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(Please see editor's
note *)
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
| Prior to installation, ceramic tile is a
very brittle product; but once it is installed, it becomes a
permanent part of your construction. It will not chip or crack
unless hit with a heavy object or in the case of an earthquake. |
| If the right product is selected,
installed, and maintained properly, that is, kept free of grit
and sand,it should last the lifetime of your home. |
| Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass
which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze
provides an unlimited array of colors and designs as well as
protects the tile from staining. The unglazed tiles are pretty
much the same as the glazed tile, except that their surface is
not coated. Unglazed tiles do not show wear because their color
extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for commercial
applications. |
| Any tile that is frost resistant may be
used outdoors. For safety reasons, only unglazed tiles with a
slip resistant surface should be used on patios, walkways, pool
decks, etc. Glazed tiles should only be used on vertical surfaces
when used outdoors |
| Tile is about as slippery as vinyl or wood.
Naturally, if the floor gets wet, any of these hard surfaced
materials will become slippery. There are many tiles that have
slip resistant surfaces but keep in mind, that the more abrasive
the surface is, the more difficult it will be to maintain. You
might consider using a mat in wet areas. |
| Glazed tile should never be waxed. The
purpose of the glaze is to give you a maintenance free floor. If
you wax the glaze, alll you are doing is creating more work for
yourself. To keep your tile looking new, use a small amount of
vinegar in warm water, plus a clean rinse. |
| A glazed tile is already stain proof, so
there is no purpose to putting on a sealer. You may put a
penetrating sealer on your unglazed tile. You may put a
penetrating sealer on your unglazed tile or your grout joints.
The penetrating sealer is an invisible, stain resistant shield,
that is absorbed into the surface. |
| Many people assume this, but it is not
true. Ceramic tile is a thermal product that absorbs both heat
and cold, depending on the room temperature. The tile stays cool
in the summer and warm in the winter. |
| The surface of the tile is naturally harder
than carpet, but no harder than vinyl or wood. . also its surface
construction is designed for comfort underfoot. |
| Press the Locations
link, locate your
state in the chart, and then click on your state. |
Locations!
*Editor's
note: The author wishes to thank the good people at Florida Tile for
the information, ideas, & pictures on the following Florida Tile web
pages. Used with permission.
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Copyright © 1997 Florida Tile Industries, Inc.. All rights
reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark
holders. |
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