| |
|
How to: Clean | Seal | Restore
Concrete Tile
Sealing - Cleaning - Problem Solving - Protection - Care
 
As you can see, a concrete tile (cement tile) can look exactly like a clay tile. Or, quite different. This is one of the advantages, concrete can look like almost anything. This also causes confusion about what you really have on your project. See testing below.
Concrete tile vary in the manufacturing process - from dry pressed to wet cast in molds.
It also has unique needs that are explained below.
 
|
|
There is no need for confusion or problems brought about by misidentification of a surface type, yet it happens all too often. If you would like to see why this is the case and how to properly identify a surfacing material .....
Click here
If you are concerned about doing it yourself - consider that the satisfaction of a project is directly related to your knowledge of what needs to be done and how. Who actually does the work is less important. We estimate that 25% of the usage of Aldon products is by "do it yourself" homeowners and we know they are happy because we hear from them.
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION - With Identifying Characteristics
- See the acid sensitivity test to determine you have clay or a concrete product.
- Approx. 3/4 inch in thickness.
- Finishes vary greatly - smooth, stone pattern, sandblasted, etc.
- Tile are either wet cast, extruded, or pressed.
- The concrete is anything from regular aggregate concrete to various mixtures of light weight aggregates.
- Usually colored with iron oxide pigment at the surface, or throughout the mixture.
- Some batches of this surfacing can be very absorbent and will tend to soak up a lot of sealer if you just keep pouring it on. Too decrease the amount of sealer required - click
here
- One production process is called "encaustic tile". These are treated the same as all concrete tile with our products. However, test carefully before sealing. Some manufacturer's use mold releases that can create blotchy finishes. Look for manufacturer to say to wash the tile before sealing as a clue.
|
 |
|
ADVANTAGES TO THIS MATERIAL
- Great variety of colors and shapes allow for a wide spectrum of creative design.
- Surfaces can be patterned, colored, and textured to look like natural stone.
|
CONSIDERATIONS (All Are Preventable!)
(Click links for Aldon's solutions to these issues!)
- Removing grout residue with acidic cleaners is risky for concrete surfaces. Do not use a sealer as a grout barrier (
pre-seal). Prevent grout smears, surface scratching and keep grout residue out of any surface texture characteristics by coating with Aldon "Grout Easy" before grouting. "Grout Easy" is a water soluble coating that comes off easily while grout is being cleaned up with water and a sponge. It also prevents grout trapping in the texture.
- Efflorescence (subsurface originating white powdery stains) and scuffing can occur. However, this is
easily cleaned.
- Colors can "fade". Actually the iron oxide pigments used in concrete products do not fade. Nor do the colored clays in clay products. The appearance of fading is actually from light efflorescence and
can be stopped by sealing with the appropriate Aldon sealer.
- All concrete products are subject to damage from acids. However, the appropriate Aldon sealer prevents this.
|
Following are recommendations for products you may need (in sequence of use ) for whichever of the categories applies to you. Please review each and mark your printed
worksheet accordingly.
Layed, But Not Grouted
-
 Grout Easy
-
 Efflorescence Treatment
-
 Grout Residue
Remover
(should not be needed after using Grout Easy)
|
Grouted, But Not Sealed
-
Grout Residue
Remover
-
Efflorescence Treatment
-
.............Sealer ( see below )
-
 Lifeguard
-
Care ...........
 |
Sealer Has Been Applied
Important! - First -
Click here!
 Premium Stripper- ...........Cleaners ?
- ...........Sealer ( see below )
- Lifeguard
- Care ..........
|
An Aldon sealer does far more than just bead water and look pretty! To see what that is
click here.
Important: If your project has had any sealer applied in the past, it must be evaluated differently. To see why,
Click here!
PROTECTION:
Use the Aldon  for "Concrete Tile" to pick the appropriate sealer for the desired finished appearance.
ONGOING MAINTENANCE:
You have an option to eliminate the concern over traffic wear - its called Aldon Lifeguard. (See the  section on Maintenance). "Lifeguard" will provide a very tough top coating that protects the underlying sealer from traffic wear while enhancing gloss and slip resistance. "Lifeguard" need only be replaced by pouring and spreading in those areas that finally show traffic wear. Creates a new floor surface in 30 minutes. No skill is required. Buffing machines are not needed on "Lifeguard" and should not be used on this type paver as they can grind into the surface.
* Note: will add another level of gloss to any sealed surfaces.
It also prevents traffic wear to the sealers finish.
| |
|
|
