STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 57 FIRST FOOTING


The Tile Association says that consumer interest in fl oor tiles as a stylish as well as hygienic, durable and even sustainable fi nish for domestic properties has never been stronger, and explains some of the options


T


he market is driven by consumer fashion and product innovation. Many consumers wish to replicate the tiled look that they have seen overseas or when leafi ng through home dcor magaines. They also recognise the many benefi ts of tiling in the home  providing a long lasting fi nish, which is hygienic, durable and easy to maintain.


TRENDING


Currently the concrete or industrial look is very much in vogue, providing a great base for colour contrast and coordination. The natural wood look is also a popular one. The latest innovations in tile development mean that the aesthetic of natural wood can be combined with the hygiene and ease of maintenance, and durability offered by tiles. It all means more choice and inspiration is available to the consumer and the housebuilder than ever before.


There is also a trend towards larger formats, including panels of up to  mm x  mm. These sies reduce grout lines and maximise the impact of the tile design, although their handling and installation requires particular care and techniques.


There has also been an increase in popularity of  mm porcelain tiles used on patios and terraces as an alternative to timber decking or concrete pavers. This allows for the continuation of a  oor tiling aesthetic from inside a house to the outside and fi ts with a current consumer trend to expand living space into external areas. Special adhesive kits are now available for external porcelain  oor tiles, which are designed for use by general builders and landscapers, who might not be tiling specialists.


WARM UNDERFOOT Under oor heating is another topic which is frequently raised in connection with the installation of  oor tiles, as this market is still expanding rapidly, since UFH provides a cost-effective, comfortable and unobtrusive heating solution  often linked to renewable energy sources. There are however a number of considerations to bear in mind, in order to ensure a


successful installation. Adherence to ritish tandards, use of appropriate tiles and adhesives and the inclusion of movement gaps and expansion oints are all important factors.


Whether an electric or wet system is being installed, UFH can provide a warm welcoming environment in the home, add value to a property and lead to signifi cant reductions in energy consumption, when compared to traditional space heating systems.


hile the design opportunities in tiling are greater than ever, it is important that the technical issues associated with installing a tiled surface are fully understood and that all work is carried out to British Standards. The current ritish tandard, -  all  Floor Tiling, includes a clause relating to workmanship Clause ... For the fi rst time, the standard now recognises


that the installation of ceramic or natural stone tiling should be carried out with effi cient supervision and the employment of properly trained operatives, skilled to an appropriate level of competence, certifi ed by a recognised authoritative body. We are involved in the development of both UK and international tandards, through our participation in the I for British Standards and also ISO for international Standards. A member of TTA’s Technical Committee serves as Chairman of the British Standards Committee  for ‘Ceramic Tiles and ther igid Tiling.’


SUSTAINABILITY


An important topic is the sustainability of tiles. ue to their durability and longevity, as well as their inert composition, ceramic and porcelain tiles are very much a


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