Why are tiles soaked in water before use?

When a tile (or a brick for that matter) is too porous, it will suck the water out of the mortar without allowing it to set properly, leaving weak bonds between mortar and tile.

1. For the proper laying of tiles. hire an experienced mason.
2. Before fixing, tiles must be soaked in water for about an hour. Soaking of tiles is not required in case of fixing with chemical adhesive.
3. The wall surface is to be rough plastered using mortar composed of one part cement and two parts sand.
4. On the wall surface, a coat of very thin cement slurry should be applied by brush at the time of fixing the tiles.
5. The mortar is to be spread on the backside of the tile. This should be composed of one part cement and two parts sand.
6. Tiles so placed in the mortar should be gently raped to ensure total mortar contact.
7. Shade and Size variation is an inherent characteristic of ceramic tiles. Before fixing, the tiles should be mixed separate boxes to have random blending and avoid obvious patches.
8. Mixing of time with cement, careless mixing or deliberate use of rich mixes will lead to wall tile failure.

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Which tile is good for living rooms: vitrified or ceramic tiles?

Here I share with you the Advantages and Disadvantages of the two most common types of tiles used in homes: ceramic and vitrified tiles.

Ceramic tiles
 These tiles are made with natural clay mixed with water and then baked in a kiln. They have a natural, earthy look, come in a variety of colors and sizes, and are most often glazed, for protection against water, stains, and scratches.

The hard protective layer provided by the glaze makes these tiles a good bet for flooring, walls, backsplashes, and countertops. They are most commonly used in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, as they are water-resistant, easy to clean and less prone to harboring germs.

Advantages

• Ceramic tiles are easy to maintain. Soap and warm water work well most of the time to remove dirt and grime. For tough stains, strong agents can be used without fear of damage to tiles.
• They are cost-effective. Ceramic tiles price is relatively cheaper than most other kinds of tiles.
• They offer endless design options. Ceramic tiles can be made in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, patterns, and textures.
• They are easy to replace. If a tile (or several) get damaged, they can be changed.

Disadvantages

• It is difficult to maintain grout lines. While the tiles themselves are low-maintenance, the grout lines require sealing to avoid moisture and mildew seeping in (the latter can be managed with a little vinegar and water).
• Ceramic tiles are not the best option for flooring in cold climes. Ceramic tiles can get very cold in the winter, proving extremely unpleasant to bare feet.
• Direct sunlight may fade the color over time.
• They are restricted in size. Ceramic tiles rarely come in sizes larger than 12 inches x 12 inches.

Vitrified tiles
Vitrified tiles are similar to ceramic tiles – with the difference that the clay is mixed with silica, quartz, and feldspar before being fired in the kiln. These extra ingredients, when baked at high temperatures, fuse together, creating a vitreous surface that is glossy and hard. The tile gets its name from the process of manufacturing, called vitrification

Vitrified floor tiles are extremely durable and low on maintenance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. That’s why they are used extensively in commercial areas.
They are a less expensive alternative to natural stone such as marble and granite while offering similar looks and better durability. This makes them a good choice for residences.

Advantages

• Vitrified tiles are hard, virtually non-porous and impervious to stains and scratches, making them ideal indoors as well as outdoors.
• The dye mixed in the clay before it is fired gives the tile a uniform color right through, so even if the tile is scratched, the color will stay the same.
• They can be used within 48 hours of laying, as they need practically no set time or polishing.
• Vitrified tiles are available in large sizes, so the number of joints are fewer.

Disadvantages

• The installation of vitrified tiles is a painstaking affair, as the tiles need to be laid evenly, with barely noticeable joints. They also need a stronger adhesive than ceramic tiles, making them more expensive to install.
• The tiles themselves are more expensive than ceramic tiles because of their extra qualities.
• Glossy vitrified tiles (as opposed to the matte ones) can be extremely slippery when wet.
• Vitrified tiles are not environment-friendly as the process of making them is heavy in the use of energy and production of carbon dioxide.

