Ceramic tile - a material quite popular and, most importantly, time-tested. A variety of colors and textures in specialized stores pleasantly pleases the eye and at the same time greatly complicates the choice. This article will help to understand not only the external signs of the tiles, but also with the main parameters and characteristics.
Definition of a concept
Under the tiles most often understand the finishing material of a certain, mainly small size. This immediately implies the important advantage of the tile - the convenience in finishing surfaces of non-standard formats. These can be tricky corners, rounded walls, columns, and other types of original construction solutions. The smaller the product, the easier it is to complete a complex transition. Tile in the form of a mosaic, for example, may be more time consuming, but it allows you to finish the most complex curly surfaces, without losing decorativeness.
Variety of species
The most common tile we have is ceramic. What is ceramics? This is heat treated clay. And since clay is different in composition, and firing processes are regulated within wide limits, ceramic tile has a wide variety. Types of ceramic tiles can be classified. At the same time, it is worth considering that the tile is one of the materials where external decorative features are on a par with the physicochemical characteristics and parameters. It often happens that when buying it is the latter that are crucial to the choice. Therefore, the classification will first be based on external indicators. So, the types of tiles are as follows:
- glazed;
- with a heterogeneous surface (rustic);
- porous;
- without processing.
The difference in heat treatment determines the following two options. Double firing tiles are produced by sequential firing first of the ceramic base, and then together with the applied glaze. This, older method allows to obtain a porous structure. A new look is single-fired ceramic tiles. To make the material high-quality, the clay mixture is dried and pressed in a special way. After this, glazing processes follow and only then, once, the tile is fired.
Dimensions
What types of tiles are available in size? It is known that for wall options there are their own line of shapes and sizes, and for floor - others. For example, if such dimensions as 30x30, 45x45 cm are natural for the floor, then for wall plates the size range can start from 5x5 and 10x10 cm. In this case, the standard types of ceramic tiles will be 15x20, 20x20 and 20x25 cm. The larger the material, the a large surface area can be covered in the same time. Among the shortcomings, it is worth considering the increased requirements for the tile application area, and for especially large sizes (60x120 cm) - special tools.
Important parameters
In order to make the choice of tiles for wall or flooring more conscious, you need to know as many facts as possible about the material. What parameters should be considered when selecting? Let us consider in sequence the most important characteristics:
- Durability. It sounds corny, but the higher the strength, the longer the selected material will last.
- Wear resistance. The tile can be very durable, but if it quickly loses its decorativeness, it will still want to be changed. This is especially true for floor or paving.
- Elasticity. An important parameter regarding floor surfaces. A more resilient tile is able to recover from a deforming effect. Rigid, on the contrary, does not bend at all and withstands significant loads.
- Porosity. It should be considered when designing pools, bathrooms and showers. Porous ceramic tiles are less slippery, as they absorb some of the moisture.
- thermal conductivity. Ceramic material conducts heat well enough. The tile heats up quickly, though it cools down just as quickly. Therefore, it is successfully used in conjunction with underfloor heating.
Variety of ceramic tiles
The tile made of ceramics has all the qualities necessary for a finishing coating. Ceramic tile, characteristics, types and any other information about which is now in the public domain, is the most popular. To begin with, depending on the application, floor and wall tiles are distinguished. Ceramics for bathrooms where there is high humidity should be included in a separate group. Such a tile should have increased resistance to moisture and steam and withstand temperature fluctuations. For material coated with decorative glaze, wear resistance is also important.
For a floor covering, parameters such as strength, flexibility, wear resistance and lack of sliding are important. When cleaning the floor, aggressive chemicals are often used. Therefore, ceramic tiles must have maximum resistance to them. Wall cladding experiences less stress; decorative and quality coatings are more important here. Wall tiles should also be easy to wash and maintain their original appearance.
