Porcelain tile is a relatively new finishing material. It is strong and durable, perfectly imitates natural stone. In many properties, it is similar to granite, but it does not contain granite. So, such opinions are erroneous. We’ll talk more about porcelain in this article today.
Features of the finishing material
Many confuse porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles. The technological principle and composition in the manufacture are single, the only difference is that in the manufacture of ceramic tiles a milder temperature and a more “lighter” (at lower pressure) pressing are used. However, all of the following is fully suitable for porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles. Distinctive features of these finishing materials are:
- The need for minimal maintenance, just remove the dust.
- Wear resistance, the best indicators. Quality is maintained over many years with regular use.
- Not subject to cracking and chips.
- Not subject to pigmentation from chemical compounds. Even the solvent is not afraid of it.
- Convenient for use in industrial premises.
Scope of porcelain tile
Porcelain tile, due to its properties, has found wide application in construction. As a rule, it is used as a facing material. And it can be found almost everywhere. There are several main areas of application for this material:
It is used for facing rooms where there are usually a lot of people: business centers, airports, train stations, shopping centers, hotels, etc.
It is used when facing pools and sports complexes. It is convenient for its safety and durability.
Ventilated facades of buildings are erected from porcelain stoneware. This is due to the strength, durability, ease of installation.
For home decor. Great option for the bathroom. The floor will look very aesthetically pleasing. Coloring will add personality. It looks stylish, beautiful, rich. But at the same time, because of the “cold,” you may have to consider floor heating.
The volume is determined by the properties, characteristics, design decisions.
Pros and cons of porcelain stoneware
Any building material used has both advantages and disadvantages. There is no single solution for all occasions. Rather, the pros and cons are features of the material in each case. The advantages of granite include:
The ability to withstand pollution. Any dirt is removed quite easily, and antistatic properties contribute to less accumulation of dust. Satin and polished porcelain stoneware have slightly worse properties.
The geometry of melting. Porcelain tiles differ very little in geometry, which greatly simplifies the process of laying and laying. But when facing, only single-caliber tiles can be used. Otherwise, there can be no talk of aesthetics.
Resistance to external influences. High-quality porcelain tile has a class of AA or A. It is heat-resistant, does not fade from sunlight. Chemical resistance also deserves respect.
Low coefficient of water absorption. From here frost resistance and water resistance follow. Water resistance is achieved due to extremely low porosity. Appearance is not lost until 50 freeze-thaw cycles. In some regions, this is equivalent to 30-40 years of service.
Abrasion resistance. Porcelain stoneware will last a very long time.
Strength. Porcelain tile is able to withstand not only static loads, but also shock. When impact is not cracked.
Diversity. Main types: technical, polished, matte, lappated, glazed, satin, structural. You can always achieve the desired aesthetics.
But there are some disadvantages of porcelain stoneware. The material can not be called perfect and completely universal. Cons, in principle, are few:
Low thermal conductivity. The surface always feels cold to the touch.
The difficulty of preparing the foundation. The surface should be perfectly flat. Failure to comply with this rule significantly reduces the life of the device.
High price. Especially from western manufacturers.
Rules for the care of porcelain tiles
Given all the advantages of porcelain stoneware, it may give the false impression that it does not require any care. The uniqueness of this material is that it is not easily soiled and is very easy to clean.
It must first be cleaned after installation. Glue, grout, cement do not look good. Usually use a solution of hydrochloric acid. The seams are pre-moistened with water, then cleaned with acid, but acid should not be used regularly.
Small impurities are removed with a damp cloth. If the pollution is strong, you can use acids. Abrasive products are not recommended. They are permissible only in extreme cases. Polished porcelain tiles are especially prone to scratches.
Dry contamination is conveniently removed with a vacuum cleaner.
Basically, all porcelain care products contain wax. They are evenly applied to the surface, and then rubbed. After that, you can carry out wet cleaning with water. Special cleaning products allow you to mask minor defects. With regular processing, alkali-based formulations have proven themselves well. In principle, this is the most universal option.
It is strictly forbidden to use detergents based on hydrofluoric acid. Where the likelihood of pollution is increased, it is better to use matte porcelain stoneware.
To remove traces of coffee, tea, cola, it is enough to wash the contaminated area with a solution of baking soda; blood, fat are removed with alkali solutions; wax, chewing gum, resin is washed off with solvents (acetone, gasoline); nicotine stains, rust is best washed off with dilute acid. Acid is more dangerous for surrounding materials, and not for porcelain stoneware.
Picture Credit: Simpolo_Ceramics