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FAQ

  1. Are tiles stronger than marble?
  2. Where can tiles be used?
  3. Is it possible to fit new tiles on an old tiled floor?
  4. What's the best way to calculate the quantity of Tile I'll need?
  5. What are the different types of fixing tiles?
  6. Is there any way to repair chips in the surface of a ceramic tile?
  7. What is laying with spacers?
  8. What are the advantages of Ceramic Tile over other floor covering materials?
  9. How do I maintain and care for Ceramic Tile?
  10. In ceramic tile the rough stone-look is "in". I like the look but I'm concerned about dirt getting caught in the crevices doesn't this make it hard to clean?
  11. I can buy one tile for X amount and another tile for 2X. Is one so much better than the other?
  12. Can Ceramic tiles be used outdoors?
  13. Can a floor tile be used on wall and vice versa?
  14. Is it necessary that one should use a particular design or colour or size for a particular application?
  15. Will ceramic tile crack or chip?
  16. What are the different textures of tiles available in the market?
  17. Will the bathroom tiles crack if my servant uses a baton to wash clothes?
  18. Do ceramics require maintenance?
  19. Can tiled surfaces be protected simply using common sense? Or is special treatment necessary?
  20. With so many different styles and materials, how do I choose the right product for me?
  21. What is the most suitable product for outdoor laying?
  1. Are tiles stronger than marble?
Yes Tiles are stronger than the commonly available marble in the market.
  1. Where can tiles be used?
Tiles can be used in virtually any part of the house like bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, portico, foyer, drive way, drawing / living rooms, study, lobby, etc. They can be used both on the walls and floors. Some special tiles can be used in industries too.
  1. Is it possible to fit new tiles on an old tiled floor?
Yes, it is definitely possible to fit new tiles on top of an old tiled floor provided that none of the underneath tiles are loose or uneven. However it is not advisable as the cost would be high and you would be reducing the headroom (height between the floor and the ceiling).
  1. What's the best way to calculate the quantity of Tile I'll need?
Length times width of the area to be covered will give you square footage. For most installations, add 5-7% for cutting loss, and enough to keep on hand for any repairs. When the installation is on a diagonal, or when you are using a multi-size pattern, you should add 12-15%.

You will also need to take care from the skirting perspective in a similar manner.
  1. What are the different types of fixing tiles?
The tiles can be either dry fixed or wet fixed. In wet fixing the tiles are fixed by using conventional cement mortar. In dry fixing this is done by using special adhesives that can fix tiles directly on the existing flooring.
  1. Is there any way to repair chips in the surface of a ceramic tile?
Yes, any good glue (epoxy based) will satisfactorily repair a ceramic tile. But that will only repair; when it comes to looks such repaired tiles don't match up, as refinishing the surface to match the original tile is the tough part. The best thing would be to replace the chipped tiles along with those adjacent to it.
  1. What is laying with spacers?
Tiles can be laid with readily available spacers, thereby achieving a uniform gap, and the same can be grouted with suitable grouting compounds.
  1. What are the advantages of Ceramic Tile over other floor covering materials?
Ceramic Tile is the most durable flooring and facing material available. It is color permanent, abrasion resistant, and will not cut, tear, gouge or puncture. There are no seams to separate, and "little accidents" are easily cleaned.
  1. How do I maintain and care for Ceramic Tile?
No need to wax or polish glazed Tiles. Simply wiping glazed Tile with a damp sponge or sponge mop is all that is necessary for daily maintenance. In case stains persist if it is not removed with detergent, use diluted hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid.
  1. In ceramic tile the rough stone-look is "in". I like the look but I'm concerned about dirt getting caught in the crevices doesn't this make it hard to clean?
The manufacturers of these tiles have taken this into consideration. If you look closely at the surface of these tiles you will notice that although some areas are indented to achieve a natural stone appearance, these indents are wide enough to prevent dirt particles from being embedded in them. A good mopping will wash away dirt even from these indented areas.
  1. I can buy one tile for X amount and another tile for 2X. Is one so much better than the other?
The short answer is probably not. Although there are some substandard tiles imported into the country, given the competitive nature of ceramic tile retailing, chances are you wouldn't be exposed to these when you go shopping, you can avoid these by shopping at established reputable tile retailers. There are many factors that go into the price of a ceramic tile.

Economics of manufacturing plays a role. This is highly simplified here but we think you'll get the point. There are certain costs involved in manufacturing a X tile that are the same as manufacturing a 2X tile, if a run takes an arbitrarily assigned 8 hours to produce, the manufacturer needs labor for those 8 hours, the kiln must consume 8 hours of fuel, lights in the factory have to be on, etc. One variable is how many square feet of tile the manufacturer will produce of a certain tile during those 8 hours. If the market for a certain style of tile calls for a very large run (let's say 100,000 square feet) the manufacturer gets to apply the costs of the run to a large number of tile thus making the cost per tile small. If on the other hand the manufacturer is producing a tile with a smaller demand, he will have fewer tiles to cover his production costs and thus a higher per tile cost.

Another relevant factor that influences the cost of ceramic tile on the manufacturing end is the design and coloration of a tile. Today the most commonly used method of applying color to a ceramic tile is by use of a screen print. Some of today's designs are heavily dependent on a wide variety of colors to achieve the look the manufacturer desires, and of course the more colors, the more screenings and the higher the cost of the finished product.

