Clinker tile: what it is, features, pros and cons

Clinker tile is a finishing ceramic material that is used for insulation and decoration of facades, interior walls, steps or floors. It is made in various shapes and patterns with the help of extrusion technology. Due to its special properties, clinker tiles are suitable for wet areas such as bathrooms or swimming pools. It is fireproof, so it is used for fireplaces or stoves. Let's consider the features of this facing material, its pros and cons.

Features of clinker tiles

Tiles made of clinker material have several advantages. It is smooth, durable and resistant to wear and tear. She has such properties due to a special composition and processing. The basis of clinker tiles is highly plastic shale clay. It is pressed and fired at a temperature of +1200°C.

In the composition of clinker tiles absolutely no impurities of lime. Therefore, it does not form a scaling or white spots. Over time, its aesthetic appearance does not deteriorate.

Pros and cons of clinker tiles

The advantages of clinker tiles:

• Undemanding to the conditions of use. On the clinker tile color does not burn out and the pattern is preserved for a long time. If it is exposed to chemicals, it does not deteriorate. Clinker tiles are not destroyed by temperature fluctuations. It is resistant to damage. Clinker material has properties to block external noise, so it serves as an additional insulation against sounds.
• Safety. Even when clinker tiles are wet, they are not slippery. In its composition there are no toxic substances that would vaporize from exposure to the sun. It is considered environmentally safe.
• Durability. Clinker material is so strong that it is stronger than cement and granite. It is able to withstand a high load.
• Ease of use. Installation of clinker tiles is easy. If necessary, it can be removed and installed in another place. The surface of clinker tiles is easy to clean.
• Frost resistance. When liquid becomes ice, it expands. Because of this, often tiles or bricks that absorb moisture will crack. However, this doesn't happen with clinker tile because it absorbs almost no water due to the uniformity of the material.
• Large choice of design. Dozens of types of texture, format of clinker tiles are available. Colors of the material are created with different amounts of iron and magnesium oxides. Shades are obtained pleasant, and dyes are safe for humans.

Disadvantages of clinker tiles:

• Weak absorption of moisture. Although on the one hand this is an advantage, on the other hand it is a disadvantage. The weaker the material absorbs liquid, the more time is needed for it to fix itself after gluing. Therefore, for the installation of clinker tiles use a special glue. It is also required to know how to install it correctly, which requires experience and knowledge of craftsmen.
• If the clinker tile is not made from one batch of material and in different conditions, then even under one article, the color of products can differ. Therefore, buying clinker tiles, you need to calculate in advance exactly how much material is needed. If it will be necessary to supplement it, there is a risk that the shade will be slightly different.

It is important to take into account that the properties of clinker tiles can be slightly different, depending on the manufacturer. This is especially true for strength and durability. The technology of manufacturing the material, raw materials are different. Therefore, before buying clinker tiles, you can look for reviews about a particular brand.