Cement and Concrete Tile Applications

Posted by aihw on December 16th, 2019

Cement and Concrete Tile can be applied in many fields,maninly for Residential Interior Applications and Residential Exterior Applications.Let me show you.

Residential Interior Applications

The Melodious Collection of cement and concrete tile is ideal for the bathroom wall and floor, kitchen floor, kitchen back splash, dining room floor, living room floor, entryway, den, library, stair, fireplace surround and laundry room.

The tiles can also be used in wet areas such as the bathroom floor, shower floor and shower wall with the following cautions:

Slipperiness / Slip Resistance - When wet, hand made, pressed cementing tiles can become somewhat slippery. Having said that, these tiles have been applied on the floors of many bathrooms with no undo slipperiness. In cement and concrete tile applications, it is important to use a penetrating sealer, rather than a topical sealer, as the latter increases the slipperiness. Also, the more the installer buffs or polishes the tiles in the final installation stage, the more slick the cement and concrete tiles become. Be sure to advise the installer to keep the polishing to a minimum.

Efflorescence - Moisture can activate the minerals in the cement and bring them to the tile surface in the form of efflorescence (a white powder). To prevent efflorescence in wet areas, it is important to seal the tiles thoroughly.

Residential Exterior Applications

The Melodious Collection of cement and concrete tile is ideal for covered exterior areas.

Fading - For exterior applications where the cement tiles will be exposed to the sun, there is a risk of the colors fading. The most vulnerable colors are blues and greens. If you are planning an outdoor cement tile application, we recommend selecting colors other than blues and greens. There are also sealers that provide UV protection for the tiles.

Slipperiness / Slip Resistance - Hand made, pressed cement tiles can become somewhat slippery when wet. In cement and conrete tile applications, it is important to use a penetrating sealer, rather than a topical sealer, as the latter increases the slipperiness. Also, the more the installer buffs or polishes the tiles in the final installation stage, the more slick the cement and concrete tiles become. Be sure to advise the installer to keep the polishing to a minimum.

Freeze/Thaw - Granada Tile has not yet performed specific freeze/thaw testing for exterior tile applications in icy and snowy locations. Cement tiles in general are usually not recommended for freeze / thaw conditions because of the risk of cracking damage. We recently learned that one of our clients had used the tiles outside in a freezing part of New Mexico with no ill results.

Chemical Damage - Echo Collection Cement and Concrete Tile applications in pools and fountains may suffer surface damage if the pool chemicals are too strong. The chemicals may eat away at the surface layer of the tiles. We have had clients who have used the tiles in pools and fountains and had no problems. However, we have also had a few clients who have had trouble with the chemical interaction.

Commercial Tile Installations

Melodious Collection Cement and Concrete tiles have been installed on floors, walls and even ceilings in cafes, restaurants, resorts, hotels, spas, retail stores, and office suites. These tiles work very well in these venues because they are so durable, striking and easy to maintain.

The same notes apply to commercial tile applications as to residential installations with regards to potential slipperiness and efflorescence in wet areas and potential fading in exterior sunny settings.