Is your patio suffering from the effects of severe weathering? It’s not uncommon for outdoor patio tile to endure some damage from harsh elements such as the sun, rain or snow. From fading in the sun to freezing and cracking from the cold, the weather is capable of doing damage to your patio if the correct steps are not taken to prevent these issues.
What Causes Patio Damage?
Nothing is worse than investing in something like a beautiful outdoor patio only to have it wear down within just a few years. Without taking preventive measures and using the right building materials, you could have this issue. It’s important to note the difference between materials and tile types, as some are specifically suited for fireplaces, poolsides or indoor use only.
Weathering, heavy furniture, and the regular use of grills, bikes or other outdoor gear are a few common causes of outdoor patio damage. Along with selecting outdoor flooring that’s made to withstand any type of weathering and typical everyday use, there are some things you can do to prolong the life of your patio tile.
In order to treat your outdoor patio tile with the best care and get the longest use out of it, you should consider the following:
Choose Durable Tile
For an outdoor patio, you’ll want to pay attention to the tile type and durability. For example, you shouldn’t use indoor tile on your outdoor patio, as it won’t withstand harsh weathering like outdoor tile can.
Some outdoor tile should only be used in warmer climates, whereas others can withstand cold temperatures. You can check out freezing or non-freezing ratings to figure out which tile will work best for your climate conditions.
The thicker the tile, the more durable it is and therefore less likely to break or crack. Outdoor flooring from Emser Tile is made with material such as porcelain, ceramic or natural stone that resists cracking or breaking even during the harshest weather conditions.
Indoor tile that is used outside is likely to fade, crack and weather quicker than any outdoor tile would. Along with that, if indoor tile is used near wet outdoor surfaces like a pool, it can pose a slipping hazard to you and your guests.
Both water and UV-resistant coating make tile tough against cold temperatures, intense heat, wear and tear of bikes, lawn equipment and regular daily use.
Keep Your Patio Clean and Protected
In order to keep your outdoor patio tile looking good, you should do some regular maintenance.
Here are a few things you can do to keep this area clean:
- Remove patio furniture and sweep away dirt or debris.
- Wash your outdoor tile with mild soap and water to remove any tougher grime.
- Let the area dry completely before moving furniture back.
If you are subject to harsher conditions, you should use outdoor tile with a water-resistant coating to prevent most water absorption. When water is absorbed and then freezes, it can create cracks or fissures in your tile. If indoor tile were used outdoors during freezing temperatures, it would be likely to crack quickly.
Emser Tile also makes UV-resistant coating and heat-proof tile that are durable enough to use in areas around an outdoor fireplace. This way, you know that your outdoor tile will not fade from weathering, even with the harshest UV rays.
Keeping your outdoor patio tile clean and in good condition will ensure that it will last for years to come. To keep your patio maintained, you should keep it clear of mud, debris or any grime that may build up over time.
Professional Recommendations
For your outdoor patio tile to last as long as possible, consult tile professionals to learn more about the endless possibilities and wide variety of designs and styles.
Outdoor tile around pools or potentially slippery surfaces should be installed professionally to ensure the proper technique is used and any possible injuries are minimized.
Emser Tile is here to help you out with all the resources you may need. Be sure to check out the technical specifications so you know exactly what quality of material and performance you are getting with your outdoor patio tile. Each product is listed with details of recommended use, locations and tile designs to give you your next outdoor patio installation ideas.
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