Saturday, October 3, 2009

Tiles and floor care


TYPES of Tiles

Ceramic tiles are recommended as the best choice for decorating your house simply because they are:

* Hygienic and mite-free

* Available in a wide range of colours, sizes and finishes

* Easy to maintain and clean

* More durable and last longer

* Versatile

* Affordable

Category of tiles

* Glazed wall tiles

Wall tiles with a layer of clear or coloured glaze, suitable for interior use and is not expected to withstand excessive impact, temperature or trying conditions. Available in various aesthetic designs and subsises for decoration and functionality.

* Glazed floor tiles

Similar to glazed wall tiles, but more hard wearing to withstand higher and more constant impact, pressure and wear. Also available in various designs and subsises for an aesthetic yet functional effect.

* Porcelain and glazed porcelain tiles

These dense, fine-grained tiles are fired in excess of 1000 degree Celsius, resulting in strong and durable floor tiles which are suitable for both interior and exterior use. They are available in polished variants for high-shine and glazed, for luminosity and translucency as well as matt and rough surface for slip resistance and for decorative purposes.

Decorative porcelain tiles

Also known as Multi-Effect Granite Tiles, the patterns and texture on these tiles attempt to emulate the appearance of natural stone such as granite, marble and travertine. They are harder and more resistant to stains, hence they are more durable than natural stones. They are available as both floor and wall tiles, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Choosing the right tiles

* Living and dining

Non-slip tiles are recommended especially if you have small children and elderly persons at home. Alternatively, you can consider smaller tiles with more grout lines that would be less slippery. Low maintenance tiles on the dining room floor will make for easy cleaning.

* Kitchen

You have to choose low maintenance tiles with higher chemical and slip resistance as they only require regular cleaning with household detergents. Counter tops could be tiled for hot pots to sit on. Work tops and food preparation areas should be protected with high mechanical strength tiles for easy maintenance.

* Bathroom

Choose non-slip tiles with low water absorption properties and high chemical resistance to bath foams, soap, shampoo, chemical cleaners and disinfectants to ensure low maintenance. Use tiles for creative colour combinations on walls and floor to give you the best visual relaxation.

* Bedroom

You should use tiles with pleasant colour combinations that help create a comfortable and relaxing environment. It will relax you and ease your mind from a long, hard working day.

* Car porch and driveway

Not only should non-slip, high mechanical strength tiles be considered, smaller-sized tiles with more grout lines may provide additional slip resistance and can be another option.

* Pool and garden

Your garden can be improved with easy maintenance tiles.


Tiles with low water absorption and high slip resistance are suitable for the pool area.


* Commercial and public areas

Tiles for commercial and public areas should be durable, nonslip, easy to maintain and look clean.


Care and maintenance for tiles

* Mop regularly with clean water for daily maintenance or generic detergents for routine cleaning

* Avoid using highly abrasive materials such as scouring pads on glazed tiles as it might scratch and wear out the glaze.


* Wipe and clean away any spills on tiled surfaces to prevent scratching the glaze on tiles.


* Gently sweep away sand or debris on tiled surfaces as it can scratch the glaze on tiles.


* Do not drag heavy objects such as crates across floor which are laid with tiles not specified for heavy duty use.


* Refrain from using cleaning agents which contain hydrofluoric compounds as they are damaging to the surface of ceramic tiles.


* Follow carefully all manufacturer's instructions on the application of cleaning agents, to ensure that maximum results are obtained and damage to the tile surface is minimised.


Source: Tile Handbook, White House Ceramic

2 comments:

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