Saturday, November 14, 2015

How To Beautify A Home With Ceramic Tile

By Mattie Knight


Whether you are building a home or planning a renovation in San Francisco, CA choosing the right construction materials is one of the first decisions you will have to make. You want to make sure you select the right material for the application. Ceramic tile has many advantages if your project involves installing new countertops, renovating a bathroom, or laying down new flooring.

Clay, water, and various minerals are mixed together to produce ceramic. The material must be fired at very high temperatures to make it suitable for use in construction. Glazed tiles are exposed to heat a second time after application of a liquid glass material. Glazing produces a durable surface that resists stains and scratches.

Ceramic is an easy material to maintain, making it a good option for households with pets and small children. It is less expensive than marble, granite, and other natural stone materials. It is also lightweight enough to use on a second story. Weight is often an issue in older buildings. Kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, entryways, and other high traffic areas are good places to use ceramic floor tiles.

When using this material for bathroom and kitchen floors, the grout is the most vulnerable point. The tiles are water resistant but grout is porous. This makes grout susceptible to stains, so it is important to clean up liquid spills immediately. Installing small tiles with very thin grout lines will reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.

When you buy materials for your project, you should always purchase more tiles than you actually need. This will come in handy in the future if you ever need to replace cracked, chipped, or broken tiles. You can easily replace a single tile saving the expense of installing a new floor. Some tile manufactures can make matching tiles, but the process is expensive.

You must use water resistant adhesive if you installing these tiles in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. This keeps the tiles firmly in place even if they get wet. The material expands and contracts with air pressure and temperature changes. By installing the grout properly, you can avoid damage to individual tiles caused by contraction and expansion of the material

Some homeowners do not like the idea of having an uneven kitchen countertop, but these tiles are suitable for this application because they resist heat and stains. Using an epoxy or acrylic grout will help prevent staining from foods and liquids. To protect the glossy finish, you should avoid scrubbing too aggressively when cleaning.

Use a cleaning agent that matches the manufacturer's recommendations. This is especially important if your floor tiles are treated to resist slipping. Detergents containing oil or cleansers made with wax can cause deterioration of the non-slip coating. Failing to maintain ceramic regularly will cause a build-up of debris and grease, which makes them slippery.

These tiles offer nearly endless ways to enhance any interior design. They are more affordable than other types of tile and come in a vast array of designs, colors, and styles. You can opt for solid colors for a conservative look or mix multiple colors to come up with creative designs that are unique.




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