|
|
1. How do I maintain the look of my Ceramic flooring?
2. Porcelain Tile - How does Porcelain Tile differ from other types of ceramic tile?
3. Temperature - What are the effects of sudden ambient temperature and humidity changes (cold climate in winter) on interior ceramic tile?
4. Manufactured Home: I live in a Manufactured Home and would like to know if ceramic tile can be used on our floors? I have been told that ceramic tile is NOT good for these homes. Also, can a tile be easily replaced if there is a problem area or does the whole floor need to be redone?
5. Quality - How do I know if the ceramic tile I've selected is good quality and value? 6. Color Variation - What is an acceptable variance in the color of ceramic tile?
6. Color Variation - What is an acceptable variance in the color of ceramic tile?
7. Ceramic Tile for Sunrooms - My question relates to a sunroom application. I'm wondering if it's OK to consider porcelain tile flooring for our new sunroom addition, which will be built over an existing concrete patio, but I believe without a concrete slab floor. I think we'd be having the floor installed over plywood. We have tons of carpeting in the house and and tired of it; would love the look and feel of procelain tile in this scenario. Also considering electrically heated tile...is this a concern under these circumstances? Thank you!
8. Can ceramic tile be used outdoors?
9. What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?
10. Should a sealer be used on ceramic tile?
11. Can I cut on my Granite countertop?
12. Can my granite top be damaged?
13. How do I clean my granite tops?
14. Will my granite look like the online sample?
15. Does granite stain?
16. Can I set hot pot on my granite countertop?
17. Can granite chip?
18. How are seams made?
19. Can granite crack?
20. Can granite cantilever?
21. What is the difference between granite and marble?
22. What is the appropriate thickness for a granite countertop?
23. Does granite have any pits or fissures?
24. Can granite be repaired?
25. What is Bullnose? Bullnose is a ceramic floor tile trim with one rounded finish edge on the tile to give a nice finishing touch. Bullnose is also used as a substitute for cove base.
26. What is a Corner Bullnose? Corner bullnose is a ceramic floor tile with two rounded finish edges on the tile to be used to complete a corner.
1. How do I maintain the look of my Ceramic flooring?
Damp mop your flooring at least one time per week (more often for heavy traffic areas). Never use a detergent or soap, because it can dull the surface or promote the growth of mildew.
Use protective mats – good quality entry and exit mats will help protect your ceramic tile from premature wear. They trap the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that would otherwise be tracked onto your floor. Mats are also suggested at heavy pivot locations, such as in front of your kitchen sink or stove.
Add protective pads to furniture – protect your tile by affixing felt or similar pads to the legs of any metal, iron, wood, or plastic furniture that will be placed on it. Exterior metal furniture which rests on tile floors or patios may rust and cause staining.
Ceramic Tile Types - The architects in our area throw around the terms "ceramic," "porcelain," and "quarry" tile, and I'm not sure what the differences are?
Porcelain and quarry tile are part of the family of ceramic tiles, which are clay based materials. Porcelain is a more refined and dense type of ceramic tile. Quarry tile is an extruded type of ceramic tile that is less dense and more absorbing than porcelain tile, but it is still a commercially rated tile for floors. Of course not all porcelain tiles are created equal nor are all quarry tiles equal. The quality varies depending on the manufacturer and the process used to make it. There are also other types of ceramic tile.
2. Porcelain Tile - How does Porcelain Tile differ from other types of ceramic tile?
Porcelain tile is a dense clay mixture that provides a very dense body tile. It is considered an impervious body which means its absorption is less than 0.5%. As in all things in life, not every porcelain is made equal and there are trade offs for using this type of tile. There are higher quality porcelains and lower quality porcelains.
Red or brown body tiles come in a wide range of quality as well. Most of the Spanish red body tiles are very dense and considered vitreous (glass like) which means its absorption is less than 3%, which is still considered frost proof and chip resistant. There are even some porcelain tiles that have a red body, but most are white bodied. There are some red body tiles that are very absorbing.
These tiles come in either glazed or unglazed surfaces. The glaze is a glass like material that gives it an impervious surface. It typically gives the tile more stain resistance and makes it easier to maintain, but it also can make it more slippery and susceptible to chipping and wearing. The glaze surface can provide from high wearability to low wearability depending on the hardness of the glaze. Unglazed tiles are the same color throughout so you don't see much of a difference if they chip. If the glaze color is contrasting to the tile body it will tend to stand out if chipped. Unglazed tiles are more susceptible to staining, and even the impervious porcelains can be affected due to micro pores that can trap stains. Now there are hybrid tiles that incorporate a blend of glazed and unglazed to minimize this problem, and the porcelain tiles can even be polished like a stone.
