Tile features and benefits
The natural properties of porcelain & ceramic tiles make them the best flooring choice for areas where liquids, stains, sun or sharp objects may attack the floor. It also wears very well in heavy traffic. The following properties of tile can benefit you in many ways:
- Hard surface and sub-surface: Tile is durable under all conditions of people traffic, fixtures, and furniture, but could crack under heavy machinery.
- Resists abrasion and scuffing by heavy or sharp objects: Tile won’t chip or crack under normal residential and office conditions.
- Non-combustible: Tile is completely fireproof.
- Non-porous, glazed surface: Moisture does not affect it. Tile cannot absorb water, liquids, smoke, or odors. It won’t stain, mildew, or burn. Therefore, ideal for kitchens and restrooms. Glazed tiles are stain-proof. Non-glazed tiles are stain-resistant.
- Emits no potentially harmful fumes: Use where conditions must be antiseptic, or air must be toxic-free. Fumes, smoke, soil or microorganisms cannot penetrate the surface.
- Color permanent, and sun-fade resistant: Colors are permanent. They last longer in sunlight than colors in other floorings.
- Non-porous surface doesn’t change over years of wear: Easy maintenance – never needs waxing, buffing or refinishing.
- Will stand wear for many years: Save on frequent installations. Tile has a low long-term cost.
- Practically unlimited designs, sizes, and options: You can mix or match nearly any décor. It increases the value of the consumer’s house.
- It won’t shrink or expand: Can be set where temperature range from extreme cold to extreme heat.
Expectations
Ceramic tile is a kiln-fired, natural clay product and is subject to shade variation. Shading is normal. Trim pieces can be off-shade from field tile.
"Crazing" is the appearance of fine surface lines on glazed tile. It does not cause separation or cracking of the entire tile. Crazing is caused by aging, heating, and cooling. Since tile is a natural product and reacts to its environment, this is considered a natural process and part of the beauty of ceramic tile.
Scratching: Most tile used on countertops and vanities is glazed, matte or gloss and resists scratching. The surface of tile is fired to high-density, so it can be scratched by metal, leaving marks on the tile surface. Use care while using metal cookware/tools. Scratches appear more visible on a high gloss finish (as opposed to matte), and on primary or deep shaded colors.
Grout: Normal settling will cause some cracking of the grout, particularly in corners and edges. Use fill immediately to eliminate dirt build-up and discoloration. Sealing is recommended about thirty days after the grout is laid. It needs time to cure.
"Crazing" is the appearance of fine surface lines on glazed tile. It does not cause separation or cracking of the entire tile. Crazing is caused by aging, heating, and cooling. Since tile is a natural product and reacts to its environment, this is considered a natural process and part of the beauty of ceramic tile.
Scratching: Most tile used on countertops and vanities is glazed, matte or gloss and resists scratching. The surface of tile is fired to high-density, so it can be scratched by metal, leaving marks on the tile surface. Use care while using metal cookware/tools. Scratches appear more visible on a high gloss finish (as opposed to matte), and on primary or deep shaded colors.
Grout: Normal settling will cause some cracking of the grout, particularly in corners and edges. Use fill immediately to eliminate dirt build-up and discoloration. Sealing is recommended about thirty days after the grout is laid. It needs time to cure.
