Metlakhskie tiles: advantages, features, laying

To create an original and unique interior uses a lot of building materials, among which is to highlight the tiles. Apply it and for facing the walls, and for finishing the floors, as well as for the improvement of the infield. Recently, very popular steel metlakhskie tiles.

What is this material?

This is the hardest tile in comparison with other species. It does not crack even with a strong impact or after a fall. On the material there are no potholes, no scratches. By themselves, the Metlakh tiles resemble stone in strength. They perfectly withstand extreme heat, frost-hardy. The material perfectly tolerates the effects of moisture, acids and alkalis.

It should be noted that the Metlakh tile is capable of withstanding a great pressure: from 3200 to 5550 kg / sq. See Also it is durable. In the manufacture of the material is not simply impregnated with coloring pigments, but baked during roasting. That's why the tile does not lose its color for a long time.

A bit of history

For the first time such a finishing material appeared in the Middle Ages. This tile was produced in one of the German cities, which was called Mettlach. Hence the name. In our country, this finishing material appeared only in the XIX century. At that time the flooring tile was used for finishing the surfaces in the foyer, the entrance halls and the main halls. In some historical buildings of our homeland fragments with fine ornaments from the Metlakh tile have still been preserved.

How it is made

To produce such a finishing material, a special clay is used. After applying a thick layer of glazes, the Metlakh tiles are fired in the oven. The temperature is maintained above 1200 ° C. Due to this, the mixture is highly sintered and forms a dense coating. As a result, finished finishing material acquires excellent qualities.

Scope of application

Increasingly, floor tiles are made of Metlakh tiles. The photo of the facing surfaces is simply amazing with its beauty. In addition, the tile has excellent qualities that guarantee its long service life. Even after decades on the material you will not find any damage. It is for this reason that the products are used for the improvement of the infield area - for paths, as well as in public buildings where there is a sufficiently large abrasive load on the floor covering. The products are also used for finishing verandas, porches and terraces in country houses. After all, the material is not afraid of snow, rain or wind. In this case, the lined surfaces look impressive.

It should be noted that to create a unique interior in any room also used metlakh tile. The price for such a facing material is not too great, so many can afford it. Everything will depend on your preferences: you can choose the tiles for different sizes, colors, purposes, and different prices: from 500 rubles to 5000. At the same time, every tile perfectly copes with the basic requirements. In the hallway it protects the house from dirt, in the bathroom - from moisture and temperature changes.

Also, the Metlakh tile is widely used for finishing surfaces in cafes, restaurants and offices, as the material serves for a long time and does not require an annual replacement.

How correctly to lay a metlakh tile

Before you start laying such a floor covering, you must carefully prepare the surface. Otherwise, the tile will not last long. The base should be leveled. To do this, you can use a special compound that simply fills all the irregularities. After that you can proceed to the preliminary layout of the facing material. This stage is dry and without the use of adhesive composition strictly in the vertical and horizontal. Tile before laying it is necessary to soak for several hours in water and only after this time to proceed to finishing works. It is necessary to start laying from the center of the room, slowly moving to its edges along the previously applied lines. Using a trowel on the back of the tile is applied glue. If the surface will have a pattern, you first need to lay out larger elements, and then fill in the small details with the remaining space. After the Metlakh tiles have been laid, the joints should be grouted to the full depth and length. For this, a special mastic is used. After finishing the facing work, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the material from the grout residue and adhesive composition.

Care for the Metlakh tile and its protection

With regard to care, then this tile is enough to periodically wash or clean. Almost any chemical can be used. If we consider that this finishing material is strong enough and waterproof, then we can say with confidence that in additional protection it does not need. However, matte products become heavily polluted over time. Therefore, after cleaning the tiles, it is better to apply a special "chemistry".