The choice of ceramic tiles

Among the positive qualities of ceramic tiles, its practicality and duration of operation should be noted. In addition, the tile has an attractive appearance, easily washes and does not require special care. We will talk about how to choose high -quality ceramic tiles.

Table of contents:

1. Ceramic tiles - features and advantages of the material
2. Ceramic tiles - photos and varieties
3. Ceramic tiles design and material characteristic
4. How to choose and buy ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles - features and advantages of the material

Among the positive characteristics of ceramic tiles, they highlight:

1. High fire safety level.

If you lay the tiles on the balcony or in the room in which the smokers are located, then an accidentally fallen ash will not lead to its fire, since the material is practically not succumbing to combustion.

2. Good properties of antistaticity.

This finishing material is capable of conducting electric current through itself, but electricity does not accumulate in itself. Special varieties of ceramic tiles are used for flooring in the hospital.

3. Environmental safety.

There are no various kinds of harmful substances in ceramic tiles, it is harmless to human health. In addition, due to the high density of the structure of the tile itself, it is not able to accumulate various kinds of microorganisms, ticks, bacteria.

4. Hygiene and ease of care.

After using ceramic tiles for its intended purpose, it is processed in a special way and undergo disposal. In addition, bacteria do not accumulate on the surface of the tiles.

5. Moisture resistance and variety of colors.

Ceramic tiles will be an excellent floor or wall option in the bathroom or in the kitchen, since an increased humidity level is not able to spoil its appearance.

In addition, ceramic tiles are distinguished by a long service life, and therefore, having installed it once, for decades you can not worry about repairs. The tile does not lose its color under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, it differs in a variety of colors and drawings, even an option for applying photo printing on the surface of the tiles is possible.

6. Resistance before wear.

This quality makes ceramic tiles a popular option for flooring. Since the material is resistant to various kinds of chemicals, spots are not formed on it, for example, after spilling wine.

7. Resistance before mechanical damage.

This quality avoids the appearance on the surface of tiles of various kinds of scratches, chips and cracks. On the floor on which ceramic tiles are located, you can walk even in heels, in addition, it is able to withstand the large pressure of heavy structures.

8. Frost resistance.

This quality allows you to install tiles both inside and outside the room. A great option is to cover the facade with tiles or its installation on the balcony.

Good thermal conductivity of ceramic tiles contributes to its use in the underfloor system.

Therefore, evaluating all the advantages of this finishing material and comparing it with an accessible cost of ceramic tiles, it has a fairly wide scope of use and is quite often used in construction work.

Ceramic tiles - photos and varieties

In relation to the method of manufacturing ceramic tiles, several of its varieties are distinguished. First of all, the tile varies in the type of material used in its production:

• ceramic tiles based on white clay;
• Ceramic tiles made of red clay.

In addition, the plate is distinguished in structure:

• incorrect;
• Porous option.

The first option is used when facing floors, both during external and interior decoration. The main advantage of such tiles is its high resistance over mechanical influences and loads.

In the second version, in the process of manufacturing the material, substances that increase its shrinkage are added to the mixture, so the structure of the tile is low. This tile is used in the process of wall decoration, both inside and outside the building. It is unstable before mechanical loads and its cost is an order of magnitude lower than that of dense tiles.

In relation to the appearance of the tile, it happens:

• standard;
• With the presence of glazed coating.

In the ratio with the materials from which it is made by ceramic tiles: it happens:

1. Porcelain.

It is also called porcelain tile or gres. The surface of this tile has a high density and resembles glass. This material does not need glaze. In addition, tiles are highly resistant to mechanical damage. She does not delay dirt and is easy to care for herself.

2. Porcelain stoneware.

The most important feature of ceramic granite is its resistance to various kinds of changes. This material has the highest technical characteristics, especially in the field of strength. Matte -type porcelain stoneware is higher than polished materials. It is great for finishing steps or sites located on the street with a high operational load.

Porcelain tile is stable before changes in the temperature regime. The duration of its operation is much higher than in natural stone. In addition, another advantage of porcelain tile is its resistance over moisture, this is explained by its dense structure.

3. Flapped by pressure of the tile.

This type of tile has a low porous structure, and therefore it is used in places that are predisposed to a high operational load. In addition, this version of the tile is distinguished by the presence of a thick layer of glaze that protects the tile from destruction.

4. Tiles that lends itself to a two -fold firing.

This version of the tile is of higher quality, but the cost of the material is also decent. This is due to the complexity of the process of manufacturing tiles. Due to the fact that the tile is burned twice, its surface becomes more smooth and shiny.

5. Clinker option.

For the manufacture of this kind of tiles, clay with a heterogeneous texture is used, in addition, substances are added to it in the form of chamotte, various kinds of dyes. In the process of manufacturing, the mixture is placed in a special shape and fired, a layer of glaze is not applied to the tile. The material is characterized by a structure with low porosity, stability before chemicals and high loads. In the process of laying the tiles, you should leave a large gap, as it gives a rather big shrinkage.

