When we are going to buy ceramic tile, we first of all think about its price and color. It is right of course, because our goal is to create a beautiful interior of the kitchen, bathroom or hall at a reasonable price. A lot of people believe that the tile itself is very durable, so anyway there won’t be any troubles. But in reality, everything is not so easy. The important factors in the choice of the tile will be its size, abrasion resistance, and the absorption factor.
Ceramic tile production
There are two ways of ceramic tile production. Kaolin as well as red clay are used in tile production.
In the first variant clay is put under press. Tile gets its form during the pressing. Second type of production is called extrusion. Clay is put in the special forming device and then is cut into sheets of necessary size.
The tile is marked due to the type of production: “A” –extrusion, “B” – pressing. The advantage of extrusion is that every ceramic tile in one lot looks exactly the same as the other ones.
After forming, ceramic tile is burned, once or twice. The advantage of the production with double burning is that all the surface defects that appear after the first burn, are eliminated. But the second burn increases the price of the tile. The plus of single burn is that the tile is more durable, so it is more often used as a floor covering.
Ceramic tile for bathroom, kitchen or external facing
You always know the function of the tile before the purchase. That’s why you should select it according to the conditions of its exploitation. Contacting with water ceramic tile absorbs it differently. This factor is especially important when you are facing the building, because absorbed moisture extends in low temperature, which leads to tile damage.
According to its moisture absorption, tile is divided on 8 groups (4 groups on every type of production). The most water resistant is group I (A I and B I), which absorbs up to 3%, then go groups AII and BII, which absorb 6% and 10%. Such ceramic tile can be used for external facing, it is quite frost resistant. All the other tile, the water absorption percent of which is over 10, refers to the groups ÀIII and ÂIII. It can be used only for internal facing. But in the kitchen and bathroom it is recommended to use the tile of first and second group, though it will cost more. Besides, the percent of water absorption is not the only criterion of the choice.
Deciding which tile to buy, you should also consider deterioration index. This index is measured in the number of polisher turns, during which tile surface is not damaged. Deterioration mark looks like«PEI - X», where instead of «Õ» there is Roman numeral from one to five. First two groups are more appropriate for the flats, the rest (from III to V) are good for different public places.
Don’t forget about the dimensions of ceramic tile. Usually it is made in the form of a square or rectangle. Its length and width vary from 10 to 60 cm, and its thickness from 0,5 to 2,5 cm. Remember that the durability of ceramic tile decreases with the increase of length or width, and accordingly grows with the increase of thickness. So the tile that is appropriate for home, can’t be used in the places of business.
And of course, don’t forget that you can identify the quality of the tile yourself. First of all, don’t buy a tile with uneven edges. It can be easily checked if you put two tiles together. Of course there shouldn’t be any visible damages, such as chips or microcrack on the enamel surface. Sags and grain also indicate the bad quality of the ceramic tile.
The quality is also identified by the tile class, there are three. Class is not always indicated on the tile by the producer, but you can still find it out. It is generally accepted that all the indication on the first class tile are put in red color, second class is marked blue, third – green.
Details in the choice of ceramic tile
Ceramic tile is often chosen because of its higher durability, compared to linoleum or laminated plastic. But you should always consider all the details of the choice for exact premise. For example, it is not expedient to select tile with smooth surface for premises with high humidity (bathrooms, car wash). In these cases tile with mat surface or relief pattern is more appropriate.
Selecting a ceramic tile, you should consider its chemical resistance. This factor is important for bathroom, kitchen, car repair and other premises where there are aids, alkalis etc. The index of chemical resistance EN 122 normally has gradation from A to D. There is also a special AA class of ceramic tile. Its surface doesn’t react with any chemical elements.
Don’t forget that producers make their tile for exact goals. Floor and wall tile has different durability characteristics. That’s why producer often indicates its recommendations.
Sometimes there are also some differences in the tile tints. One tint can’t be preserved, so even in one lot there can be differences in color. If there is such possibility, it is usually indicated on the pack.
Ceramic tile laying
Even if you have bought the qualitative tile, its term of life would still depend on the correct laying.
First, the surface for laying should be smooth. This factor is especially important for floor tile. All the unevenness will sooner or later lead to the tile damage.
Second, between tile and the surface there should not be any air.
Third, tile should be laid on the clean surface. It should be cleaned from dust, oil and other substances. Only then you can get the necessary quality of cohesion.
Of course don’t ignore the producer recommendations. For example, it is recommended to lay low water absorbing ceramic tile with a help of special glue mixtures. Laying on usual cement solution can lead to tile falling off.
Considering the number of tiles, you should buy a little more, because there can be wastes and you may need them for future repair.
Ceramic tile is appreciated for easiness of care and durability. If you choose the right tile and lay it properly, it will decorate your home for many years. The variety of patterns gives you the freedom of decoration. The choice of tile color and pattern depends on your own preferences.