Based on the analysis of articles and publications by experts from the INFOceramics community, the following conclusions can be drawn.
Conclusion one . The fundamental role of four factors that determine such characteristics of a lined surface as strength and durability, aesthetic qualities and functionality has been reliably established:
- Quality of materials used;
- Quality of planning and design of the cladding system;
- Quality of laying ceramic tiles;
- Quality of care and use.
The occurrence of any defects can always relate to shortcomings, errors and shortcomings associated with one or more of the above factors. Therefore, to prevent defects from occurring, all these factors must be carefully studied and taken into account.
Conclusion two . When studying defects that have arisen or discussing measures to prevent them, we always turn to the planning and design of the floor and wall system. From this it is logical to conclude that planning and design of the cladding is the most important factor. And most definitely, this is a factor that is often not given due attention, mistakenly considering it insignificant. Experience shows that errors made at the planning and design stage are more common than defects resulting from poor quality materials.
Conclusion three . In addition to the people directly installing the cladding system, many others can and should take part in its planning - the contractor, the builder, the inspector, the installer, as well as the user. Often this cooperation is not sufficiently coordinated and organized, as it should be when setting up such a complex system. The roles and responsibilities of participants are not always clear. That is why we decided to talk separately about errors in planning , without touching on the degree of guilt of one or another participant. Despite this, it is worth once again emphasizing the importance of interaction between those involved, a careful study of the basic data of the project is necessary, especially in cases where many people are involved in the project. Manufacturers of the material must provide all necessary product data, detailed and accessible documentation.
Conclusion four . Direct laying of tiles is a determining factor, not so much because it is the main cause of the formation of defects, but because it plays a huge role in preventing the occurrence of defects . Proper tile laying can compensate for poor design decisions, while improper installation can lead to deterioration in the aesthetic and functional characteristics of the tile, even despite the highest quality of the materials used.
Conclusion fifth . As we have repeatedly emphasized, the tile itself is only an integral part of a complex multi-layer floor or wall system. In this system, the tile is assigned a specific role, that is, its value is limited to this role. At the same time, the user considers the lined surface to be a floor or a wall, that is, a part of the system is taken as a whole. As a result, most attention is paid to the tile itself. It is this that is assessed positively or negatively regarding the strength of the system, aesthetic and functional characteristics of the floor or wall. That is why the image of ceramic tiles depends to a greater extent on the behavior of the entire cladding system as a whole than on the technical characteristics of the tiles. In other words, the image of ceramic tiles depends as much on the designers and installers as on the tile manufacturers.
We hope that our analysis of the stages of arranging ceramic cladding and possible defects will not only increase the demand for ceramic tiles, but will also help to approach the use of all materials more competently. It is necessary to take full advantage of the advantages of ceramic tiles, the optimal technical and diverse aesthetic characteristics of this material, which has been widely used since ancient times, which is constantly being improved and remains popular to this day.