Tiles nowadays play a significant role in the construction industry and are used with many variations to enhance the interiors of different places.
Different tiles have their own pros and cons and functions to be suitable for applications, hence there is a lot to dig in about them.
This guide below will answer all your questions regarding tiles, their applications, and their pros and cons. So, let’s read below.
What are Tiles?
Tiles are flat and thin materials available in different shapes, which may comprise squares and rectangles, and they help cover the floors, ceilings, and walls.
The tiles are available in multiple colors, designs, layouts, and textures and tend to enhance the aesthetics of interior and exterior constructions. And if you buy the tile, i want to tell you some advantages and disadvantage when you install them.
Pros of Tiles
Some of the pros of installing tiles to construction-based projects, which may include residential and commercial ones, are as follows:
- Tiles are known for their durability; when installed and maintained properly, they can withstand heavy foot traffic and stress, making them suitable for all flooring.
- Tiles are versatile; many designs, colors, and shapes could be opted to create a contemporary interior.
- They are easy to maintain, and if you carry out a basic daily cleaning, they stay intact and sparkling clean for years and years.
Cons of Tiles
Along with the pros, some cons are associated with the tiles, which should be considered when installing them.
- One of the significant drawbacks of tiles is that they offer a hard and colder surface, and during winter, walking on them could be challenging.
- Tiles may crack or chip off in case of a heavy impact. Although durable, some tiles are vulnerable to chipping off when subjected to pressure.
- The cost of installing tiles is also very high, followed by the cost of tiles too, but since it offers a long-lasting solution or flooring that looks appealing, the price could be justified.
- Some tiles have a slippery surface, and it is essential to ensure that areas subjected to moisture must not have glossy tiles but rather matte ones.
Click here to read more: What is Fully Glazed Polished Porcelain Tile.
How to install the tiles?
The installation process of tiles is quite simple, but to ensure that the outcome is up to the mark, it is essential to choose a professional to do the job. However, the vital steps involved in installation are as follows:
- Before the installation process, it is essential to prepare the surface; for this, the base should be even. The surface needs to be clean, leveled, and primed perfectly.
- An adhesive ensures that the tiles are appropriately fixed on the surface; there are different kinds of adhesives for this. The thin-set mortar is one of the common adhesives, mastic is also used to install tiles in spaces free from moisture, and epoxy adhesives are used to install heavy tiles.
- Once the tiles have been set and the adhesive has dried up, the spaces between the tiles are filled with the grout to ensure no moisture or debris penetrates the gaps.
You can click here to know how to install the roof tiles.
What are the types of tiles?
Different types of tiles are to be chosen, each with pros, cons, and application properties. Some of these commonly used tiles are discussed below:
1. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are also made with clay, but they have a refined version of clay as compared to ceramic tiles, and it also contains different minerals, which make it a less porous tile.
The porcelain tiles offer a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 percent; hence, they are suitable for outdoor applications. They are even more durable, and due to the denser texture, they are hard and even resist wear and tear.
Pros of Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are highly durable and resistant to chipping off and wear and tear. They are ideal to be used in areas subjected to moisture conditions due to their water resistance capability and hence are suitable for use in outdoor applications, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain and do not show chemical marks or other stains. There are many colors and designs of porcelain tiles, and you can even get a hold of such layouts which look like a wooden finish or a natural stone but are instead a porcelain tile.
Cons of Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are expensive compared to ceramic ones as they have better properties and are much more durable. The edges of porcelain tiles are brittle and must be handled very carefully while installed.
They are challenging regarding their installation as they need an expert who ensures a precise installation. Since these tiles are thick, they also have weight, and this weight could be a hindrance for vertical applications.
2. Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles are made using stones; every stone has characteristics and functionality. Many types of rocks exist, like marble, granite, slate, limestone, etc.
Pros of Natural Stone Tiles
The beauty exhibited by natural stone is unparalleled and offers a luxurious appeal to the place where they are installed. Most natural stone tiles, like slate and granite, are highly durable and withstand heavy foot traffic.
Every stone has its patterns, colors, and characteristics, which enhance the design magnificently.
Cons of Natural Stone Tiles
The maintenance of these tiles is very time-consuming because their appearance has to be preserved.
Most natural stone tiles are highly porous and need sealing to protect them against stains. Natural stones are costly, and these tiles tend to be expensive due to their unique features.
3. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are essential tiles manufactured through a mixture of clay and water with some other minerals added.
These tiles are left to dry, reducing their moisture level, and then subjected to high temperatures for further processing. Once the firing has occurred, the desired glaze and textures could be added, including a layer of liquid glass on the surface.
There are different kinds of finishes in the ceramic tiles, which have other characteristics too.
- The glossy glaze offers to give the tile a reflective surface and enhances the look of the space in a modern way; it is very easy to clean but prone to scratches.
- Digitally printed ceramic tiles are tiles made with clay but enhanced with different patterns and designs printed digitally.
- There is also a matte finish ceramic tile which has a textured appearance and doesn’t show scratches and hence could be a suitable option for areas with increased usage.
Pros of Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are quite budget friendly compared to others and could be suitable for low-budget construction projects. Multiple colors and finishes are available with many designs that ensure a wide variety of these ceramic tiles.
Ceramic tiles are water-resistant and highly suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Ceramic tiles are easy to maintain, and regular cleaning keeps them in good shape.
Cons of Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles lack strength; compared to porcelain, they are susceptible to being chopped off in case of high pressure. Areas subjected to too much use may come across ceramic tiles to wear out.
These tiles are unsuitable for colder climates as they do not offer mitigation of cold.
How are Tiles Important in Modern Construction?
Tiles are significant in modern construction projects; they are practical and versatile and could be used in many commercial and residential spaces.
They are mainly suitable for construction projects because they are strong and can withstand pressure, proving to be a lasting investment.
Also, since they have a wide variety of colors, patterns, and layouts, they offer beautiful visual effects and hence provide endless design possibilities ranging from traditional vintage looks to modern ones.
Most tiles are even stain resistant and can be used in areas with a high moisture content with easy maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do tiles work for all kinds of climatic conditions?
Ans. Tiles are usually suitable for most climates, but some, like ceramic and porcelain, have a low water absorption rate; hence, they suit dry and wet climates. On the other hand, natural stone tiles might find extreme weather conditions challenging and need additional maintenance.
2. Is it possible to install tiles on your own, or is there a need for a professional?
Ans. Installing tiles has some prerequisites, which involve preparing the surface beforehand for a smaller area; you might do it on your own, but for more extensive and complex sites, it is recommended to take services from a professional. A single mistake in the installation of tiles could lead to them cracking or chipping off later on.
3. What considerations are needed for choosing tiles?
Ans. When the room is smaller, choosing larger tiles adds a spacious look, and for accent walls and decorative purposes, smaller tiles add more aesthetic appeal. Hence, it depends on the size and nature of the application in which the tile should be chosen.
Conclusion
The guide above highlights all the essential aspects of tiles that you need to know, and they could be of great help when choosing tiles for your space. Tiles add much beauty to a dull room, so choosing them carefully and installing them right could do wonders.
If you have any problem, welcome talk to our experts. Georgeceramic have many years of making the tiles, not only help you solve the problem, but also offer the reliable tiles products to you.