Conclusion:

So, which is better: vitrified or ceramic tiles?
 In the end, I used both kinds. You don’t have to pick one over the other; use a combination of the two types, depending on the place and the look needed. Vitrified tiles work well for flooring; however, for a little more character and color and to balance out the slightly industrial, man-made look of vitrified tiles, use ceramic.

I’d recommend using vitrified tiles for high-traffic areas (the living room, bedroom) and the outdoors; ceramic for the kitchen, bathroom, and stairs. However, there are no hard and fast rules – the deciding factor would be the overall look you are trying to create.

For more information visit India’s Largest wall & floor tiles collection Somany ceramics.

What are glazed vitrified tiles?

Glazed vitrified tiles (GVT) have a glazed surface. They offer a wide variety of design, artwork and surface textures like wood grain, bamboo, slate or stone. This is also an expensive process, but the cost is dropping as digital printing techniques are introduced.

Below you can find Few glazed tiles advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

• They are more durable and scratch-resistant.
• Vitrified tiles are consistent in sizes, shades, and thickness.
• Vitrified tiles are easier to install and need practically no setting time or polishing after laying. Therefore they can be used within 48 hours after laying.
• Vitrified Floor tiles have very less water absorption and are stain-resistant.
• Due to moisture resistant, vitrified tiles prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.
• It is easy to clean as it has a shiny surface.
• These tiles will best option the flooring in wet areas as they are moisture resistant.
• The sheen is not lost very soon.
• The effect of sunlight neither alters the color of the tiles nor causes them to fade.

Disadvantages

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• Tiles need to be installed by an expert tile layer to ensure thin, even and neat joints between the tiles.
• The major disadvantage of vitrified tiles is that they are more expensive.
• The tile with the defect must be cut away along the grout lines and surrounding material could be damaged in the process.
• Moreover, it is quite unlikely that you will find the same tile after some years and hence when you buy tiles, always buy a few extra pieces and serve it for public future use.
• In order to ensure stability, high-quality adhesives are used.
• Every year or after two years, the grout must be resealed or it will begin to look dirty. The sealant will create a hazy finish on the tiles if allowed to dry.
• It is difficult to install.
• Vitrified tiles are slippery when wet.
• Vitrified tiles are not environment-friendly as the process of making them causes a significant cost of energy and carbon dioxide

For more information visit India’s Largest wall and floor tiles Collection Somany Ceramics

Which stone (marble or granite) would be good for flooring in India?

It is a troublesome choice to choose which ground surface alternative you have to pick. I am giving points of advantages and disadvantages of each deck alternative. We have given few of the focuses to each ground surface sort. Expectation this may give some clearness in choosing the flooring. how you finished up/landed at ground surface choice.

Granite:

• Hard rock material, tough and more resistant to absorb.
• You will be amazed after seeing the patterns and colors of nature
• Can be used directly after purchasing from the shop
• The cost will be more compared to vitrified tiles and Granite
• Easy for maintenance when compared to the other two options
• Very few chances are there to break and for scratches
• More durable for acid wash and rough usage
• In a case, if you have sufficient budget, you can look for antiskid granite also. which is good for old age people.

Marble:

• Soft rock
• You need to lay the Marbles then polishing process will start. Initial laying process is more than granite and tiles
• The advantage is if you feel flooring lost it’s shining then you can do polishing one more time so that you will get the first look. This will be one advantage in case if you are going for a marble
• Generally, cost-wise it will be a little lesser than granite but laying cost may vary.
• very fewer chances are there to break and for scratches but because of the soft nature, when compared to granite it is prone to scratches.
• If patterns are available in Marble, Marble Layer can create very nice patterns out of it.

Vitrified flooring is likewise a decent decision which precisely resembles a Marble ground surface and Vitrified tiles are more Harder than the marble and contrast with marble and granite, Vitrified tiles cost less and you will get a similar completing as marble with a stunning look. For more references of collections check out Somany

It is purely on personal choice, but you can conclude your decision based on the following factors. List down your priorities based on below points and give percentage/marks to each point. Then you should be able to come to a conclusion.

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