In terms of functionality, either porcelain or any vitreous tiles will work just as well for most residential applications and many commercial applications. Remember that the more slip resistant a tile is, the more maintenance will be involved in keeping it clean.
White body talc wall tile is very absorbing and considered non-vitreous, which means it has a 7% absorption rate or more, but should be no more than 20% absorption, which is the area where it lies. This type of tile only comes with a glazed impervious surface and should only be used for wall applications and countertop applications. It is a less expensive type of tile.
3. Temperature - What are the effects of sudden ambient temperature and humidity changes (cold climate in winter) on interior ceramic tile?
Ceramic tile is very tolerant to temperature extremes. The effects are that ceramic tile can expand and contract, to some degree, from exposure to temperature and moisture changes. The more absorbing the ceramic tile the more it will be affected. It is never good to have extremely rapid changes in temperature or in moisture, as we know how glass can crack with rapid temperature changes. As long as you have proper placement of movement (expansion) joints in the tiled areas and you have a good quality installation, the temperature and humidity changes in seasonal changes or from warming a cold house should not affect the ceramic tile. I hope this helps!
4. Manufactured Home: I live in a Manufactured Home and would like to know if ceramic tile can be used on our floors? I have been told that ceramic tile is NOT good for these homes. Also, can a tile be easily replaced if there is a problem area or does the whole floor need to be redone?
Yes, ceramic tile can be used on the floors of manufactured homes, if the floors meet industry standards. The primary concern is that the floor is structurally sound and does not have a deflection greater than Length/360, which means no more than 1" deflection within a 30' span. For stone the deflection can't be greater than L/720, which means no more than 1/2" deflection within a 30' span. Of course, you need to make sure you use the correct adhesive for the respective substrate you choose (use a quality epoxy or a flexible latex/polymer thin-set), and that you have a waterproof membrane in any areas that would get any exposure to moisture. You also need to have expansion joints around the perimeters and every 24' to 36' in all directions.
You can replace tiles in isolated problem areas, if it is truly an isolated problem. If it didn't bond well, then it will come up easily, but if it's bonded well you may pull up some of the substrate and adjacent tiles. Cut around the tile's grout joints with a Makita 4" diamond saw and then chisel out carefully. If you pull some substrate out, patch it and reinstall.
5. Quality - How do I know if the ceramic tile I've selected is good quality and value?
Labor costs, exchange rates, quality of product, and business practices of your supplier of tile are all functions of what price it will sell for. First, determine quality by requesting data sheets showing recommendations for usage and limitations, and showing test results per industry standards. A rule-of-thumb is that less absorbing tiles are denser and more durable which is important for floor tiles. If you get a tile that is in the category of vitreous (0.5% to 3% absorption) or impervious (less than or equal to 0.5% - as porcelain tile is suppose to be) then the body of the tile is normally very durable. There are other factors in terms of hardness of the glaze of the tile which is normally measured relative to the MOH’s Scratch Hardness scale. The MOH rating is important relative to wearability of the glaze, particularly for commercial high traffic areas, and for chip resistance. Chemical resistance is important for swimming pools tiles and kitchen countertop tiles that are normally exposed to acidic conditions which can cause deterioration and etching which is a permanent stain. This type of information is not as important for tiles only recommended for walls. Foremost, make sure the manufacturer of the tile recommends its use for your type of application and work with a reputable supplier. Also, make sure you hire a qualified installer who knows how to install ceramic tile correctly based on your type of application. Your tile is only as good as its installation!
6. Color Variation - What is an acceptable variance in the color of ceramic tile?
Ceramic tile typically varies in color to some degree. Some ceramic tile offerings intentionally give you a wide range of color variation. Others are intended to give more of a monochromatic (solid) look. Make sure you see enough pieces of the tile to represent the full range of color prior to making your selection! Ceramic tile does vary from each manufactured run, as well as within the same manufactured run. The manufacturer that wants to offer a limited range of color will sort the manufactured runs out in shade lots (this is what some refer to as "dye lot" with other types of materials). DON'T mix different shades unless you intentionally want to create a certain "look" and then make sure you mix them randomly! Size also varies from batch to batch, so watch out for that as well! Note: Trying to match an existing tile can be almost impossible. It is difficult to match from one manufactured run to the next and even more difficult after years have passed, if it is still available. The natural raw material used to make ceramic tile changes as the location of the source in the quarry changes, so that causes the end product to change to some degree. So the question should be, what is acceptable variance in ceramic tile shades? CTDA has a system they promote for qualifying color variation at www.ctdahome.org/education/shade.shtml so you can understand what to expect. For ceramic tile that is intended to be monochromatic, there is a test method referenced in ANSI 137.1 10.1.3 utilizing test ASTM C 609.
