CONCRETE & STONEWORK
THE PERKS OF PORCELAIN
Porcelain tile surfaces will not stain or need cleaning : As with most external paving in the UK , this is a matter of degree and the relative ease of staining and / or cleaning in different situations and exposures . Porcelain tile surfaces are going to resist staining and be easier to clean than porous natural stone , though after some time , this may only be comparable with properly sealed or impermeable stone paving . All and any externally exposed paved surfaces in the UK will require regular if not frequent cleaning , and all may require some additional protection , including porcelain , depending on the exposure .
Porcelain is anti-slip / slip resistant ... Well yes it can be , especially when tested to the widely referred to and little understood , European DRY INTERNAL FLOOR Test procedures that are used for all floor coverings , including tiles indoors ! Slip resistance results from R-11 to R-14 are claimed to infer excellent slip resistance / anti-slip properties . BUT the Test Standard very clearly states that these Slip Resistance Tests and their results , DO NOT apply Externally and DO NOT APPLY to wet surfaces , or surfaces with any oils and grease spillages , or any other contaminants under foot !!! Please take care – All smooth paving surfaces can be slippery when wet !
Porcelain does not need jet washing / water jet cleaning ... Well maybe , BUT ONLY if you keep it clean and treat the surfaces like you do your indoor floors , where you clear-up any spillages immediately , ensure that the surfaces are swept and mopped clean at least once a week or so , according to use , and that this continues EVERY WEEK of the year and NOT JUST IN SUMMER ! - Otherwise we can honestly confirm that you will find it necessary to clean and generally jet wash your new porcelain tile paved surfaces regularly , and at least several times every year to keep it clean and looking good ! This will certainly be the case for the start & end of the season , as well as after any days of heavy use !
Important Note : As you most definitely will need to jet wash your porcelain surfaces , be sure to insist on your porcelain paving contractor using suitable pointing / grout / jointing mortar that can adequately
resist this treatment – As covered in more detail on our website , NONE OF THE vacuum packed , 1-part , bag in a tub , so-called brush-in compounds are suitable as they do not resist frequent jet-washing . They may go in easily , but they will also come out easily within a short time with regular cleaning and they will stain and discolour themselves , they will last just a few years , even if left alone ! – Why on earth would you put a cheap jointing compound in between expensive , professionally installed porcelain paving …. Madness to us ! They may be cheap and very easy to apply , BUT they will cause you ‘ the owner ’ problems sooner or later !
For more advice or assistance with your specific porcelain tile paving project including selecting the right jointing product , the estimated consumption and the installation , visit our website www . nccstreetscape . co . uk / index . html and the specific page regarding porcelain paving here : www . nccstreetscape . co . uk / type-ofpaving-unit / porcelain-paving . html or call our paving team on 01257 266696 for FREE Expert Advice .
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