This month Jim Percival, technical director at Palace Chemicals, looks at porcelain tiles and how to keep them clean, especially so they maintain their inherent non-slip characteristics
THE installation of porcelain tiles in external spaces is part of a big lifestyle trend where internal tiled living areas are being extended to terrace or patio areas outside. It’s all about enhancing overall living space by making better use of terraces, patios and balconies – bringing the inside out.
Traditionally, such external areas might be covered with concrete pavers or timber decking, which can look tired quite quickly. However, the latest generation of 20mm porcelain and stone tiles brings several advantages, in addition to the lifestyle aspects, and are equally applicable in the home or in higher trafficked commercial spaces.
Many porcelain tiles are also moisture, rot, frost and UV resistant, are easier to clean and can offer good slip resistance. For driveways, patios and pathways, UK regulations require a minimum ‘Pendulum Test Value’ (PTV) of ≥ 36 (wet). This can be tested on-site using the Pendulum method, as set out in BS EN 16165. Routine testing for slip resistance would be advisable for public access areas subject to heavy traffic where surface wear or loss of texture and friction coefficient may be possible over time.
This minimum standard of slip resistance for exterior paving provides the level of safety needed for homes with children or elderly residents. Porcelain tiles can be approved for use around swimming pools. However, to maintain their original specified level of slip resistance it’s essential to implement an appropriate and regular maintenance, cleaning and protection regime. This is true both for frequently used areas and also those where the paving is less frequently used, such as under shaded areas and tree cover, where the growth of organic surface contaminants such as mould, mildew and algae can occur.
A routine cleaning regime is essential on external patios and pathway areas, which should be swept and maintained regularly to remove dirt, leaves, algae spores, soil, grit and all contaminants that can create a slippery film. Wash with warm water and a neutral‑pH outdoor tiled floor cleaner. This lifts grime without leaving residues that can smooth the surface and reduce its original level of friction.
Pressure washing is the most effective way to remove any build-up of dirt or algae. Most outdoor cleaning products can be used, including those which prevent mould, green algae and other common organic growths, while an alkaline solution that can be worked into the tiles with a stiff brush and then rinsed off to lift ingrained, well-established stains and dirt can also be used.
All-purpose tile cleaners are generally suitable for use on all types of tiled surface. They’re effective in removing fine cement film, limescale, oil residues and soap scum from tiled surfaces, leaving a bright clean finish which resists the further build-up of water-borne stains and surface growths with regular applications.
Heavy duty tile cleaners are also available as concentrated alkaline solutions designed for dilution when removing heavily soiled and long-standing grime deposits and are especially effective when removing accumulated dirt and stubborn stains as part of a deep clean. They can also be used in concentrated form as a restorative cleaner to return old neglected tiled surfaces to their original clean ‘as new’ appearance.
Although porcelain tiles are naturally impervious, and are usually readily durable and resistant to staining, there are porcelain, natural stone and grout sealers and impregnators available that can further protect tiles and enhance the stain resistance of the surface, by improving its resistance to the accumulation of oil and water-based stains and are suitable for internal and external applications.
The main advantage of such products is they simplify any future tile maintenance programme, enabling cleaning regimes to be more effective by limiting surface accumulations and further protecting their aesthetic appearance, thus protecting the ‘as new’ appearance and inherent slip resistance of the tiled area.
www.palacechemicals.co.uk
