One of the oldest finishing materials is ceramic tiles. Even despite the presence of many finishing materials offered on the market, ceramic tiles do not lose its popularity. Such material has very many advantages, such as hardness, refractory, strength, ease of use.
Interior designers have received their most daring fantasies to the real world since the construction world has learned about the existence of marble tiles and tiles-mosaics. Over the past decade, the tile-mosaic has begun to be widely used in the design of residential and office premises and even pools. Today, several types of ceramic tiles are presented on the market, including a huge selection of texture and color.
Ceramic tiles are classified into the following types:
– Briketed and extruded. Briketed tiles are prepared from a mixture of clay, sand and other natural minerals forming under the press. Extruded tiles are formed from a dough -shaped piece, which is formed when passing through a special unit – an extruder;
– Glazed and unmalized. The surface of the glazed tile has a layer of special colored glass, which protects the tile from water and mechanical damage, and has an original appearance. Tiles not covered by enamel, usually a homogeneous structure, does not have decorative patterns.
One of the features of ceramic tiles is its basis, which is porous or dense. The greater the porosity of the base of the tile, the greater the water absorption – this quality of the tile largely determines its technical and operational properties. For example, a slight water absorption gives higher frost resistance of the tile, as a result of which the service life of ceramic internal and external surfaces increases. The service life of the flooring will be greater if it is made of tiles with a small water absorption. Tiles with a high porous base is most at risk of rapid damage and breaking
When choosing ceramic tiles, do not forget that dirt and dust are more visible on the material of light tones. The most correctly when floor ceramic tiles are used, not having a glaze, since it is less slippery.