7. Ceramic Tile for Sunrooms - My question relates to a sunroom application. I'm wondering if it's OK to consider porcelain tile flooring for our new sunroom addition, which will be built over an existing concrete patio, but I believe without a concrete slab floor. I think we'd be having the floor installed over plywood. We have tons of carpeting in the house and and tired of it; would love the look and feel of procelain tile in this scenario. Also considering electrically heated tile...is this a concern under these circumstances? Thank you!
Ceramic tile is perfect for sunrooms so you can benefit from the energy saving passive solar effect (Winter time allows sun to shine on the floor and absorb heat, then it is released at night. Summer time limits sun exposure so coolness absorbed at night can be released during the day). It would be better if you were installing over a concrete substrate for more stability and more passive solar benefits, but a properly constructed wood subfloor will work too if the tile is installed correctly. The floor heating systems can be installed under the tile for this type of application. At the CTaSC website look under recourses for information on floor warming systems.
8. Q. Can ceramic tile be used outdoors?
To be used outdoors, we recommend the tile must be frostproof and unglazed for floor use. Make sure the absorption rate is 0.5% or less
9. Q. What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?
Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited array of colors and designs as well as protects the tile from staining. The unglazed tiles are pretty much the same as the glazed tile, except that their surface is not coated. Full-body porcelain tiles do not show wear because their color extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for commercial applications.
10. Q. Should a sealer be used on ceramic tile?
A glazed tile is already stain proof, so there is no purpose to putting on a sealer. You may put a penetrating sealer on your unglazed tile or your grout joints. The penetrating sealer is an invisible, stain resistant shield that is absorbed into the surface.
11. Can I cut on my Granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.
12. Can my granite top be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
13. How do I clean my granite tops?
Granite is a very durable stone. It is also much harder than marble. Granite has been used in the past in the commercial industry. Some of the obvious applications have been panels on the outside of buildings, walls, and floors of "high-traffic" areas. Granite will withstand almost any element it comes up against including heat and cold. Granite itself is approximately 95-98% stain resistant but, we use a silicone impregnator on all of our natural stone products. This will insure lasting life and beauty. Polished granite should receive the same cleaning care as polished marble, using a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish-soap, soap flakes or powder which contains no aromatics. Followed by a thorough rinsing and drying with cotton-flannel or chamois.
14. Will my granite look like the online sample?
The samples you see on the computer have been scanned and saved as digital images. The color tones may not be absolutely correct due to variations in computer systems, monitors and compression algorithms. Also, granite is a natural material with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty.
15. Does granite stain?
In general, no. All stone, however, is porous to some extent, but Granite has very little porosity. Most colors will never show any moisture. A few colors may show some moisture if exposed for a period of time. For example, a puddle of water left on the counter for 30 minutes for some colors, may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. This spot will then dry up and no evidence will show. Only a few colors demonstrate this trait. Our installers will seal the countertops after they are installed.
16. Can I set hot pot on my granite countertop?
Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earths crust. It can not be affected by heat from a cook top or frying pan. A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.
17. Can granite chip?
Only in cases of sever abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture. If a chip occurs on your countertop, do not throw out the chipped pieces. We can use them to fix the countertop, so that no one will be able to tell it was ever chipped.
18. How are seams made?
Seams are done where the two pieces of stone are put together. The seams are joined with epoxy that is mixed with the color that matches the stone. Then the joined area is smoothened, leaving only a very thin line visible.
19. Can granite crack?
No, not with regular use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this durable material.
20. Can granite cantilever?
You can cantilever granite up to 14" with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Never cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress like someone sitting on a counter or stepping on a counter to change a light bulb. You must have support underneath for these situations.
21. What is the difference between granite and marble?
The main difference between granite and marble is that granite is a highly dense material composed deep inside the earth?s core while marble is formed from sediments under the seabed. Both solidify into stone after millions of years but the mineral composition of the two stones makes marble and granite react differently to various chemicals and household cleaners
22. What is the appropriate thickness for a granite countertop?
A kitchen countertop should be an inch and a quarter thick for structural reasons. Bathroom vanity tops can be thinner.
23. Does granite have any pits or fissures?
Yes granite has natural pits and fissures that are part of the stones natural structure. Some types of granite have more of such characteristics than other types, and pits can be minimized by applying sealer to the surface of the counter.
24. Can granite be repaired?
It is very hard to damage granite. If any damage occurs it can be sealed with a mixture of epoxy and ground up chips of granite.
25. What is Bullnose?
Bullnose is a ceramic floor tile trim with one rounded finish edge on the tile to give a nice finishing touch. Bullnose is also used as a substitute for cove base.
26. What is a Corner Bullnose?
Corner bullnose is a ceramic floor tile with two rounded finish edges on the tile to be used to complete a corner.
|
|
|
