This article was originally published in EcoFriend.com.
'Go Green' is the current trend. People today are increasingly becoming
environment conscious. Conscious efforts are being made to incorporate
environment in everything around us and our homes are no exceptions.
Flooring is an integral part of our homes and floor tiles are basic
option. Tiles today come in an array of options like ceramic, wood,
stone, metal and even glass. Clay tiles is also gradually becoming a
popular choice as it is eco friendly.
From time immemorial, clay has been a part of human abode, both
exteriors and interiors. Be it for housing purpose or for the purpose of
art, usage of clay is as old as the human history. Fired clay or baked
clay , or popularly known as 'Terracotta' is basically a type of
earthenware and is often used as a substitute of stone. It has been an
integral part of Indian and Chinese culture. Terracotta tiles were used
for decorating walls of temples. In our modern lives, terracotta tiles
definitely add to the aesthetics as well as the green cause. Taken by
its innumerable and cost effective qualities, these tiles are now
becoming a favorite among builders and homeowners.
Features
Terracotta
tiles are made of the basic natural elements, water, clay and fire. As
they are usually hand made and fired, no two Terracotta tiles look
exactly the same. The color of these tiles ranges from honey, orange to
dark red or brown. The thickness of the handmade tiles is usually 25
millimeters. Teracotta tiles comes in a variety of patterns, shapes and
sizes. Geometrical, plain and floral are some popular patterns.
Durability
If
the terracotta tiles are properly burnt, they are not affected by the
atmosphere or any elements. But they are porous and need to be sealed
properly. Once sealed, Terracotta tiles are heat resistant as well as
water resistant. They are also bacteria and allergen resistant. These
tiles are not as hard as the conventional tiles, yet they are more
durable.
Suitability
Once
sealed, terracotta tiles can be used almost anywhere. Apart from
flooring, they can also be used for roofing and walling. Due its
properties, these tiles can be used in patios and driveways. Inside they
are popularly used in the living room, kitchen and bathroom. these
tiles are do not feel cold under the feet like traditional tiles.
Terracotta tiles are quite versatile.
Tips on installing Terracotta tiles
Installing terracotta tiles is comparatively a complex process and is best left to a professional. It is usually a two day job. Aldo, the grouting needs to be done with precision.
The
sub floor should be clean, solid and dry. Terracotta tiles can be
installed over a vinyl floor. If the existing floor is of any other
tiles, it has to be removed first. Thin cement adhesive should be
used.Before going for grouting, the floor should be let to dry for at
least 24 hours.
Although Terracotta tiles may be uneven, it is
advised not to go for chiseling these tiles as it will remove the
vitrified layer and make them porous.
Maintenance
Terracotta
tiles are simple and easy to maintain. Floors tiled with terracotta
just needs to be thoroughly swept and cleaned with a mild household
detergent and a damp mop. From time to time, a grout cleaner may be used
to keep the grouting from darkening and becoming dirty. Also, there are
several terracotta specific cleaners available in the market.
Advantages
Eco-friendly
in nature, terracotta tiles are heat and water resistant and bacteria
and allergen resistant. They are suitable to be used anywhere in the
house and looks better with age. Being porous, they create a climatic
balance in the room. Lastly, they are durable, affordable and easy to
maintain.
Disadvantages
Needs proper sealing and as
clay shrinks on burning, the tiles may be uneven.Installation takes time
and the process is comparatively complex.
Terracotta has
withstand the test of time. Terracotta was used extensively for housing
in the medieval times, both exteriors and interiors. After a being a
part of many ancestral homes and then forgotten, these eco friendly
tiles are making a slow comeback. In today's environment conscious
society, terracotta tiles definitely adds a natural look to our homes.
More importantly, they add more elegant greenery to our lives.