Another important factor that goes into pricing of ceramic tile at the retail level is how the retailer themselves purchase the tile. If a retailer buys container loads of tile from a wholesaler or directly from a manufacturer, the retailer will get a bigger break in price per square foot than if they purchase a pallet or less from their source.

Finally we need to talk about "seconds" material. Seconds are tile that for one or more reasons the manufacturer could not release as standard grade material. Usually "seconds" are sold at reduced pricing. Some reasons a manufacture will designate a tile as a "second" have absolutely no affect on the performance of a tile. A case in point is, run of tile emerges from the kiln with far different shade of color than the manufacturer intended. This happens because many variables go into the production of a tile and if one isn't precise, color shifts occur. It should be noted that all ceramic tiles are subject to dye lot variations. The manufacturer maintains a range that the variation can fall, if it is outside those parameters, the tile is sold as a "second". Functionally, this tile is the same as its cousin the "standard"; it just doesn't look the same. If you like the way this tile looks, you may get it at a bargain price.

Another reason a tile may be a second is because of glaze defects. You must inspect seconds well before you buy them (once you purchase them it is unlikely you will be able to return them), unlike wide dye lot variation, glaze defects will affect the look and possibly the life of the finished floor.

A couple of last points about purchasing "seconds". As mentioned once a "second" grade material leaves their warehouse, a retailer or wholesaler will usually not take it back. Also note that manufacturers will generally not honor any guarantees on material they designate as "seconds". This brings up a big red flag, be aware that there are retailers who knowingly sell second grade material as first quality and hide this fact from the consumer. Many times the consumer only finds out after they have a problem with the floor and the manufacturer refuses to honor the guarantee. Always know whom you are dealing with, if a deal is too good to be true, there is always a reason.
  1. Can Ceramic tiles be used outdoors?
To be used outdoors, the tile must be unglazed for floor use. Make sure the absorption rate is 0.5% or less.
  1. Can a floor tile be used on wall and vice versa?
We do not recommend because the floor tile is much heavier than a wall tile. It is less porous and absorbent. The chances to adhere to the vertical surface is lesser than in a wall tile. This will result in the floor tile being easily dislodged from the surface and also cracking. However it is an individual's choice if he is still ready to take risks, he can use the floor tiles on the wall.
  1. Is it necessary that one should use a particular design or colour or size for a particular application?
Well, design, color and size preference is based on purely individual or personal choice or taste.  However here are some basic guidelines and tips on selecting the right design, colour and size for different applications.
  • The tiles you choose should match with the existing, or intending decor of the room where they are to be used.
  • In a plain area (areas devoid of furniture, an open area), you could use a pattern type or geometric tile design. This will help generate a little fullness where none existed before. By the same a plain tile will help calm down a busy and cluttered room.
  • Larger tiles tend to look better in larger rooms, and converse is true for smaller size tiles.
  1. Will ceramic tile crack or chip?
When tile is installed properly it will not crack. It is possible to chip a tile when heavy objects are dropped on the surface.
  1. What are the different textures of tiles available in the market?
There are different effects/ textures available for Ceramic tiles for Wall & Floor. Majority of them available are listed below:
Effects available on Floor Tiles:
  • Matt, High Matt
  • Glossy
  • Semi Glossy
  • Reactive, Channel
  • Luster, Colored Luster
  • Vitrossa
  • Smooth, Rustic
  • Opaque, Transparent
  • Raindrop
  • Antiskid
  • Embossed (Temptation, Impression, Creation, Sensation, Elation)
  • PEI tiles for traffic dependent areas.
Effects available on Wall Tiles:
  • Ordinary Screen Prints.
  • 3D effect.
  • Luster series with special gold and silver finish.
  • Satin Matt.
  • Smooth, Rustic.
  • Embossed.
  • Opaque, Transparent.
  • Designer.
  1. Will the bathroom tiles crack if my servant uses a baton to wash clothes?
While a cheap un-branded tile could crack for almost no reason at all, quality branded tiles will definitely take their share of stress and strain. Cracking however, is usually a result of poor tile fixing which results in weak uneven surfaces, air pockets below tiles, improper bedding which are the chief causes of cracking. And this has nothing to do with tiles, but baton washing damages the garments fabric.
  1. Do ceramics require maintenance?
Only a minimum of effort is required to keep surfaces in good condition, due to the fact that glazed wall tiles and flooring are and not microporous. If laid correctly and washed regularly with plain water, a quality ceramic flooring will maintain the appearance and the specifications of the product when new. Furthermore, glazed porcelain tiles involve less maintenance than natural stones and marbles.
  1. Can tiled surfaces be protected simply using common sense? Or is special treatment necessary?
After they have been laid, ceramic products do not require special treatment or cleaning with particular detergents. Protection against abrasive dirt in entrance areas and against possible falling objects in the areas close to working surfaces is advisable, by means

We also suggest that you pay particular attention to protecting until all construction or remodeling work has been completed.
  1. With so many different styles and materials, how do I choose the right product for me?
There is no such thing as a "right" or "wrong" product, just the product which is to the use it is required for. Therefore, it's a good idea to identify the requirement of your project first, then you can let yourself wander among the wide range of designs and colours, relying entirely on your own taste.
  1. What is the most suitable product for outdoor laying?
For outdoor laying it is necessary to use tiles which absorb less than 0.5% water, according to international standards.

All of the products in Naturgress, Irisgress and Irisstone, with water absorption of 0.04%, are completely and covered by a 50-year even for outdoor use.
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