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All About Tiles

Tile Classroom Vol.1 - Types of Tiles

If you are not familiar with tiling projects before, you will be surprised by the many different types of tiles available. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular, but there are also glass tiles, cement tiles, metal tiles, and stone tiles—to name just a few. It’s not easy to pick tiles because not every type of tile works for every job. And, of course, there's a budget to consider. Whether you're shopping for an immediate project or just planning for the future, we will guide you through the most common tiles and the basic knowledge of their types.
1. Ceramic Tile and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic tile is one of the most popular types of tile because it's suitable for many applications. Increased durability makes ceramic tile perfect for any room in the house, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or even entryways. Ceramic tiles have been sintered at a hot temperature of thousands of degrees and increased the density unlike the ordinary bricks, and the hardness can reach level 6, which is harder than ordinary stone. It is suitable for various environments. Moreover, the water absorption rate is low, which is more suitable for humid environments (bathroom/kitchen) or humid climate areas (Hong Kong/offshore). The other most common type of tile is porcelain, which differs from ceramic tile. The appeal of porcelain comes from its ability to emulate natural stone, brick, or wood—and without any of the maintenance. In addition, as it's an all-purpose tile, it comes in a variety of designs, colors, and styles to allow for versatility when designing a space. Porcelain can even be used outdoors, as it will not freeze, fade, or crack. Other applications for porcelain tile include bath or kitchen tile, high-traffic areas, and kitchen backsplashes. The biggest drawback with porcelain tile is that installation can be tricky. While you can DIY an install, many homeowners forget that you also need an adhesive when laying down this type of flooring.
2. Polished vs Matte vs Soft Polished
There are two main types of tile surface: light-separating surface and matte surface. As the name implies, the glossy surface is smooth and reflective, and it is mostly used on the wall to reflect natural light that creates a natural feeling.
The matte surface is usually more non-slip, and it is mostly used on the floor, especially in the bathroom/kitchen. Although there are many styles, it does not have the glossiness of smooth tiles.
In fact, there is a third type of tile surface-soft surface, "55°Soft Light" The recent technology can have the best of both worlds. It not only has the matte surface of R10 anti-slip but also maintains the shine of the glossy surface, which is beautiful.「55∘Soft Light」The new technology can have the best of both worlds. It can not only have the matte surface of R10 anti-slip, but also maintain the gloss of the glossy surface, which is beautiful and practical.
3. Coloured Body Tiles
Over the bottom brickAlso known as Homogeneous Tile, the brick body to the brick surface are made of the same material. Over-bottom bricks are known for their practicality. Since the brick surface and the brick body have the same color, it is not obvious even if the surface is damaged. However, the hardness of many tiles can reach Mohs 6, which is durable and scratch-resistant. Although the bottom tiles are practical, they are inferior in appearance and style. There are not many choices. The colors and textures are mainly pure colors and simple.
4. Timber Tiles
In recent years, wood-grain tiles have become very popular, and they are more durable and moisture-proof than ordinary flooring. Wood grain bricks have many variations in texture, and different paving effects can be achieved with different paving methods.
But pay attention to the flatness of the brick body, because the wood-grain bricks are mostly slender 1200x200mm, which requires a high level of flatness, and the "bending brick problem" can easily cause "empty drum" and "kicking" problems. Choosing reputable and certificated wood grain tiles can reduce the risk of mid-voltage.
Ceramic tiles have many changes in style, color, size, and texture. In addition to personal preference and design style, when picking tiles, you should also pay attention to the characteristics of different tiles and consider actual needs.

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All About Tiles

Let’s talk about Healthy Home with 3 Health Secrets of PuriTiles®

Residential areas are exposed to air pollution and bacteria, which have a direct impact on the human body. According to some research, the higher negative ions in your surroundings, the better our health would be. When breathing around nature such as forests, waterfalls, and mountains, we can feel the freshness because it has high concentrations of negative ions to purify the air. PuriTiles® healthy and antibacterial tile series using Oxy Tech® technology to bring nature secrets to your house.

