PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE ON DIFFERENT TILES

Terracotta Tiles

Often loosely referred to as Terra Cotta (meaning Earth Fired). These are generally used in outdoor and indoor applications. They can be glazed but are generally produced as a rustic, slip-resistant floor covering. They are also generally more susceptible to staining and somewhat more difficult to maintain.
These tiles have been used for hundreds of years (before current levels of technology) in Cape Dutch type homesteads, old farmhouses and the like.
It is not a uniformly perfect product as norms allow for greater tolerances (i.e. 1% size variation of the nominal size, plus water absorption varying from 3% to as much as 12%).
Treatment or sealant application will vary depending on the degree of porosity. No one sealant or application will make the product impervious to stains., Sealants vary from wax based products, to silicones, to urethanes and resins, oils, epoxies and cellulose based products. Each sealant has its own properties and method of application (should you wish to seal the tiles). Some sealants will enhance colour, some add sheen or shine to the surface, others will wear off through foot traffic and may need re-application, and others again break down with UV light and will need to be re-applied. There is NO guarantee as to the effectiveness of the sealing agents used. We suggest sealing specialists are contacted for advice before just applying.
Today ceramic tile manufacturers copy the look of Terra Cotta tiles in glazed form, which do not require the regular maintenance of unglazed clay tiles or sealant application and thus are easier to clean and maintain.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are manufactured from raw materials that do not differ much from that of vitreous china. The tiles are pressed dust mixed with colouring oxides in order to give them their colour.

They are full bodied and have excellent mechanical and chemical properties. Porcelain tiles can come in various finishes, mostly natural, honed or polished. These processes give them their level of gloss. Porcelain tiles are extremely low in porosity and absorb less than 0.5%.

All the above factors make the tile suitable for almost any application from exterior home patios to airport floors and walls.

Although unglazed porcelain tiles are highly vitrified they still need to be treated in order to prevent them from becoming dirty and then ultimately staining.

The treatment specified for porcelain tiles is Invisible Sealer as it is the only sealer that is able to penetrate (impregnate) and seal the tile from within. Invisible sealer is a very effective repellent and helps to keep the tile clean. Invisible sealer will make no visual change to the aesthetic finish of the porcelain.

Porcelain tiles can also be glazed during manufacturing. Glazed porcelain tiles do not need to be treated.

Slate Tiles

Slate derives its properties during the change from sedimentary rock, shale and clay to metamorphic rock due to extreme heat and pressure.

Slate is mined (cut) from the earth in large slabs and then split. The point at which the slab is split determines the colour of the surface of the tile. After the slab has been split it is then cut to size by machine.

There are many shapes and sizes of slate and also many colours. The colours vary from black, silver greens and many different browns and red.

The most appealing thing about slate is its natural variations in colour. No one tile is identical to another.

Slate is sold most commonly with its natural textured finish, but can also be honed (smooth and matt) or polished (smooth and gloss).

When protecting slate it is of the utmost importance to protect the surface, thereby protecting the colour. If the surface is not protected then it is likely to be abraded away and will expose a different colour below. For example a brown tile may be abraded away and expose a black core.

The two ways to protect slate are to apply a surface sealer that will protect the tile from the top, or to apply a penetrating sealer that will bond and strengthen the tile.

Hence there are three sealers that are specified for slate tiles, they are Deep Seal, HP Sealer and Top Seal.

Sandstone, Limestone

Sandstone - is mined (cut) from rocky beds formed millions of years ago. These rocky slabs are then machine cut to size. Its texture and hardness are attributed to its origin.

Sandstone consists of sand bonded together with minerals such as silica, clay and iron oxides by Mother Nature. Some sandstone even contains fossils of plants. Sandstone has natural earthy appeal and is available in many colours (light creams to deep reds) and sizes. No two sandstone tiles are alike. Sandstone has excellent anti-slip properties making it suitable for use on patios and pool surrounds. Sandstone is available in its rough natural finish through to honed (smooth and matt) to polish (smooth and gloss). Sizes vary from 150mm x 200mm to 600mm x 600mm tiles.

Sandstone is generally very porous and needs to be sealed with suitable sealers. There are two recommended sealers for sandstone. They are HP Sealer and Top Seal. Top Seal will not change the colour of the tile dramatically (which is important in this type of tile), and will have a slight gloss finish. HP Sealer will colour enhance the tile and sometime cause the tile to acquire a greenish tinge. That is why it is important to test in an inconspicuous area before sealing the whole floor. HP Sealer will give a matt finish.

