Tips on Outdoor Tile Selection
Outdoor tiles have come to occupy one of the most important part of home construction as well as for office and home decoration. Not only interiors but the exteriors of our homes too are now decorated through different ways, one of which is tiling. However, one must always accept the fact that tiles have to be selected with great care. It needs an understanding of climate as well as their other characteristics that will determine how long they are there with you!
As the outdoors like garden, patios, and driveways etc. have to withstand harsh climatic conditions, the selection of improper materials or wrong way of installing tiles can lead to cracks in just one season. Here are some tips to consider when selecting them for home and office.
Consider Climate when Selecting Outdoor Tile
Whenever you decide to install tiles for patio, garden walkway or driveway, consider the overall climatic conditions of your place. If it is warm for most parts of the year and they will not be subject to frost heaves or the freeze/thaw effect, you may go for any type of outdoor tile. Just keep in mind that some of them will keep your home more cool than others. For example, if you are selecting them for roofing then natural stones like slate tiles are anytime better for that natural cool comfort in hot weathers.
If your place experience frost or the ground in your locality freezes in the winter, you must select something that can withstand these ‘climatic atrocities’ such as natural outdoor slate or vitrified tiles.
Consider Absorption Rate when Selecting Outdoor Tile
Whenever selecting outdoor tiles, you must inquire about its water absorption rate. Some of them have very low water absorption (even less than 1%). The lower water absorption rate ensures that they would not crack during winters.
Natural stone tiles are good for outdoor applications. Read about outdoor slate tiles and there characteristics to believe this.