Differences in production guarantee diversity
By production methods, the following types of tiles can be distinguished:
- ceramic granite is the most durable tile of all the others in the family. This material is even stronger than granite. Due to the complex technological process of production, it possesses such properties as frost resistance, low water absorption, a large margin of resistance to abrasion;
- bicottura, as the name implies, undergoes double firing, which is why it is quite porous. Suitable for facing dry surfaces. Thanks to the coating, both glossy and matte, it has a beautiful appearance;
- extruded, or extruded, is obtained by forming from a powder under pressure. It is possible to produce all shapes and sizes;
- clinker has a high density, although the composition is quite heterogeneous and includes various types of clay and additives;
- faience - a material formed by double firing a dense, most often white clay and covered with a layer of glaze.
These types of tiles, photos of which are in the text, are the most popular.
The advantages of ceramic tiles
If there is still doubt whether to use ceramics for facing, we will consider some positive aspects of the material:
1. The combination of a huge variety of colors, textures and shapes with a large margin of safety and density. The production of ceramic tiles allows you to get high-quality material at the output, even stronger than granite in strength. And the ability to mix different types of clay and the use of a variety of glazes give an incredible number of species.
2. The inert quality of the material to chemicals, which allows you to wash the tile by any means.
3. Eco-friendly composition. Ceramics in itself is a completely natural material. Therefore, tiles from it do not harm the environment and human health.
4. Fire safety. Despite the high thermal conductivity of the material, the tile, when heated, does not burn and does not even smolder.
5. Insulator of electricity. Ceramic tiles do not conduct electric current.
Paving slabs and its features
To cover street surfaces, the so-called paving slabs are used. If thin decorative ceramics were enough for facing the rooms, then open spaces dictate completely different conditions. First of all, it's thickness. That is why the name "paving stones" appeared from the word "timber". In fact, these are such small bricks that can withstand a large load. Indeed, even a truck can easily pass along the sidewalks.
A large number of types of paving stones is due to a variety of shapes and sizes and production methods. What types of paving slabs can be distinguished? In size it happens:
1. Rectangular, which, in turn, is divided:
- on a large size, for example 300x300, 400x400 or even 500x500 mm;
- small with dimensions less than 250x250 mm.
2. Uncertain form.
The second option is especially popular for designing walkways in the park, as well as on personal plots. Thanks to the special form, any design decision can be made.
By the method of production, paving slabs, the types and sizes of which are diverse, can be obtained by vibrocasting or vibropressing. The first method allows to obtain more diverse forms, but differs in less strength. When vibropressing, on the contrary, it turns out very high-quality and durable paving stones.
Types of tiles
Under facing tiles understand a diverse material made in certain geometric dimensions and designed to cover surfaces. At the same time, the use of tiles is not limited to rooms, it is widely used on the street. Facades of buildings, various fences, architectural monuments - for facing, in principle, there are no restrictions.
Types of tiles are very diverse. And the most common and popular option will be the ceramics discussed above. For facades, this is primarily the most durable and non-porous, with any size. It can be veneered with both fine mosaic tiles and large squares with dimensions of 500x500 mm.
Other tile options
Ceramic tile, being the most popular, sometimes yields its leadership to other materials. This applies to certain types of plastic, rubber, cork, glass and even natural stone. Let's consider in more detail what types of tiles are other than ceramic:
- Quartz-vinyl. It is a material that is more than half composed of quartz, and the remainder is vinyl. Plasticizing agents, stabilizers and coloring agents are also present. Such a tile has a whole range of advantages: it does not conduct electricity and heat, it is easy to clean by any means and is plastic enough with good strength.
- Plastic. This includes tiles made of polyvinyl chloride and expanded polystyrene. The main advantage of the material is lightweight, flexible and easy to clean.
- Rubber. It is mainly used for flooring in residential and office premises. It has good abrasion resistance, soft and comfortable for walking.
- Cork. Not the most common, but being the most heat and sound insulating.
- Glass. Its properties are close to quartz and ceramic - it is equally durable and waterproof. It is made from waste glass and is quite economical.
Conclusion
As it turned out, modern facing materials have a wide variety of species. Having determined a specific place for yourself, it is easy enough to choose the optimal types of tiles with the necessary parameters. Difficulty can arise only in external data, because the presence of a difference in tastes has not been canceled. So have a nice choice!