Concrete tiles: main varieties and their features

19-02-2018

Building

Currently, concrete tile 300x300, as well as similar finishing materials with other frame sizes, are available on the market in a wide range. Therefore, it is necessary to have a general idea of the characteristics of these products in order to select and purchase the best option.

In this article we will talk about what constitutes a tile made of concrete and about what types of this finishing material can be ordered from specialized organizations. We will also talk about how the production of concrete tiles.

Facing material that imitates the texture of paving stones

Classification

As already mentioned, tiles made with the use of cement mortar are presented on the building materials market in a wide range. But all this diversity can be divided into two categories: facade and paving tiles.

These are two completely different finishing materials with different technical and operational characteristics. Let us consider in detail the features of each individual category.

Finishing materials for facades

In the photo - the basement, lined with concrete tiles

Concrete facade tiles are the best choice for cladding the exterior of buildings of medium and low-rise buildings.

Among the advantages of such facing, we note the following qualities:

resistance to mechanical loads (impact, abrasion, etc.);
resistance to the negative impact of environmental factors (precipitation, temperature fluctuations, etc.);
a wide choice of textured and color performance and, as a result, the possibility of choosing the material that will harmoniously fit into the exterior of any construction object;
low price, in comparison with other facing and materials;
possibility of installation with the use of available adhesives, including the available tile adhesive made on a cement basis;
ease of installation and, as a result, the ability to perform finishing work with their own hands.

The facing tile made with application of cement mortars was widely adopted rather recently. But, in its popularity, this material has overtaken traditional ceramic counterparts.

This is not surprising, since the concrete lining is much cheaper than finishing ceramic tiles. Agree that price is an important selection criterion when it comes to facing a large house. Moreover, the lining of concrete tiles is durable and durable, and therefore do not have to invest in frequent cosmetic restorative repairs of the exterior.

Suppose you own a house built of foam blocks or other boring-looking building materials. How and what to decorate the building so that it looks more attractive, brighter and more solid?

Of course, modern tile made from concrete will be suitable for this purpose. The fact is that this type of finish is able to imitate the texture of various materials. Therefore, today you can buy tiles under brick or under natural stone. And rest assured, your home, thanks to this finish, will look more attractive.

Manufacturing facade and basement tiles

Elastic forms for the production of tiles with the texture of natural stone

The tile intended for finishing of facades is made in two ways:

Cement-containing mixture with special fillers and pigments is poured into molds, directly in which the product is dried.. A mold filled with a solution is subjected to vibropressure, after which it is placed in a furnace, where it is exposed to the temperatures required by the material for curing.
Ready sheets of concrete are cut into fragments of the desired shape and size.. This process is more complicated, since for its implementation, cutting of reinforced concrete with diamond circles is used and this negatively affects the cost of the finished product. Moreover, the finishing materials made in this way are characterized by a smaller variety of forms.

Installation Features

There are two types of veneering the facade of the house tiles: wet and dry. Let us consider in more detail what is the instruction of the implementation of both methods.

On the photo - installation work on the wet

Wet facade cladding with concrete tiles is not much different from the installation of ceramic tiles.

First, the surface is prepared, namely, the concrete is dedusted and cleaned of dirt.
On the level in the lower part of the wall there is a horizontal plank that will hold the facing materials and prevent them from slipping.
Next is preparing the glue. Glue used for outdoor work. If there are special formulations designed for working with concrete, use them; if not, use the usual mix for working with ceramics. Regular glue contains cement, and therefore surely will hold a concrete tile.

Important: We prepare the glue in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. First of all, pour the mixture into the water, and not vice versa.

Apply the finished glue with a notched trowel onto the pre-moistened wall to a width of 1.5 tile heights.
We lay tiles on the glue and knock gently with a rubber mallet so that it takes its place.

Important: Products with a complex relief, for example, imitating a natural stone, have to be aligned along the side slice, since it is impossible to attach a level to the surface.

The second row of tiles is laid with some offset from the previous row. Firstly, such a decision will make the finished result more attractive in appearance, and in addition, a natural bundle will be formed, so that the finish will last longer.

Dry installation is carried out using concrete tiles with galvanized mortgages.

Installation is as follows. On the wall, the width of the tiles are filled wooden planks, the location of which is checked using a water level. The tile is mounted by self-tapping screws for concrete, which are screwed into the holes of the embedded elements.

The dry method of installation is preferable in comparison with the wet method, as it allows to save time and money by eliminating the use of adhesive solution.

In addition, it is easier to lay the concrete lining. Finally, by mounting the tile on a wooden crate, you get a ventilated facade and, if desired, a layer of heat insulating material can be placed in the gap between the wall and the cladding.

Main characteristics of paving slabs

On the photo - pavement tiles of complex shape

The paving slabs are made of concrete for a long time, but this material was widely adopted in recent years.

And this is not surprising, since this finishing material is different:

strength and durability;
low cost (especially if it is used);
ease of installation;
resistance to the negative impact of environmental factors;
abrasion resistant.

If not so long ago, the concrete pavement for sidewalks was mostly gray, then today you can buy colored items that will certainly decorate not only public spaces, but also the yard in front of a country house.

Again, the abundance of forms and sizes of this finishing material makes it possible with equal success to veneer areas that differ in both location and purpose.

Manufacturing features

In the photo - the matrix for the stamping of paving slabs

Currently, paving slabs, both ordinary and tactile, are made of concrete in three ways:

vibropressing semi-dry mixture;
hyper pressing semi-dry mixture;
vibrating the wet mix.

The above methods for the production of cladding material are carried out both on an industrial scale and in conditions of small individual enterprises.

The basis of the production process is the use of special collapsible forms of matrices. The best product quality and form stability is ensured by using the vibropressing method. In this case, the form is not easily filled with a solution, but is also subject to vibration and pressure.

Laying paving slabs

For the installation of paving slabs will require sand filling, as well as a mixture of cement and sand at the rate of 1 part to 6.

Laying is performed as follows:

The soil on the site is leveled and at the same time all vegetation is removed.
Further, sand is poured over the entire area in an even layer 10 cm thick.
The sand is rammed and at the same time leveling.
At the corners of the site where the installation is carried out, the stakes are driven in, along which, at the same distance above ground level, the guide cord is tied.
A mixture of cement and sand is spread over the compacted sanding dressing with a uniform layer and leveled, but not rammed.
Set the tile in accordance with the tensioned cord and drive in a mixture of sand and cement with a rubber mallet. Immediately check the horizontal position of the tile level.
Having laid the whole area, we sprinkle a mixture of cement and sand on top of the tile and scatter it with a broom around the entire area so that the filling will enter the gaps.
Near the borders and pillars we put the tile not on the dry mix, but on the finished mortar, since in this place the mechanical effect on the facing material will be much higher.

Important: Before laying, it is necessary to foresee the presence of drainage pipes, otherwise diamond drilling of holes in the concrete will be required later.

Conclusion

Now you know what a 400x400 concrete tile is and what categories this finishing material is on the market. In addition, you now know how, using concrete tiles, to revet the exterior of the house and the surrounding area.

If you have any questions, you can find more useful information by watching the video in this article.