Limestone – is very similar to sandstone in almost every aspect except that consists mainly of calcite so is particularly sensitive to acids.

Granite

Comes from previous molten lava that made its way to just beneath the crust of the earth. The molten lava crystallized under pressure while it was cooling down over 750 million years ago. This granite that is now close to the surface is mined from the earth in large slabs. The granite is then cut to thinner slabs and then again to make tiles and counter tops and other decorative ornaments. The tiles and countertops are mechanically polished to give them their high gloss finish.

Marble

Occurs when limestone, which is sedimentary stone, is re-crystallised due to extreme heat and pressure. The stone is mined from the earth in a similar manner to granite. Marble is mechanically polished to a high gloss but is also available in matt and in many different colours. Marble is relatively soft and needs to be protected from wear and tear as well as staining. Marble is extremely sensitive to acids and easily etched by common products such as cool drinks, lemon juice and vinegar.

Travertine

Falls between limestone, which is sedimentary, and marble, which is metamorphic. Travertine is characterised by vein like holes, which are caused by hot springs travelling through it. Its manufacture and properties are similar to those of granite and marble.

All the above are very low in porosity; hence a high viscosity penetrating sealer must be used. In most cases Deep Seal or Invisible Sealer may be used but please consult your Agent for a specification.

Cement Tiles

Cement tiles are available in many earthy colours, shapes and sizes. The cement tiles are full-bodied and generally quite thick and heavy. Although the surfaces are rather smooth the body of the tile contains stone chips. They have a cottage / rustic appeal. Cement tiles are manufactured using white/grey cement, colourfast dyes and hardening agents.
The mixture is poured into moulds, shaken to rid it of air bubbles and excess water and then allowed to set in the mould. After the cement is sufficiently set the tile is taken out the mould and stacked to dry. 
If an unprotected cement tile is washed with an acid it will be damaged and is likely to loose its colour and surface texture. When protecting cement it is of the utmost importance to protect the surface, thereby protecting the colour.
If the surface is not protected then it is likely to be abraded away and will expose a different colour and possibly the stone aggregate below. The two ways to protect cement are to apply a surface sealer that will protect the tile from the top, or to apply a penetrating sealer that will bond and strengthen the tile. Hence there are two sealers that are specified for cement tiles, they are HP Sealer and Top Seal.

Colours – all products are reconstructed to have the appearance of natural stone where shades vary and are subject to slight variations. This is highlighted when products are hand made or custom made to ensure a unique shade or colour mix. Colours can appear to change significantly depending upon the prevailing conditions such as sunlight, shade, rain, method of installation and sealing, you are advised to check colour and actual appearance before ordering. In Manufacture every effort is made to ensure consistency of product colour however variations in production batches can occur. We therefore recommend that, when purchasing especially in the case of larger orders that products are thoroughly mixed on site prior to laying to ensure a good colour distribution. All products are made using imported Iron oxides and are embodied to ensure excellent long term wear and appearance. The slight variations add to the natural appearance of all our products. Products will weather and wear over time in a similar way to natural stone.

Efflorescence - on newly laid paving white patches and markings can appear on the surface once grouted this is known as Efflorescence. Initially an apparent loss of colour or a milky white bloom is apparent on the surface of the product which gives the impression that the colour has faded or washed out. This is not the case and the effect will disappear in time depending on location, degree of traffic/usage and natural weathering. It is in no way detrimental to the performance or strength of the product. We cannot accept responsibility for the effect of Efflorescence, a common occurrence in all high quality coloured concrete products. Please contact us should you require more technical detail in this regard.

Product Appearance - once the product has been laid and after varying lengths of time, dark and light patches can occasionally occur on the surface of the product. This is caused by differential weathering, water trapped beneath the product or when the surface of the product has cured at a different rate. These patches or marks generally disappear with time.

Maintenance - regular cleaning and maintenance is required to keep the overall appearance of the product. The use of acidic cleaners should only be used in extreme instances. Our range of tiles are used extensively for indoor areas this however requires long term protection and sealing / polishing to maintain the desired finish against daily wear and tear associated with indoor living. Our products are ideal for outdoors and can be left untreated as many people do allowing the product to naturally weather and wear with time reflecting the natural hues like the original stone it was copied from. It is recommended that our products are sealed outdoors depending on your personally chosen colour / situation of product and your personal requirements. It can only serve the product well and will enhance the appearance of the product should you not want to wait the months needed for the product to naturally weather and wear creating its own natural shine and finish.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 11 November 2009 12:51 )