🏠 Gres flooring: types, characteristics, procedure for installation work

If you have to finish kitchen, corridor or other areas with high cross, note the granite floor. High-quality and environmentally friendly material has a number of indisputable advantages. We offer to meet them, and learn how to be performed installation work.

Production technology

High performance ceramic granite is largely dictated by production technology. For the production of tiles using a mixture consisting of clay, mica, feldspar and sand, to which is added a certain amount of granite chips. The prepared raw material is compressed at a sufficiently high pressure to ensure formation of the desired cell size and shape.

The compressed preform is one- or two-stage high-temperature annealing at a temperature of 1200-1300 ° C. The result is a material with high density and strength.

The performance characteristics of ceramic granite floor

Opt for ceramic granite tiles caused by the high performance of the formed coating. We offer to meet with the main parameters to you when you purchase it easier to make a choice in favor of one or another species.

The strength and abrasion resistance

Strength and durability granite floor abrasion resistance largely depends on the group to which class it belongs durability. In accordance with the regulations made on the division of classes:

• PEI I. Lowest strength characteristics. Tiles can be laid in a place with minimal cross;
• PEI II. It has higher strength characteristics than the previous embodiment, but the scope of use is limited;
• PEI III. Can withstand mild mechanical action. Part fit in apartments and offices;
• PEI IV. Due to its good resistance to abrasion can be placed in areas with high traffic. To-date version for the lobby, Hall, stairs etc.;
• PEI V. The most durable option. It can be placed in public places inside and outside buildings.

Moisture resistance and load resistance

Moisture resistance of stoneware tiles is of fundamental importance for unheated buildings and operated under conditions of high humidity. The less material absorbs moisture, the longer it will serve as leaked into the water after freezing necessarily ruin the tile. This parameter depends on the type of porcelain. In glazed it is only 0.1%, in unglazed may reach 0.5%. For comparison, ceramic tile capable of absorbing 3.5-4.5% moisture.

Porcelain tiles for flooring has a high hardness and therefore good resistance to external load. On a scale high-quality porcelain stoneware floor assigned to 7 points.

Other Features

Porcelain tiles are not afraid of the impact of the majority of aggressive chemicals. However, hydrofluoric acid is unacceptable ingress of: lining the floor will be damaged.

Porcelain tiles for flooring has a maximum frost resistance, as evidenced by the markings on the packaging: "snowflake". This makes it possible to use it for the design of floor coverings not only indoors, but also outside buildings.

Types of floor slabs of granite

Manufacturers offer a large enough range of products, different in appearance and texture. Choosing a suitable option is to get acquainted with the available solutions and their distinctive features.

Matt and polished

Opaque products are not prostrate additional treatment after annealing. Because of this coating is not formed has high aesthetic qualities, but has high strength characteristics and durability level. It can be placed in areas with high permeability, which greatly expands the possible application field.

Attention! Brushed granite floor has a rough surface, and therefore formed on the floor covering is difficult to slip.

No additional mechanical processing leads to increased porosity of the material. As a consequence, the lining can easily penetrate dirt and grease stains can appear.

Polished granite is subjected to additional machining. He has a smooth shiny texture. Formed floor covering is presentable appearance. It looks elegant and stylish. Different saturated color. However, the surface is slippery and has a lower density. During the operation the floor rub special wax. Behind it is much easier to care for.

Semi-polished, glazed and loschonye

Initially semi-polished granite began to make Italians. However, partial grinding technology relevant today. This results in a texture comprising a polished and unpolished zone, through which the floor is looked spectacular and unusual.

Such porcelain has good water resistance, without fear of external influences. Moderately slippery. It can be placed in areas with high traffic.

At loschonogo (satin) material high performance and nice soft sheen. The texture is formed by a special manufacturing techniques, involving application of special elements salt before annealing.

Wear resistant coating formed of granite causes certain criticism. However, presentable appearance of the floor makes loschony granite popular among those who want to you arrange the floor in her home. it is not recommended to use such material for public spaces.

Application of the glaze layer on the basis of the elements gives a presentable appearance. Technology double pressed, the estimated additional pressing vitreous enamel type, allows you to add brightness flooring. The producers offer the material in a variety of colors. Referring to the first class level of durability, glazed porcelain tiles are not suitable for the flooring in the public areas.

Rectified tile and granite

We rectified porcelain unusual structure. Under the influence of high temperature on the surface of unique geometric patterns are formed. Each element is different. Rectification allows to form a flat surface.

Geometric parameters of the rectified porcelain tiles make it easy to perform assembly work. In some cases, it manages to do without adjustment elements.

Special processing allows the ends to form a coating which hardly noticeable joints. As a result, it looks complete and monolithic. However, wear resistance and mechanical strength of such material can not be considered high. It is not suitable for areas with significant temperature variations, or that laid warm floor.

Tile flooring is the most robust and reliable because of the small size of the elements. Damage a granite is quite difficult. He is not afraid of external influence.

For forming floor covering is used a large number of different color elements. With them on the floor surface forms an abstract or geometric patterns, and real pictures.

Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain

The advantages of porcelain stoneware flooring should include:

The disadvantage is:

Size and thickness

Manufacturers offer tiles of different formats. The selection can be made in favor of the size material:

• 60 × 60 cm. Such material is mounted on a qualitative adhesives and perfectly flat surface;
• 30 × 30 cm. Tile permits small deviations from planarity and slight irregularities. With proper stacking are smoothed;
• 45 × 45 cm. Universal size. Such tiles can be mounted in rooms of different sizes;
• 5 × 5 cm. Gres is used when the device mosaic on the floor.

Attention! In addition to these standard formats manufacturers offer material with non-standard dimensions.

The material thickness may vary within a wide range. The manufacturer offers a tile with a thickness of 7-30 mm. Last size is relevant to industry.

Imitation ceramic granite tiles of various materials

Design keramograta floor may differ materially. Manufacturers offer a tile simulating various natural materials.

Depending on the placement site selection can be made in favor of granite marbled. This is a suitable option for the classic interior. The flooring in black-and-white or pure white color looks appropriate in all areas without exception.

Some models of granite flooring mimics natural stone. The size of the elements can vary. The most demanded stone slabs with a distinctive pattern, which should be spread in a certain order.

Originally looks flooring with texture under wood. Externally it is very similar to the surface of a natural material, but it is more practical. Widely used in kitchen design in a classic style.

Attention! Manufacturers offer a choice between tiles imitating wood of various trees.

For exquisite interiors often choose ceramic, imitating the skin. With it possible accents, execute space zoning. Tile can be self-colored and bright colors.

In addition to these options vendors offer a tile with a different design. You can opt for imitation laminate, concrete or brick. The latter type of porcelain stoneware floor allows to dream up with the scheme laid.

How to choose a granite floor: tips and tricks

When choosing a suitable option should immediately determine the geometric parameters of the tile, its design and colors. The choice will depend on the overall stylistic premises and the desired result. Be sure to make sure that all the elements have the same geometric parameters and design.

Special attention should be durability class. For areas with low permeability to choose PEI 1 and PEI 2. Non-residential area at an average operational load, such as the kitchen, PEI 3 suitable for public buildings with high traffic - PEI 4. If we have to design the site with high traffic, the choice is made only for the benefit of PEI 5.

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Mikhail Starostin

Team leader repair and construction company "Home Premium"

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Installation of granite flooring

If you already purchased an expensive ceramic material, do not rush to bring in specialists for its installation. If desired, the installation work can be done in-house. We offer to find out how to do it.

Preparatory work

Despite the high strength characteristics of granite, admitting variations in height and 15 mm, the subfloor must be leveled. Concrete was poured onto a pre-packed layer waterproofing material, and then apply a prime coating.

When installing on the system "Warm floor" first dims waterproofingThen made the installation of the heating circuit and Shading screed. after impregnation ground You can proceed directly to the installation of the fabric.

Attention! The base should be strong. Installation on an old wooden floors are not permitted.

After substrate preparation preparing adhesive composition according to the instructions given on the package.

Laying floor tiles

porcelain stacking is made as follows:

Illustration	Description of the action
	Is determined with a circuit layout depending on the size of the material. Spread the tile on the ground to precisely measure each element.
	We lay out the elements of a line formed by the rules. It is desirable to use a laser level. Necessarily depart from the walls 1 cm.
	We apply the adhesive composition and evenly distribute it on the ground, using a notched trowel.
	Tiles laid on the base, ensuring the formation of gaps between adjacent elements. The ends of the tiles and try to leave the material itself pure, because they would be difficult to clean.

Recommendations for the care of granite flooring

That the floor served for as long as possible, we recommend that you follow the rules in the process of care:

• processing of granite floor natural or artificial wax thoroughly rubbing the surface;
• add water juice or lemon essential oil to impart gloss characteristic. Instead of a lemon, you can also use a certain amount of vinegar;
• floor polishing material felt cloth;
• for cleaning the rough surface should be used steam generator. Remains of dirt can be removed with a dry cloth.

Tip! Contaminants are removed as soon as they become available. When using household chemicals should first ensure safety for granite.

Leading manufacturers of porcelain tile for flooring

To buy really high-quality material, pay attention to the production:

• el molino. Spanish manufacturer offers a wide range and variety of the collection. Brushed granite presented in the line of Boreal El Molino, polished - Formula El Molino;
• Marazzi Italy. The Italian company produces stylish and colorful products, including mosaic. Tiles will be appropriate in a room decorated in different styles;
• Keramin. Belarus manufacturer offers a durable and environmentally friendly material;
• Estima. Russian producer, which occupies a leading position in the domestic market. Tile mimics natural materials;
• Polcolorit or Tubadzin. Polish manufacturers produce high-quality tile;
• Ural granite. Budget option having a high performance. Able to become a serious competitor expensive counterparts.

Review of porcelain stoneware Kerama Marazzi:

Kerama Marazzi granite

Review of porcelain stoneware Keramin "Nottingham":

Keramin "Nottingham"

Share in the comments whether you like the floors of granite and products of manufacturer you trust.