The right tiles are important for DIY projects, so knowing the difference between floor and roof tiles is necessary for doing the job right.
Know The Difference Between Floor and Roof Tiles
Tile installation is a job you can do yourself, but knowing which type of tile to use is vital.
Clay Tiles
When it comes to roof tiles, clay is a very common choice. Traditionally, the tiles are formed and baked into the appropriate style and shape. To create a very hard and durable tile roof option, the clay is often baked for a lengthy amount of time since the longer it's baked, the harder and longer lasting it becomes. Many such tiles are left in their original clay color, which creates the terra cotta clay roof tile that is popular on so many Spanish-style houses. In some cases, however, the clay is covered with enamel to give it a different color and a shinier finish. Clay is a common choice for roof tiles because it can withstand extreme temperatures, including high winds and very low and very high temperatures. You won't often find clay tiles on floors because they are usually molded and not flat, making them impractical for flooring, including garage floor tiles.
Ceramic Tiles
Flooring, including garage flooring tiles, is often made from ceramic. This is a durable and attractive choice for floors inside homes as well. Ceramic tiles are created out of clay that has been mixed with minerals and water and then fired at very hot temperatures. The tiles are glazed with a liquid coating that gives them a sheen that is ideal for indoor use on floors in bathrooms, kitchens, basements and other places in your home. Ceramic tiles are fairly easy to clean and maintain and very durable, making them a great choice as garage floor tiles. Ceramic tile installation is pretty straightforward, and the tiles are available in many sizes and shapes that let you customize your flooring look.
Concrete Tiles
The main difference between floor and roof tiles is the material used to make them. Concrete is most often used to make roof tiles and is a mixture of sand, water and cement. These materials are molded into the tile shape and then baked to help them hold their shape and create a durable and long lasting tile roof that can withstand the elements, including cold, heat and moisture. Concrete tiles are made with ribs that allow them to interlock and fit together so that you get a seamless roof that is durable and protects your home. Concrete tiles are waterproof, which is one of the reasons why they are so ideal for roofs. The concrete tiles are usually painted to give them a visually appealing look that matches the exterior of the home. These tiles can also be stained to mimic clay, wood or stone so you can get a customized look for your house.
Stone Tiles
Stone tiles are naturally occurring and can be made from a variety of materials, including travertine, slate, granite or marble. They are often used to give a space a high end finish, but many of these natural stones are ideal for garage flooring tiles because they are so durable and long lasting. To create the tiles, the stones are cut into a variety of sizes and shapes that let you lay them in a wide range of patterns and styles in your home. Stone is pretty easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking clean and new. Caring for the tile and grout ensures that your stone tiles last for many years. This is also true of any style of tile, whether on your roof or on your floor.
Other Types of Tile
There are some other types of tile that can be used for various tiling projects. This includes glass, porcelain and stainless steel. Mosaic tiles that are installed in sheets are popular for bathroom and shower floors. Glass tiles are often used on walls and are not usually appropriate for flooring. The same is true of stainless steel and other trendy types of tile. The best choices for floors and roofs are durable tiles made from strong materials that you can rely on for years to come.
How to Choose Tiles
No matter which DIY project you're doing, it makes sense to carefully consider the tile you choose so that you can get the job done and have the right kind of tile for the area you are covering. Many experts suggest having an expert do roof tiles because there are a variety of codes and requirements to make sure they are installed properly. However, laying floor tile is a pretty easy job and many homeowners save money by doing it themselves. The area you need to cover determines the size of the tile you need. A small bathroom may look better with smaller tiles, while a large basement or garage will be easier to complete when you choose larger tiles. The amount of foot traffic and weather your tile will be exposed to also influences which type you buy. A professional can help you make the right choices if you need additional help making out the difference between floor and roof tiles.
