Tile Care Guide – Designer Tile Company

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Tile Care Guide

Tile Glossary

Ceramic tile

A tile made from clay minerals, most commonly glazed and fired to create a strong and resistant material. Used for wall applications.

Porcelain tile

A tile made from refined clay, fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tiles. They are stronger, less porous, and more durable than ceramic tiles. Used for both floor and wall applications.

Mosaic

Small, decorative tiles that are typically less than 100mm square and applied on a 300x300mm sheet. Can be made from porcelain, ceramic, glass and natural stone. Depending on the material and finish, can be used for floor and wall applications.

Rectified edge

A tile edge that has been mechanically straightened. These tiles provide a clean, symmetrical look and can have thinner grout lines.

Cushion edge

A rounded edge on a tile. May have larger grout lines than rectified tiles. This edge type may also be referred to as ‘pressed edge’, ‘soft edge’ or ‘non-rectified’, among others.

Grout:

A mortar/paste for filling gaps between tiles.

Sealer:

A liquid coat applied to the porous surface of the tile or grout, to protect them from oxidation, natural deterioration and day-to-day wear.

How To Care For Tiles

Tiles are one of the best flooring solutions you can select for your home or commercial property. They are very versatile and can be used in many applications. Tiles are very hygienic, hardwearing and stain resistant compared to timber flooring. In comparison to timber flooring and carpet, tiles are low maintenance and very easy to clean. To keep your tiles in great condition and retain their original appearance for many years to come, follow these simple steps:

Keep doormats at entrances to property to prevent sand, dirt and other elements that may scratch and wear tile surfaces.
Place protective gliders under any furniture that could damage the tiles surface.
Clean and sweep the tiles on a regular basis. Vacuuming is one of the best ways to maintain tiles.
Abrasive cleaners are not necessary and should be avoided. A few drops of a soap-free, neutral detergent or methylated spirits will do the trick when mopping.
Beware of dropping heavy items on floor tiles – there is a possibility that they may chip or scratch, regardless of the type of tile used.

Grout and joint cleaning is another important facet of keeping your tiles clean and in pristine conditions. If cleaned correctly and on a regular basis, the original appearance is easy to maintain.

Please dedicate extra time and pay special attention to the cleaning of internal corners, grout lines, and joint movements to prevent build-up of dirt and contaminates.
If mould or discolouration occurs, this is generally due to cleaners or dirt that dried and builds up on the surface of the tile. It can be removed with professional cleaning products.

For specific cases, or if you have any more questions about tile maintenance and care, please contact one of the friendly team members.

Slip Ratings

Designer Tile Company uses both the Oil-Wet Ramp Test and the Pendulum Test when measuring the slip resistance of our products.

Oil-Wet Ramp Test

This test is conducted with an individual standing on a ramp at various inclination angles. There are two test methods involved:

1. The individual stands on a water-lubricated ramp barefoot.

2. The operator stands on an oil-lubricated ramp in rubber-soled boots.

R9: High slip risk.

R10: Moderate slip risk.

R11: Low slip risk.

R12: Very low slip risk.

Pendulum Test

Slip resistance is measured in the Pendulum Test by assessing the frictional resistance between a rubber slider mounted on a pendulum arm and a wet tile.

Pendulum Test classifications are as follows:

P0: No location examples available.

P1: Very high slip risk.

P2: High slip risk.

P3: Moderate slip risk.

P4: Low slip risk.

P5: Very low slip risk.

Please contact Designer Tile Company for further assistance if required. A team member will be able to assist you in selecting an appropriate tile for the job.

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