Advantages and disadvantages of clinker tiles: features of application and choice

Clinker tiles are made from refractory clay, fired at a very high temperature. This decorative and insulating material is suitable for finishing facades. It is also laid on paths, tracks and sidewalks. Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of clinker tiles, how it is used, and a few tips will get.

Advantages and disadvantages of clinker tiles

Advantages of clinker tiles:

• Clinker tiles retain an attractive appearance for a long time. It is a wear-resistant material, if it is laid according to the correct technology.
• Clinker tiles are not slippery.
• The material weakly absorbs water.
• Clinker tiles do not burn out in the sun.
• This is an environmentally safe material that does not emit harmful substances.
• On the surface of clinker tiles do not form mold and fungus.
• A wide choice of textures and colors.
• Clinker tile is fireproof, in case of fire it does not emit toxic substances.
• On the surface of this material does not form lime streaks.
• Clinker tiles do not deteriorate from temperature fluctuations.

Disadvantages of clinker tiles:

• Clinker tiles are fixed on a special glue. Cement mortar will not work.
• You need experience to properly lay the material.
• High cost of clinker tiles.

Features of the application of clinker tiles

Facing clinker tiles can be a building made of any material: foam blocks, concrete slabs, wood. If it is a house made of wood, it is important to wait for the full shrinkage of the walls. This takes about a year, and then you can already clad the base with clinker tiles. It reliably isolates materials that deteriorate from moisture, temperature fluctuations. Thanks to this, the service life of the building increases.

Clinker tile is an expensive facing material that serves for more than 50 years. Therefore, it is used in combination with other durable materials. For example, if the insulation is of poor quality, and will lose its properties in 10-15 years, facade finishing from such ceramics will be impractical.

Clinker tiles are suitable for the restoration of old durable buildings. In this case, you can combine it with thermal panels for insulation. The building acquires a well-groomed look.

Before laying clinker tiles, you need to open all the boxes with it and mix all the products among themselves. Even in the same batch, the color may differ slightly. Thanks to mixing, the tiles will be laid harmoniously in shades.

How to choose clinker tiles

A few recommendations:

• Clinker tiles by shade can be light, dark, brick-like or yellow. The color is chosen so that it harmonizes with other elements of the building and yard: with the roof, the color of the window frames, with the shade of the fence or paving tiles.
• Type of material: standard clinker tile or insulated panel. If increased insulation is required, the second option is chosen.
• The colder the area, the thicker the clinker tile will be required. If the house is located near a river lake, and in the air is increased dampness, you will also need a thick material for insulation.
• Clinker tiles can be smooth, rough, with various additives or glitters. Relief products are more difficult to care for, as it will collect dust.
• Grout for clinker tiles choose a contrasting or slightly different in shade from the color of the material.

Clinker tiles are bought with a reserve, as it is quite fragile material. Also, the structure and pattern of one batch of products often differs from others. Then it will be difficult to find the right one.