Cement tiles are used in a wide variety of construction projects but most commonly used as roofing tiles and as tiles for floors. These tiles are cost effective, durable, and can come in a wide variety of colors, making them highly desirable for consumers. These tiles are made by hand using a mold to shape the cement, and color pigments to change the cement from its traditional grey to whatever color is desired. Unlike other types of tiles they are not put into a kiln for firing or covered with any type of glaze. These cement tiles are treated just like ordinary cement and there is only air and water used.
If you are using concrete tile on your roofing then you can choose between several different colors ranging from the traditional grey to a reddish color, and several in between. You can also choose between several different textures and pick lightweight tiles or standard weight tiles. When it comes to roofing tile many experts advise to steer clear of the lightweight tiles because it is much weaker and if you need to get on your roof for maintenance or other purposes then you are more likely to break the tile. Also these lightweight tiles break from hair and heavy snow as well so it is inadvisable to have them in harsher climates.
These tiles are excellent for roofs because they are fireproof, bug resistant, rust proof, and extremely durable. Concrete roof tiles are marketed at being a fifty year roof, but most people state that they last about 30-40 years because of the underlying materials used on the roof. Since these types of roofs are susceptible to moisture the underlying batten system and flashing is incredibly important and plays a vital role in how long the roof will last.
Cement tile is also utilized in many flooring and other home projects such as tile mosaics on the walls and around bathtubs. Once again these materials are fairly inexpensive and extremely durable compared to other materials but it is inadvisable to install these tiles yourselves. Unfortunately they are rather difficult to install. If you are doing a large project such as a floor or countertop then best hire an installer to save you time and frustration because if you lack experience in installing these then you may end up making a huge mistake and costing yourself a significant amount of money. The reason why they are more difficult is because they are laid out and spaced with butt joints instead of spacers. This makes the gap between tiles visible and it will need to be filed with grout. Also, each tile should be thoroughly soaked with water and laid out to stand about ten minutes before it is set in the floor, this prevents tiles from absorbing moisture when it is being set.
When it comes to remodeling your home it is common sense to go for the most affordable and reliable product that suits your design needs. Cement tiles can be colored and shaped with molds to fit any size. They are perfect in mosaics, flooring, countertops, and even for roofs and many other places around the home. Since they are so durable these tiles are highly sought after, unfortunately they are rather difficult to install. Hiring a professional to install your cement tiles is a necessity and will save you plenty of headaches due to the fact that cement tiles require additional care and steps as opposed to other types of tiles. If you are looking for a beautiful, durable, and long lasting material to use for your next home improvement project then consider cement tiles!
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