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Friday, November 20, 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.

The raw materials used to make these tiles are minerals, clay, and water. The manufacturing process involves mixing these materials and exposing each tile to extremely high temperatures. Some tiles are glazed, meaning they are reheated after applying a liquid glass to the surface. The result is a scratch and stain resistant material that is extremely durable.

Ceramic flooring tile is suitable for all areas that receive heavy foot traffic. This includes hallways, living rooms, and kitchens. It is more cost-effective than granite or marble and much easier to maintain, so this is a great option for households with children and pets. It is also lighter than natural stone, so it is suitable for use on upper story floors.

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.




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