace cracked, chipped, or broken tiles. You can easily replace a single tile saving the expense of installing a new floor. Some tile manufactures can make matching tiles, but the process is expensive.

You must use water resistant adhesive if you installing these tiles in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. This keeps the tiles firmly in place even if they get wet. The material expands and contracts with air pressure and temperature changes. By installing the grout properly, you can avoid damage to individual tiles caused by contraction and expansion of the material

Some homeowners do not like the idea of having an uneven kitchen countertop, but these tiles are suitable for this application because they resist heat and stains. Using an epoxy or acrylic grout will help prevent staining from foods and liquids. To protect the glossy finish, you should avoid scrubbing too aggressively when cleaning.

Use a cleaning agent that matches the manufacturer's recommendations. This is especially important if your floor tiles are treated to resist slipping. Detergents containing oil or cleansers made with wax can cause deterioration of the non-slip coating. Failing to maintain ceramic regularly will cause a build-up of debris and grease, which makes them slippery.

These tiles offer nearly endless ways to enhance any interior design. They are more affordable than other types of tile and come in a vast array of designs, colors, and styles. You can opt for solid colors for a conservative look or mix multiple colors to come up with creative designs that are unique.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment