Floor and Floor Treatments

Floor And Floor Treatments 3 (1+2)

Lesson :05 NON-RESILIENT: MODERN FLOORING

Ceramic Tiles

Vitreous flooring refers to flooring materials that have been made of clay material and fired in a kiln to produce a hard, stone like quality. Ceramic flooring is more common name for this type of material. Basically these are composed of silicon materials (aluminum silicate) that are much like glass which flow together and bond during the firing process. Ceramic tile is a flooring material historically accepted through the ages for use in kitchen, toilets and other locations where water is present. The tiles are made by machines and some have nonslip finish. Some varieties of ceramic tiles are vitrified and they are frost proof. For other tiles additives are added to give strength and texture. Some are glazed. The commonly known ceramic tile brand names such as kajaria, Regency, Nitco, Jhonson and so on are available in sizes varying from 8”x4” to 12”x12”. Mat finished, antiskid tiles are preferred as flooring particularly for wet areas. They come in a range of styles, sizes and shapes. Patterns range from flowery to geometric and range of shades include blue, green, grays and many. Ceramic tiles are machine made, plain or patterned, glazed or unglazed, smooth or hard textured. Hard textured tiles (mat finish) are ideal around both or lining a shower. Ceramic tiles can be used on any surface that is clean, dry and stable and even over the top of firmly attached old tiles. Ceramic tiles can be laid in different ways and pattern can be formed for instance check board, diagonals on multi colored or patch work.

Characteristics:

• They are hard-wearing
• They are impervious to water and soil.
• Resistance to abrasion and wax.
• Glazed tiles are resistance to wear and totally non-absorbent but it become scratched it loses its shine and also from abrasion and dust particles.
• If any hard object (even vessels/ dishes) is dropped to tiles may break, crack or chip.
• They are cool to the feet and are used in hot climate.
• They can be a noisy surface.

Laying techniques

• Must be laid on a level solid subfloor with cement and sand mortar.
• The thin tiles are fixed with an adhesive rather than mortar.
• Badly laid tiles may lift up and lead to water seepage.

Maintenance:

• Clean with mild soap or detergent with water.
• Do not use harsh abrasives.
• When they are wet they become slippery.
• They are easy to clean and to remove dirt and stain