Varieties of ceramic tiles include such an option as rectified products. In other words, it is trimmed or seamless. Such material is often much more expensive than traditional ceramics. But the differences in price are fully justified. So what does rectified tile mean?
Description
Rectified are called tiled products intended for finishing floors and walls, interior decoration. Thanks to the special shape of the plate, it is possible to achieve a special result - a holistic appearance of the surface, emphasizing the individual design.
Here everything lies in the particular cropped edge of each of the elements. Traditional products have small recesses at the ends, due to which small joints form during installation, further requiring mashing. Moreover, the gap can be of different widths, which varies depending on the size of the tile products.
Compared to standard tiled squares, rectified ones have a completely even edge, which allows them to be laid close to each other. Due to this, a gap is not formed, and the coating looks holistically. The similarity of monolithic surfaces, recreated thanks to rectified tiles, has recently gained increasing popularity.
Shortcomings at work
True, this effect is not achieved in one hundred percent of cases. The ability to lay tiles seamlessly depends not only on one type of product, but also on how smooth the walls or floor are in the room.
Unscrupulous manufacturers find brands cheaper than on the market, but with a defect that further affects the quality and integrity of the surface. Although some craftsmen manage to work with tiles in such a way that neither irregularities nor poor quality of the goods affect the final result, and the surface is obtained with almost no gaps.
Production features
Technologically, the production of rectified tiles is not much different from the traditional mechanism for the production of ceramic products. All the same clay, granite chips and mineral components are used as raw materials, the mixing of which in a certain proportion allows us to obtain a high-quality product.
According to their characteristics, ceramic products are similar to porcelain tiles, often used in cladding, including external surfaces. As a result of special processing of porcelain tile - cutting and polishing of slices, rectified tiles are obtained. With the right job, the result is elements with perfectly even edges. In other aspects, the production technology does not have significant differences.
Rectificate design options
A larger percentage of tiles are available in large format with a glossy smooth surface. Some of the lines attract attention due to the relief elements on the surface, although when laying, you have to work hard, picking and fitting them in order to create a uniform relief. But as a result, you get a spectacular monolithic surface that resembles a solid stone.
Features of the preparation of the base
The surface on which the installation of tiled products is supposed to be perfectly smooth, without cracks, grooves or elevations. This effect can be achieved only by qualitatively preparing the materials used in the course of leveling the base for the tile.
So, kneading the solution, it is worth making sure that it uses sifted homogeneous sand that does not contain large fractions, and cement with an effective shelf life.
Application Tips
Please note that experts and specialists strongly discourage the use of seamless tiles for surface cladding in rooms with sharp changes in temperature - from plus to minus, as well as for the arrangement of underfloor heating in rooms. Products will quickly become worthless.
Stacking is not performed on wooden substrates. Before laying the tiles, you will have to tear off the wooden flooring and make a concrete screed, which is ideal for installation.
Styling Tips and Process Features
Laying rectified ceramic tiles is difficult. It is mandatory to install on a perfectly flat base, since even a slight deviation of only 1-2 mm will lead to a spoiled appearance of the surface and its unaesthetic.
In order to install the tile on a concrete base, prepare the following inventory:
- rubber mallet;
- notched trowel;
- drill with a nozzle;
- Master OK;
- sponge;
- level;
- knee pads.
Stage rectified coating
The rectified tile laying scheme, in principle, does not contain specific features and, like the arrangement of the traditional version, includes the following steps:
- Surface preparation in the form of marking and determining the location of the masonry of the first tile square.
- Each product is pre-cleaned of dust and dirt, slightly moistened with water.
- The glue is prepared according to the instructions for the selected composition described on the package, after which the mixture is applied to the tile surface with an even layer using a notched trowel.
- During installation, make sure that no voids form inside (this can be prevented by lightly tapping a tile square with the rubber hammer on the glue), and the surface itself corresponds to the set level.
- Checking the correct location of a horizontal surface using a level. Moreover, this option should be done after installing each square. Using this technology, the entire floor area is installed.
What to look for when working
Often during the installation of tiles on its surface, small voids are formed without glue. This inevitably leads to cracking of products due to accumulation of condensate in such places. To avoid unpleasant consequences, apply glue gently, slowly, carefully press the tile to the base. In addition, the procedure is accompanied by surface treatment with a soft rubber mallet, as described above.
Do not overlook this feature, because even an experienced craftsman can make a mistake in work, because there is always a place for practice in handling tiled products.
Laying the tiles is half the battle. In addition, it is necessary to wipe all the seams in order to protect the surface from the negative effects of water and moisture. For this, a special composition is used - a fugue, which is rubbed with a dry sponge. Residues are removed after the joints dry. Only in work with rectified tiles for porcelain tile this stage is sometimes not carried out.
Selection tips
When choosing a tile, pay attention to the following factors:
- Purpose of products.
- Abrasion resistance of an attractive model, which is determined on the basis of necessity and is indicated in the characteristics of the product.
- Surface properties, including hydrophobicity, which is important for the floor, walls, kitchen apron, because, based on this indicator, the option of products for one or another functional room will be selected.
- The shape and size of rectified floor tiles .
- Design, which is determined depending on the color scheme of the decorated room and the stylistic direction in the interior.
- Caliber - indicators of the height, width and length of a unit of goods indicated on the package. It is important to pay attention to them and buy tiles of the same caliber, since differences between manufacturers can even be within the same collection, which means that products of different calibers will not make it possible to form a monolithic surface due to size deviations.
Now, having figured out what this means - rectified tile, and knowing how to work with it, you can easily cope with laying the floor, but only if you follow the tips and instructions described above.