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Ceramic tile and stone are popular
flooring materials, but each is subject to damage if not properly maintained.
Ceramic tile, due to its low required maintenance, ease of cleaning, and resistance to physical damage, is one of the most popular flooring materials available today. Made primarily from clay and other organic, as well as inorganic, materials, the tile is available in both glazed and unglazed finishes. Ceramic tiles are vulnerable to a number of defects, however, that can be inspected for the following issues:
Ceramic tile, due to its low required maintenance, ease of cleaning, and resistance to physical damage, is one of the most popular flooring materials available today. Made primarily from clay and other organic, as well as inorganic, materials, the tile is available in both glazed and unglazed finishes. Ceramic tiles are vulnerable to a number of defects, however, that can be inspected for the following issues:
- Uneven
tiles:- Examine the tiles to see how level they are in relation to each
other. Uneven tiles probably weren’t set correctly in the mortar, and
reinstallation may be necessary.
- Cracks,
Loose tiles and Splitting:- Cracks in ceramic tile are the result of
movement in the tile underlayment, excessive expansion or contraction of
the building during freeze-thaw cycles, abuse, or improper installation.
Minor cracks can be repaired with grout that matches the color of the
tile, but larger cracks may require replacement of the tile;
- Crazing:- If tiles were cooled too quickly after kiln-firing, they can develop fine
surface cracks, most often appearing as a fine, web-like network akin to
cracked ice. Crazing is much more common in older, historic tiles than in
modern tiles, but it still happens today. Crazing increases the rate at
which tiles hold dirt, leading to discoloration; and cracked or discolored
grout lines. Unsealed or improperly sealed grout will readily absorb
moisture from the air or standing water, especially around
showers and sinks. Some types of porous tiles may actually powder or
spall if subjected to constant moisture. Damaged or discolored grout can
be removed and replaced.
Natural stone tiles have a beauty
that is difficult to recreate. They add an air of elegance and character to
any home. Stone is more durable than ceramic tile, too, as it’s less likely to
scratch, and holds up well under foot traffic. The unique and complex patterns
can appear busy and overwhelming in large, empty rooms, however. Stone is
also more difficult to maintain than ceramic tile. The following
maintenance and repair tips are recommended:
- Apply
an impregnating sealant:- An oliophobic sealant will repel both oil and
water, and it’s especially helpful in the kitchen. Try to use a
solvent-based sealant, as they’re generally better than water-based
varieties.
- Quickly
clean up any acids:- Some of the more common stone tiles are marble and
limestone, which are calcite-based, meaning that they will corrode
when exposed to acids, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Unfortunately,
sealants cannot protect stone against these substances, which will etch
into the stone if left standing. Igneous stones, such as basalt and
granite, as well as ceramic tile, are less vulnerable to acid damage.
- Lay
walk-off mats or area rugs on either side of exterior entrances and
instruct people to wipe their feet before they enter the home. The main
cause of surface scratching on stone floors is dirt from outside that
becomes caught under shoes and scraped across the floor. Scratching can dull
the stone’s natural polish and damage its natural crystals, causing it to
lose its shine and reflection.
- Use
a good-quality stone soap, preferably one containing linseed oil, for
regular maintenance and cleaning. In most cases, you can simply mop the soap
and leave it to dry.
In summary, ceramic and stone can be superb flooring materials, but
water, acid, improper installation, and other adverse conditions may create
defects.
INHI Operations team
Our team consists of supervisors specialized in various
types of products. We handle client requests, analyse their instructions &
specifications to provide qualitative inspection protocols to the inspectors
for high quality reports. I will be more than happy to personally take a look
at it and let you know what things we can add to improve your specification
sheet. Remember, it never hurts to be overly detailed, as long as you stay
organized and concise. Get to know us!
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