6. Tile ceramic floor Cotto.

This version of the tile is quite common in the process of flooring. The surface, after laying the tiles, acquires a relief structure.

Ceramic tiles design and material characteristic

1. The characteristics of the strength of ceramic tiles are more than 250 mega Pa. In addition, high stiffness indicators prevent the destruction of the material under the influence of a large load.

2. Resistance to the spread of fire and fire makes the tile with common material during the decoration of fireplaces and stoves.

3. The characteristic of thermal conductivity allows the tile to quickly heat up and give heat.

4. Resistance to ultravioletus guarantees the tile to preserve the presentability of its appearance for many years.

5. Resistance before chemical components prevents the destruction of tiles. However, keep in mind that ceramic tiles do not tolerate fluoride-hydrogen acid. There are about five classes of chemical resistance of the tile, the choice of a particular material directly depends on the scope of use and the installation site of the tile.

6. The use of tiles for decoration of walls and floor in the hospital, and especially in the operating room, is explained by its ability not to accumulate dirt and bacteria.

7. Five groups of ceramic tiles are also distinguished, according to its wear resistance. In the ratio with the class of wear resistance, tiles are selected for installation on the street or indoor, on the walls or on the floor.

8. Another important parameter of choosing ceramic tiles is the characteristic of its moisture absorption. This parameter is calculated as a percentage. The less moisture the tile absorbs, the higher the characteristics of frost resistance it are present. For decoration of walls or floor outside the room, we recommend choosing tiles with high stability before moisture, the same applies to the decoration of pools, baths or saunas. Otherwise, during interior decoration, this characteristic is not particularly important.

9. The appearance of the tile is also an important indicator of its quality. Since the shape of the tile should be perfectly flat, there should not be cavities or tubercles and other kinds of deformations. In the presence of glazed coating, it should be even and without subtexts.

In addition, two such indicators are distinguished in ceramic tiles, in the form of tone and caliber. The first option is a determinant of the color and tonality of tiles. In the manufacture of a large number of tiles, it is very difficult to get from the perfect coincidence in color, therefore, before the tile is prepared for sale, it undergoes sorting in a ratio with color. Each packaging of tiles has an indicator of tone, which is most often indicated by Latin letters of the alphabet.

The actual size of the tile is the second value - caliber. In accordance with technological reasons, it is impossible to achieve perfectly even and the same tile. Therefore, it is also sorted in the ratio of ceramic tile in size.

Therefore, choosing tiles, first of all, one should focus on the type of caliber and tone that are indicated on the packaging. In addition, take the material with a margin, since it is not always possible to find a tile of the desired color and size.

10. Another respectful property of tiles is its resistance before cracking. If small cracks are found during visual inspection of the tiles, it is not worth buying it, since moisture will accumulate in them and the tile will be unhygienic due to propagation in the humid environment of mold and bacteria. In the ratio with international standards, the tile is spilled in variety, the material of the first grade has a red designation, the second - blue and the third - green.

11. The presence of an anti -slip coating is especially important if the tile is installed on the floor or on the stairs. To determine this parameter, the coefficient of tile friction should be measured. When choosing tiles for the floor, consider this factor to avoid injuries.

How to choose and buy ceramic tiles

Before choosing ceramic tiles, it is necessary to calculate the surface area on which it will be laid. The amount of material that should be drunk depends on this. Keep in mind that we recommend taking a tile with a margin of 10-15 %to compensate for joints, cutting or marriage of tiles. Since the second time, buying tiles from the same batch in the same store does not always work.

Tiles with large size are suitable for spacious rooms, as it visually reduces the space. The small size of the tile, on the contrary, helps to increase the room and is great for small rooms.

If the tile has a rectangular shape, then its smaller side in a vertical position can reduce the room, and the large side in the same position increases the room.

Buying tiles with brilliance helps to increase the space, as it reflects light. When buying ceramic tiles for the bathroom, you should give preference to the tiles with moisture -pushing properties. Since other materials will spoil under the constant influence of moisture.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen should be wear -resistant and also moisture -pushing, since the constant accumulation of steam leads to the formation of condensation that falls on the tile.

Among the fairly common tile options, ceramic nephritis tiles should be noted. It has a long service life and good technical characteristics. The high cost of ceramic tiles of Italy, however, the appearance of such a coating is chic and presentable.

Do not choose glossy tile options for the floor in the bathroom, as it can injure a person due to a high level of slippery. When choosing the color of the tile, compare it with the main details in the interior, with the amount of light. It is allowed to install dark tiles, if there are one or two windows in the room. Light tones are suitable for dim and small rooms.

For additional decoration of the tiles, borders are used, cantes separating the rows of plain tiles among themselves. If the tile is installed on the floor and on the ceiling try to harmoniously combine each other in the color palette.

During the purchase of tiles, check all its boxes for the ratio between parties and flowers. In addition, we recommend checking the tile for evenness, the presence of defects or damaged parts.