Professional Painting Contractor Dynamic Painting Systems LLC Port Orange FL

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Ceramic Tile
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As a homeowner you know a lot of hard work goes into making the kitchen and bathroom the best they can be. When you are searching for a flooring material for these areas that combines strength and durability with timeless good looks, it's hard to beat all the virtues of ceramic tile. Sometimes if single tile on your kitchen or bathroom wall breaks it can make the whole room look completely unsightly. Our ceramics section includes information on how to replace tile using a few simple steps. In addition, there are several ceramic cleaning, style, and installation tips.

Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials that have been subjected to heat treatment. Material used is clay that contains a large amount of silicates. Tiles used in the home are set in a thin plaster-like substance called grout.

Tile may be purchased glazed or unglazed. If it has been glazed, it will be much easier to keep clean. Seal mortar between tiles  Vacuum regularly, and occasionally damp mop with plain water to remove soil. Occasionally for heavier soil use a mild detergent solution, rinse well, and wipe dry for more shine.

Ceramic Tile Selection

Selecting the proper type of ceramic tile for your project is probably the most important installation decision you will make. Here are some tips to help you in your purchase:

 
bulletSelect a ceramic tile that is relatively smooth and has straight, flush edges. This will make your grouting job a whole lot easier.
bulletUse 8" x 8" or smaller sized tiles on walls and countertops. For floors use 14" x 14" or smaller tiles.
bulletCeramic tiles with bright reflective surfaces (bright glaze finish) are not recommended for floors as they can pose a slip hazard and have poor abrasive resistance.

PEI Ratings

Although there are no industry standards, most ceramic tile is rated for use by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) abrasion test and is recommended by the American Society Testing Materials (ASTM). PEI ratings measure the wear resistance of the tile surface.

bulletClass 1 - No Foot Traffic:
Ceramic tile suggested for interior residential and commercial wall applications only.
bulletClass 2 - Light Traffic:
Ceramic tile suggested for interior residential and commercial wall applications and for residential bathroom floor applications only.
bulletClass 3 - Light to Moderate Traffic:
Ceramic tile suggested for residential floor, countertop, and wall applications.
bulletClass 4 - Moderate to Heavy Traffic:
Ceramic tile suggested for residential, medium commercial and light institutional floor and wall applications.
bulletClass 5+ - Heavy to Extra Heavy Traffic:
Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floor and wall applications subjected to heavy to extra heavy traffic.

Acceptable Outdoor Tile Types

Ceramic tile installed in exterior locations must be able to withstand freeze/thaw conditions meaning they should have an absorption rating of 3% or less. These types of tiles are usually very dense, have greater impact resistance, and increased breaking strength. Install them using a premium quality, latex modified thinset mortar.

bulletVitrified, ceramic tiles having an absorption rating between 0.5 - 3%.
bulletImpervious (Porcelain), ceramic tiles having an absorption rating between 0.0 - 0.5%.

If price is a factor in your decision to purchase ceramic tile, contact your local tile wholeseller/distributor. Nearly all will have deals on discontinued and overstocked ceramic tiles and unlike your local home improvement store they can answer detailed questions regarding your tile project.

 

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Last modified: September 05, 2010