The 3 health secrets of PuriTiles® series:

1. Purify the air and remove formaldehyde

The furniture, boards, paint, viscose, etc. that we have contact with every day causing indoor pollution. Those could continuously release free formaldehyde and toluene. Especially in new decorated houses, excessive formaldehyde is still high. PuriTiles® health tiles using Oxy Tech™, which can generate more than 1000 negative ions reaching the level of nature, will release negative ions steadily and lastingly. By releasing a high concentration of negative ions, formaldehyde and toluene are being neutralized. According to the national building materials industry-standard test (JC/T 2110-2012), PuriTiles® has a purification rate of formaldehyde and toluene of more than 70% within 24 hours, which can keep indoor air fresh for a long time.

2. Prevent growth and reproduction of bacteria and fungus

Tile cleaning is tricky because it possibly still hides some dirts around the gap. Those dirts carry some bacteria that could infect anyone in many ways. For example, the E. coli that pops out when flushing the toilet has a chance to patch at tiles unknowingly. ASA Tiles high-temperature nano wear-resistant glaze, with smaller surface voids so that dirt has nowhere to absorb and has the effect of anti-fouling as well as being easy to clean. Oxy Tech™ technology has passed the international ASTM G22-76 test, with this technology PuriTiles® effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus. Prevention is better than cure.

3. Reduce mold growth

Humidity in Hong Kong has always been a challenge. From the first season through the summer, the bathroom wall tiles, and floor tiles usually get wet, and even moldy, black, or smelly, which is unpleasant. High-density wall tiles and floor tiles reduce the growth of mold and reduce dampness. PuriTiles® burned at a hot temperature of 1000 degrees, and the high-density brick body is waterproof and moisture-proof. The water absorption rate is 0.1% (ASTM C373, EN ISO 10545-3), which makes PuriTiles® a suitable long-term solution to the problem of water from inside to outside of wall tiles and floor tiles and the troubles of molds on homes.

Choosing the right flooring tiles to ensure safety and lasting comfort is mandatory. PuriTiles® series technology has everything you need to create a healthy home.

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All About Tiles

Home Hygiene — 5 Tips to keep your house clean

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease epidemic makes everyone more concerned about their personal hygiene. A nucleic acid of the virus could persist for days on various surfaces which means that the virus is not only transmitted by droplets but also can spread through contaminated surfaces, known as fomites. Therefore, people have performed independent health protocols and good hygiene can start right at home. Although we might not be able to control our exposure to bacteria or viruses whilst out and about, a hygienic home is important. You can also make a huge difference by simply washing your hands with soap and water to reduce the spread of contamination. Read on for 5 tips on practicing good hygiene around the home:

1. Living room hygiene

These things like tv remotes, tablets and lightswitches can be perfect breeding ground for cold and viruses. Especially in this coronavirus pandemic many people spent most of their time at their house using the living room. It’s advised to clean and disinfect these regularly, particularly if there are family members who have been recently ill.

2. Keep a clean sheet and Bust the dust

We spent around a third of our life sleeping, which is a lot of contact with our bedding. It’s advised to change your bedding at least once a fortnight, washing bed linen at 40°C degrees. Pillows, blankets or duvets should be washed at least once in 2 months to stop dirt, bacteria or dust mites building up.

Dust can build up quickly behind cabinets and furniture or carpet. As dust can carry allergens causing fungal skin infections and respiratory issues. It's important to vacuum regularly and open up windows to allow air to ventilate. If you are using an air conditioner, it’s also advised to clean your air conditioner filter once a month to prevent the dust from spreading on the room.

3. Using air purifier

Since the pandemic started, people are concerned about the oxygen cleanliness level. Air purifier is a recommended tool to keep the air at your home fresh and clean. Air purifiers will neutralize odors and destroy airborne microbes such as dust mites, molds, bacteria, and viruses which improve the quality of the air you breathe.

4. Cleaning floors

Sometimes cleaning floors could be hard housework. Although the risk of catching an infection from home floors is relatively low, we also need to consider that some bacteria can still grow even in dry conditions. Vacuum cleaning and mopping floors should suffice but we have a better solution to help you maintain a clean floor without too much effort on the cleaning process and at the sametime improve your health by using ASA ceramic tiles which are waterproof, mildew-proof with high solidity.

ASA ceramic tiles designed with anti-scratches and easy clean technology. For example, the Puritiles health series designed to inhibit bacteria and remove formaldehyde ensure your safety and convenience.

By using these tiles applied to your house, you can save so much energy on using different cleaning methods to prevent bacteria as well as keeping you healthy.