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Tile Ceramic tile is a mixture of clays and other natural materials that are mined from the earth, shaped and fired at high temperatures. Traditional ceramic tile can be naturally-colored and left unglazed, like terra cotta, or they can feature colored or highly designed surfaces which can be glazed (finished with a glass surface) from matte to high gloss. (Porcelain) tiles are also ceramic tiles, but are composed of finer clays and fired at much higher temperatures. That process makes porcelain tile more homogenous (can have a through-body coloration, so scratches or dings are less obvious), much stronger and less prone to moisture and stain absorption. For those reasons, porcelain can be suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. (Natural Stone) tiles consist of any product quarried from the earth and can be categorized into Marbles, Granites, Limestones, Travertines, Slates, Quartzites and various other products. Each type of Natural Stone will vary from piece to piece in regards to color, surface texture, edge treatments, durability and maintenance. (Marble) Metamorphic stone formed millions of years ago due to the action of extreme heat and pressure. Marble is simply ''changed'' limestone that, due to the heat and pressure, has crystallized, melted and re-cooled. Coloring is extremely varied and often accompanied with lots of veining and other mineral deposits. (Granite) Igneous stones formed millions of years ago under conditions of extreme heat. Hard and crystalline in nature, granite is most often seen polished. (Limestones) Sedimentary stone formed millions of years ago due to the action of water and extreme pressure. Fossilized seashells and other sea life and treasures are often found in limestone. Primarily light beige and tan in coloring. (Travertines) Sedimentary stone formed millions of years ago due to the action of water and heat. Water and gases percolating through the stone give travertine its characteristic holes. (Slates) A metamorphic stone formed millions of years ago and derived from sedimentary rock. Slate is normally split (cleft) rather than cut with a saw as other stones are. Coloring can vary widely and wildly. Typically, slate is not ''finished'', as the natural cleft surface is its focal point and source of interest and beauty. (Quartzites) A rock formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone consisting essentially of quartz in interlocking grains. (Tumbled) Stone finish achieved by putting the stones in a machine that “tumbles” the stones around together causing an uneven rough surface and edges. This finish has a rustic appeal. (Glass) tiles can be either cast glass, layered or laminated glass, fused glass or cut glass- each with its own unique appearance and translucency. (Cast glass) A solid product that consists of a hot liquid that is poured and then cooled. The color is either applied to the back of the tile, or within the glass itself. Layered or Laminated glass: A layered product that literally ''sandwiches'' different pieces of glass together. It is then heated, or fused together to create one unit. (Cut glass) A large piece of glass cut into smaller pieces, similar to mosaics. (Fused glass) Similar to layered glass, whereas different pieces are fused together to create one piece, however fused glass is more artistic and can utilize different shapes of glass to create one piece (for example a triangular piece fused to a square piece). (Metal) tiles are referred to as anything that is solid metal, a metal laminate, a metallic glaze, a metal and resin composite or simply a tile that gives an illusion of metal with a lustrous finish. (Resin) tiles consist of either stone or cement particles mixed with an epoxy or other chemical to increase durability and allow for limitless options in shape and texture. (Eco-Friendly) tiles are generally man-made tiles that recycle or reuse materials from other tiles or industrial products with a nod to an environmentally-conscience manufacturing process. GREEN and Tile A supporter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Mosaic Tile Company is committed to protecting our environment. By offering a variety of products produced by eco-friendly manufacturers, Mosaic Tile Company brings ''green'' tile to the forefront of design. By promoting setting systems that offer low volatile organic compound options and providing care & maintenance products that are less harmful to indoor air quality, we are creating one complete installation practice to potentially contribute to LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points. USGBC LEED™ standards, as administered by the United States Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) dictate that in order for a tile to be considered ''green'' it must meet one or more of the following requirements: Produced from recycled material – Recycled content may be either pre-consumer waste, post-consumer waste or post-industrial waste Eco-friendly company-production/distribution process – Manufacturer follows environmentally sound practices Made within 500 miles of the jobsite – Saves natural resources to transport the material and therefore reduces the carbon footprint left on our atmosphere Environmentally friendly tiles are generally man-made tiles that recycle or reuse materials from other tiles or industrial products with a nod to an environmentally-conscious manufacturing process. Natural Stone can also be considered as a material friendly to our environment since it is being quarried with the help of new technology that limits impact on the atmosphere. Recognizing that sound environmental policies are internal as well, Mosaic Tile Company is proud to practice recycling methods in its locations. In keeping with that practice, we refurbish our electronic and computer equipment. We believe that reducing our carbon footprint, reusing what we can and recycling whenever possible, we will make a difference that will impact our future. The concept of sustainability and ''green'' building practices has caused significant changes within the commercial and residential construction industry over the past decade. Building green is more than just an environmental buzzword though. In the end, the consumer also benefits from sustainability through less frequent maintenance needs and greater energy efficiency, resulting in lower costs over the life of a building, as well as a healthier indoor environment. When it comes to energy efficiency, durability and other green qualities, ceramic tile is unrivaled as an environmentally-friendly flooring material. |
