It is generally accepted that the merits of a certain material or product are based on its characteristics. Low weight, high strength, thermal conductivity, as well as other properties determine the areas of use and possibilities. All of the above applies to ceramic granite. It has unique technical characteristics that allow the material to be used for a wide range of applications.
What is ceramic granite
Porcelain stoneware is an artificial product, and its technical characteristics are laid down 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 original raw materials. However, production is not limited to these effects only. In the process of implementation, a careful selection is carried outraw materials, advance processing and subsequent mixing.
Ceramic granite is composed of feldspar, kaolin clay, mineral dyes, and quartz sand. All components are crushed, at the next stage they are mixed until a homogeneous mass is formed. Pressing takes place under high pressure, and then firing, during which the temperature is kept within 1300 degrees. As a result, the described material is obtained, the properties of which differ from those familiar to the feedstock.
Basic Features
The characteristics of the resulting material are unique when compared with the properties of natural stone or granite. Porcelain stoneware is superior to the above materials in many ways. This applies to bending resistance, resistance to temperature extremes, as well as frost resistance. Not to mention the surface hardness, resistance to acids, abrasion, and 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 a similar technology, then in the first case, water absorption is extremely low. Thus, ceramic tiles have a water absorption that does not exceed 3%. If we are talking about granite, then this parameter varies within 0.46%, while for porcelain stonewarethis figure is 0.05%.
Use area
Due to this property, the material is used in environmental conditions. It is incapable of absorbing moisture. This indicates that it is not damaged when exposed to low temperatures and during their cyclic change. Ceramic granite is used for a variety of finishes, namely when carrying out facade work. Appropriate properties make the area of use justified.
Mechanical characteristics
If we consider the possibilities of porcelain stoneware under mechanical impact, then it is necessary to pay attention to wear resistance and strength properties. The last parameter is 8 units, while the limit figure is 10. This largely depends on the type of surface.
Matte porcelain stoneware designed for flooring has technical characteristics that are ultimate in strength. This allows the material to be used for finishing floors in industrial premises, namely workshops, garages, and workshops.
What else you need to know about the scope of use
The above was an example where unpolished ceramic granite is used, while if this material forms the basis of a tile, the surface of which is glazed or polished, then it is excellent for flooring. However, this material is best used in conditions that are less stressful. This is due to the fact that during processingsurface, it loses its strength, and the parameter reaches only 6 units.
Abrasion resistance
Ceramic granite, the size of which can match the tile, has another characteristic, which is expressed in abrasion resistance. This parameter is extremely important, which is especially true for tiles that are used as flooring. In this matter, manufacturers are guided by the EN 154 standards used in Europe. This approach allows you to set quality requirements for products by checking.
As a result, porcelain stoneware floor tiles are divided into 5 groups. Its dimensions can vary from 200x300 to 502x502 millimeters. Thus, tiles belonging to the first group should be used in those rooms where the movement is not intense and takes place 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
Granite ceramic multicolor is presented today for sale in a large assortment. However, before purchasing this material, you should also know about the weight. The initial mass, which is obtained in the preparatory period, goes through the pressing stage. At the moment of pressure, the products are subjected to high impact. Ultimately, the composition of the tile is devoid of any pores. After firing is completed, porcelain stoneware is obtained, the density of which is as high as possible. The consequence is enoughimpressive weight of the material. The high density provides excellent performance, but be aware that weight can have a serious effect on structures.
When finishing today, porcelain stoneware is often used. Ceramic granite can be purchased only after determining the weight of the tile. You can calculate this parameter in the same way as in the case of 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 stoneware, 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 the preparation before using porcelain stoneware as a finish
If you decide to use ceramic gray granite for finishing the surfaces of the room, you should be aware of some technical features of the method of work. As users emphasize, 50% of the success of manipulations will depend on how well the preparation is carried out. In addition to tiles, you will need silicone sealant, grout, pre-treatment primer, porcelain tile adhesive, spacer crosses.
Importantproperly prepare porcelain stoneware 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 warm water or cleaning products. Paraffin, as home craftsmen emphasize, can be removed with a spatula.
Feedback on ground preparation
If you will be using multi-color unpolished ceramic granite, it is important to properly prepare the base. The surface must be leveled if it has depressions and protrusions. The rough surface must be dry, devoid of dirt, voids and cracks. If you have to work with a shiny glossy floor, then it is sanded to a matte finish. Experienced buyers point out that when making a screed, on which porcelain stoneware is subsequently planned to be laid, it is necessary to calculate the bearing capacity of the floor. If this step is neglected, excessive load can cause unpleasant consequences.
Reviews on porcelain stoneware laying technology
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 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 surfaceproducts, and then the tiles must be laid on the floor. After that, you can correct its position within 15 minutes.
Porcelain stoneware must be pressed into the adhesive, the gaps between the tiles must not be filled with adhesive. It is important to use the building level throughout the installation process. Not all novice masters remember that porcelain stoneware settles with interruptions in laying. This indicates that later laid tiles will be slightly higher in relation to the previously laid ones. It is important to exclude voids in the adhesive joint, otherwise the tile can easily crack during operation.
Conclusion
After a certain time has been maintained, the master can grout the seams. To do this, use a special composition of the appropriate shade. Contrasting grout will be able to emphasize the pattern. If you use a mixture of one tone with a 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, it may make grouting difficult.
