Carreaux de ciment are basically used for floor coverings. Multicoloured and attractive carreaux de ciment add a chic look to your space and with all different colours around, you will surely stay happy as you wouldnt be confined in dull spaces.
How are they different?
Carreuax de ciment are manufactured from cement which is a very durable and tough material. Even after this, the final product is a fine and sophisticated piece of art that totally change the looks of your space for the better. There is a difference in the way they are manufactured too, carreuax de ciment unlike most other tiles are not fired. Carreuax de ciment are manufactured using a special variety of cement called Portland cement, marble powder and sand. A coarse layer of the mixture of sand and Portland cement is the primary reason for the durability of carreuax de ciment. Another reason why carreaux de ciment are durable is because the pigment layer on the surface is not like glaze or paint, but a part of the actual tile as it is hydraulically pressed on the surface. They are handmade which makes the tiles fine. They are prepared with water and air, just like ordinary cement is. The mixture of the raw material is poured in a mould which contains the desired design. After the mixture dries, it is cleaned, treated with water and air to provide it strength, packed in boxes using bubble wraps and cardboards and is sent to the market.
Application and post application precautions
One thing which is of primary importance while applying carreaux de ciment is that before application the tiles should be submerged in water for at least 20-30 minutes. This results in better adherence of the tile to the surface as it prevents the tile from absorbing moisture during the placement process. Always insist on filling the gaps between two consecutive tiles with grout, which is a mixture of sand and a colour resembling the colour of the tile. Carreaux de ciment are durable and taking their care is very easy. You can easily clean the tiles using a soft cloth and mild detergent. Very strong detergents, acid or scrubs should never be used to clean the tiles as they can prove detrimental to the life of carreaux de ciment and reduce their durability. Never drop heavy and sharp objects on the surface as they can damage the tile and after which it would have to be replaced.
