Flooring Tile - Tile for outdoor patios
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02-11-00, 08:06 PM
I have a new concrete slab for an outdoor patio and want to tile it. It is exposed to the elements and potential freezing, however, I live where it ices infrequently 2-3 times per yr.
I hear different opinion about what I should lay down. Is it really safe to lay porcelain tile, slate, or frost-rated ceramic? Can I just seal it and be reasonably safe? Anything else to consider?
I hear different opinion about what I should lay down. Is it really safe to lay porcelain tile, slate, or frost-rated ceramic? Can I just seal it and be reasonably safe? Anything else to consider?
03-05-00, 06:20 AM
Sealing a tile is not a factor in its freeze-thaw stability. The moisture INSIDE the tile freezes, so sealing has no effect.
The frequency of freezing shouldn't be considered because it only takes one time, if that one time is THE time.
I've seen porcelains installed outside in severe climates (such as Michigan) without problems. The same goes for slates. I'm not so sure about "frost-rated" ceramics. Technically, aren't porcelains simply manufactured to be frost-rated ceramics? Perhaps the line between porcelain ceramics and non-porcelain "frost-rated" ceramics is a thin one.
Buy a tile, put it in a ZipLock bag (in case it breaks) and put it in your freezer for a couple of weeks. Some tiles are more or less vitreous than their specs would suggest.
Dannie
The frequency of freezing shouldn't be considered because it only takes one time, if that one time is THE time.
I've seen porcelains installed outside in severe climates (such as Michigan) without problems. The same goes for slates. I'm not so sure about "frost-rated" ceramics. Technically, aren't porcelains simply manufactured to be frost-rated ceramics? Perhaps the line between porcelain ceramics and non-porcelain "frost-rated" ceramics is a thin one.
Buy a tile, put it in a ZipLock bag (in case it breaks) and put it in your freezer for a couple of weeks. Some tiles are more or less vitreous than their specs would suggest.
Dannie