Installing Ceramic Tile Notes and Definitions

Portland Cement: A type of hydraulic cement used in tile installation.It is usually used in mortar mixes, and made by processing clay and limestone.

Latex Additive: A milky liquid added to cement mixtures to achieve a stronger, less rigid, less permeable mortar.

Latex-Portland Cement Grout: Combines Portland cement grout with a special latex additive.

Latex-Portland Cement Mortar: A mixture of Portland cement, sand and a special latex additive which is used as a bond coat for setting tile.

Sand-Portland Cement Grout: An on-the-job mixture of Portland cement, fine-graded sand, lime and water.

Commercial Portland Cement Grout: A mixture of Portland cement with other ingredients to produce a water-resistant, dense, uniformly colored material.

Frost-Proof Tiles: Tiles manufactured for use at locations with possibility of freeze and thaw conditions.

Freeze-Thaw Stability: The ability of a tile to withstand the cycle of freezing and thawing without cracking.

Advantages of glazed tiles

The two distinct advantages of glazed tiles are unlimited color range and stain resistance.

Advantages of unglazed tiles

The two advantages of unglazed tiles are wear resistance and slip resistance.

What is the purpose of glaze?

The glaze is a nonporous, protective glass coating.

How is tile strength determined?

The strength of tile is determined by the hardness of its glaze and the density of the clay body.