It is generally accepted that the merits of a particular material or product are based on its characteristics. Low weight, high strength, thermal conductivity, as well as other properties determine the scope and possibilities. All of the above applies to ceramic granite. It has unique technical characteristics that allow you to use the material to solve a wide range of problems.
What is ceramic granite
Porcelain tile is an artificial product, and its technical characteristics are laid at the production stage. The combination of impressive pressure and high temperature allows you to create certain conditions that help to get a completely new product from the feedstock. However, production is not limited solely to these effects. In the process of implementation, careful selection of the starting components, advance processing and subsequent mixing are carried out.
Ceramic granite contains feldspar, kaolin clay, mineral dyes, and also quartz sand. All components are crushed, in the next step they are mixed until a homogeneous mass is formed. Pressing occurs under high pressure, and then firing, during which the temperature is kept within 1300 degrees. As a result of this, the described material is obtained, the properties of which differ from those that are familiar to the feedstock.
Basic properties
The characteristics of the material obtained are unique when compared with the properties of natural stone or granite. Porcelain tile surpasses the above materials in many ways. This applies to bending resistance, resistance to temperature extremes, as well as frost resistance. One cannot but mention the surface hardness, resistance to the effects of acids to abrasion, and also to slip.
Water absorption properties
This parameter is characterized by the ability of the material to absorb liquid. If we compare ceramic granite with some other building materials that are manufactured using similar technology, then in the first case, water absorption is extremely low. Thus, ceramic tiles have water absorption, which does not exceed 3%. If we are talking about granite, then this parameter varies within 0.46%, while for porcelain stoneware this figure is 0.05%.
Area of ​​use
Due to this property, the material is used in environmental conditions. It is not capable of absorbing moisture. This indicates that it is not damaged when exposed to low temperatures and when they are cyclically changed. Ceramic granite is used for a variety of finishes, namely when conducting facade work. Appropriate properties make the area of ​​use well-founded.
Mechanical characteristics
If we consider the possibilities of porcelain tiles under the influence of a mechanical nature, then it is necessary to pay attention to the wear resistance and strength properties. The last parameter is 8 units, while the limit figure is 10. In many respects, this depends on the type of surface.
Matte porcelain stoneware designed for flooring has technical characteristics that are ultimate in strength. This allows you to use the material to finish the floors of industrial premises, namely workshops, garages, as well as workshops.
What else you need to know about the area of ​​use
An example was given above where unpolished ceramic granite is involved, whereas if this material forms the basis of a tile whose surface is glazed or polished, then it is perfect for flooring. However, such a material is best used under conditions that are less stressful. This is due to the fact that during surface treatment it loses its strength, and the parameter reaches only 6 units.
Abrasion resistance
Ceramic granite, the dimensions of which can correspond to the tile, has another characteristic, which is expressed in abrasion resistance. This parameter is extremely important, especially for tiles, which are used as flooring. In this regard, manufacturers are guided by the EN 154 standards used in Europe. This approach allows you to set the quality requirements of products by verification.
As a result, porcelain tile is divided into 5 groups. Its dimensions can vary from 200x300 to 502x502 millimeters. Thus, the tile, which belongs to the first group, should be used in those rooms where the movement is not intense and occurs in soft shoes. This applies to bedrooms and bathrooms. Whereas products of group 5 can be used in any conditions, even at railway stations.
Weight Information
Multicolor ceramic granite is on sale today in a large assortment. However, before purchasing this material, you should also learn about weight. The initial mass, which is obtained in the preparatory period, goes through the pressing stage. At the moment of pressure, the products are exposed to high impact. Ultimately, the composition of the tile is devoid of any pores. After firing, porcelain tile is obtained, the density of which is as high as possible. The consequence is a fairly impressive weight of material. High density provides excellent performance, but do not forget that weight can have a serious effect on structures.
When decorating today, porcelain tiles are often used. Ceramic granite can only be acquired after determining the weight of the tile. This parameter can be calculated in the same way as in the case with any other material. To do this, it will be enough to know the volume of the tile and its specific gravity. In the case of the described material, the specific gravity is 2400 kg per cubic meter. If you are faced with the task of determining the weight of porcelain tile, which is enclosed in a 600x600 tile, then it will be necessary to multiply the volume of the product by the specific gravity that was presented above. Quite often, tiles of the same size have different weights, this is due to the fact that their thickness can vary.
Reviews on preparation before using porcelain stoneware as a finish
If you decide to use ceramic gray granite to finish the surfaces of the room, you should know about some of the technical features of the method of work. As users emphasize, 50% of the success of manipulations will depend on how well the training is carried out. In addition to the tiles, you will need silicone sealant, grout, primer for preliminary processing of the base, glue for porcelain tiles, dividing crosses.
It is important to properly prepare the granite for the laying process. The surface of the products should be cleaned of the protective layer that is applied during manufacture. It provides high-quality storage and eliminates damage during transportation. Most often, technical wax is used for this. According to users, you can effectively get rid of it with the help of warm water or cleaning products. Paraffin, as emphasized by home craftsmen, can be removed with a spatula.
Feedback on foundation preparation
If you will use granite ceramic multicolor unpolished, it is important to properly prepare the base. The surface should be leveled if it has hollows and ledges. The rough surface must be dry, free from dirt, voids and cracks. If you have to work with a shiny glossy floor, then it is sanded to a matte finish. Experienced buyers indicate that when performing a screed, which is subsequently supposed to be laid on granite, it is necessary to calculate the bearing capacity of the floor. If this stage is neglected, excessive load can cause unpleasant consequences.
Reviews about the technology of laying granite
Ceramic granite, the characteristics of which were listed above, must be laid in compliance with the technology. Only in this way can you achieve a positive result. The size of the material used will determine the choice of a spatula: the larger the dimensions of the tile, the larger the teeth of the tool should be. The adhesive should be applied to the back of the product, and after the tile must be laid on the floor. After that, you can correct its position within 15 minutes.
Porcelain tiles should be pressed into the adhesive, the gaps between the tiles should not be filled with adhesive. It is important to use the building level throughout the installation process. Not all beginning masters remember that with interruptions in laying, porcelain tile settles. This indicates that later laid tiles will be slightly higher than previously laid tiles. It is important to exclude voids in the glue line, otherwise the tile can crack easily during operation.
Conclusion
After a certain time has been sustained, the master can grout the joints. To do this, use a special composition of the appropriate shade. Contrast grout will be able to emphasize the picture. If you use a mixture of the same tone with the finish, this will make the surface of the cladding uniform and neutral. Before the final step, it is important to check that the seam is as clean as possible. If foreign material is present there, it can make grouting difficult.