Saturday, November 14, 2015

Discover The Advantages Of Using Ceramic Tile In Your Home

By Mattie Knight


Whether you are building a home or planning a renovation in San Francisco, CA choosing the right construction materials is one of the first decisions you will have to make. You want to make sure you select the right material for the application. Ceramic tile has many advantages if your project involves installing new countertops, renovating a bathroom, or laying down new flooring.

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.

Ceramic is an easy material to maintain, making it a good option for households with pets and small children. It is less expensive than marble, granite, and other natural stone materials. It is also lightweight enough to use on a second story. Weight is often an issue in older buildings. Kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, entryways, and other high traffic areas are good places to use ceramic floor tiles.

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.

Ceramic is very durable but broken or cracked tiles are relatively easy to replace without having to reinstall the entire floor. When purchasing materials, order more than you need, so you can have extras in reserve. This will save you from having to pay extra to have a tile company to manufacture pieces that match in size and color.

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.

Regular maintenance, regardless of the application, will eliminate the build-up of grease, detergents, and dirt, which can make the surface slippery. If floor tiles are treated with a slip resistant agent, homeowners should avoid using detergents containing oil and wax cleaners to keep the no-slip properties intact. Using the cleaner recommended by the manufacturer will yield the best results.

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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