WHEN RENOVATING – The PROS and CONS of HARD SURFACED FLOOR TILES
Many businesses, having closed their books for the year 2016, are looking at 2017 as a fresh start. With that new beginning there may be an allotted amount in your yearly budget for building/office renovations. So to get the best return on your investment owners will choose the renovation that not only adds to the value of the building/office but also conveys that wow factor/that pleasing and inviting look for their customers and staff. In State Building Maintenance’s experience, providing you don’t need new mechanics in the building such as fixing plumbing problems etc., we see that one of the most positive impressions and impact on customers is made by renovating the front entrance/lobby. As compared to an entrance that is dark and dingy, entering a new and glistening entrance hall/reception area can’t help but perk up one’s staff and visitors. But we find the most lasting and positive impression is created by the renovation of your washrooms. No business owner wants to feel that their customers/employees are rushing in and out in order to avoid what looks like a dirty washroom but upon reflection it may just be dated with worn/cracked tiles and grout that can no longer be cleaned because it was not maintained or sealed properly when installed.
So to help with your renovations of 2017 State Building Maintenance Limited will talk about different tiles/flooring that we have worked with, their pros and cons, and ask you to do serious research before you make your choice for your particular renovation.
MARBLE, we consider that the WOW factor, but an expensive WOW factor. Marble, one of the most strikingly veined, natural stones has been used in buildings for centuries and withstood the test of time but only with continuous maintenance. We deal with marble on many of our customer’s floors. You need to remember that marble is a soft, porous stone that is easily stained and scratched. But when laid properly and maintained with the help of State Building Maintenance Limited, marble suggests “splendour”. Marble must first be professionally sealed. Because of its porosity we recommend an impregnator, the correct one for your needs, which penetrates into the marble and then you will need the right cleaning and polishing program for maintenance. Do not apply a light sealer that will sit on the surface and wear off in next to no time. If properly sealed the correct finish will last many years. Maintenance will then be a daily wet mopping and a weekly buffing to enhance its shine. We then periodically, depending on the traffic and the way it was sealed, will reseal the tiles/sheeting. If serious damage occurs, other than normal wear and tear, you must bring in, with some expense, a stone restoration company. Over the last few years we have noticed that much of the new marble being chosen is lighter in tone then what was even chosen ten years ago.
PORCELAIN TILES
Many people confuse Porcelain tiles with Ceramic tiles. First we must say that Porcelain tiles are more often than not becoming the tile of choice for flooring, especially in HIGH TRAFFIC or WET AREAS. Porcelain tiles are the hardest commercially made floor tiles available and fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tiles. However the Tile Council of North American defines porcelain tiles not by their strength but by their water absorbency. Porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5% whereas ceramic tiles absorb more than 0.5%. Full bodied/ homogeneous porcelain tiles, unglazed and unpolished, carry the colour and pattern throughout so that if there is any wear or chipping it is difficult to see. They offer slip resistance but can stain more easily. To some that dull look may be disappointing after installation so often State Building Maintenance Limited will get asked to put on a low gloss sealant to add some shine and a layer of protection. Porcelain tiles also come glazed with a layer of liquid glass, this provides better protection from staining but offers less slip resistance and will show more scratches.
CERAMIC TILES, often called NON-PORCELAIN
Having stressed the benefits of Porcelain tiles, there is nothing wrong with Ceramic tiles, they are in many of our customer’s entrances and washrooms. They are both manufactured from clays, kiln dried and come unglazed and glazed. They are a softer clay and as many will attest, are much easier to cut and install than porcelain. So bear that in mind as extra time in installing porcelain tiles may require more money in the budget for porcelain work. Coming in an array of colours and patterns, ceramic tiles are also usually a little less expensive. They, too, are often used in wet areas such a bathrooms, both on walls and floors, glazed tiles being recommended for walls to promote easy cleaning and protection from moisture and minimally glazed or textured tiles are recommended on washroom floors for slip resistance. Ceramic tiles, a little more prone to wear and tear and chipping, are generally rated from 1 to 5 so they are not recommend for high traffic areas unless you choose a tile with a rating of 5. It is buyer beware and the need of a knowledgeable supplier and installer. Ceramic tiles that come glazed only need a daily wet wiping/mopping. State Building Maintenance Limited recommends that our customers speak to a minimum of three companies about their tile products before making a final choice.
So if you are ready for a new floor installation please call State Building Maintenance Limited and talk to us about what we have learned about the flooring of your choice and the maintenance that it really needs to keep that new look. Remember your contractor does not make the final decision, you do. All flooring is not created equal, speaking from experience the more information you have the better to make the right choice for you budget.
At this time of year meteorologist often talk about a January thaw that comes when temperatures hit above the freezing point for a few days. This starts a quick melting process of snow and ice. So State Building Maintenance Limited wants to re-enforce the need for daily removal of all standing water on your tiles/flooring to prevent falls and to stop the growth of mold.
State Building Maintenance Limited is more than glad to be of service to you in 2017, for a free quote or general advice please called us at 416-247-1290 or email us at info@sbml.ca
Coming in February- more about the kinds and maintenance of tiles/hard surfaced flooring
