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WHY CERAMIC TILES?
The use of ceramic tiles in building is a worldwide trend that is most definitely on the increase. Nowadays they are no longer applied only in those countries where historically their use was widespread, but also by other cultures who are gradually discovering the multiple advantages they offer. One of the drawbacks of ceramic products is that they often require some kind of preparatory work, but this is outweighed by the many benefits they have to offer. Below are just a few of those advantages:
Natural Products
Ceramic wall and floor tiles are waterproof pieces made from a clay body to which a vitreous coating – the ceramic glaze - may or may not be added. The raw materials are extracted directly from the land, which, together with the water and firing, make for a top quality natural product. Thanks to the use of these materials and the sector’s advanced technological development, today the ceramic tile industry is able to offer a wide range of products featuring many advantages. And all this using just three basic natural elements: earth or clay, water and fire.
Easy to Clean
One of the best things about ceramic tiles is that they are both easy to clean and resistant to dirt and all types of common contamination.
They can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth. Alternatively, if the surface is dirty or greasy, cleaning agents such as detergents or bleach may also be used. Given the characteristics of ceramic surfaces, materials do not become stuck to them and fatty or oily substances can easily be removed. This makes ceramic tiles ideal for use in kitchens, bathrooms, hospitals, laboratories, swimming pools and industrial facilities, and in general they are extremely effective at preventing the accumulation of dirt and odours anywhere.
Electrical Insulators
Ceramic tiles do not conduct electricity, thereby making them excellent electrical insulators. Thanks to their non-combustible properties they help to stop fires from spreading.
These features also mean that ceramic tile coverings are excellent at repelling electrically active dust present in the atmosphere, contributing to added comfort and wellbeing.
Hygienic and Anti-allergenic
Ceramic tiles’ resistance to humidity also prevents the spread of colonies of germs and fungi which have a tendency to appear in buildings that are badly water-proofed.
The action of these organisms on certain non-ceramic surfaces is steady and relentless and may lead to surface stains and interior damage.
For this reason, the use of ceramic tiles is becoming increasingly popular in those places where water is a constant presence, such as bathrooms, kitchens, industrial facilities, laboratories, swimming pools and façades.
Durability
Once installed, ceramic tile coverings do not require any upkeep or maintenance other than standard cleaning procedures. Their resistance to sudden temperature changes, chemical and biological agents, their toughness and resistance to friction, etc., make them extremely long-lasting and therefore ideal for use in construction. Any new tile installation can be safely left untouched anywhere and for this reason they are becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of locations, especially on building façades, public spaces, shopping malls, walks and avenues… The more recent appearance of Porcelain Tiles has taken the hard-wearing and resistant nature of ceramic tiles to amazingly high levels of performance.
Inertness
Clay, once it has been fired, acquires characteristics similar to those of stone or other similar natural elements, making it inert and capable of repelling all forms of biological life and preventing environmental damage.
Aesthetic Diversity
Ceramic tiles offer decorative solutions to suit all tastes. From more traditional ideas that imitate marble or stone to more daring designs featuring metallic finishes, bold colours, textures and volumes, geometrical effects, etc. The technological development of the ceramic tile sector has generated a vast range of possibilities and options to choose from, including a variety of formats, decorative and special pieces, etc.
Resistance
Ceramic tiles are hard-wearing offering excellent levels of resistance to daily traffic and friction. A scale has been established to measure their resistance to abrasion and scratching, enabling users to select the most appropriate type of product for each surface.
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