Placing joints as a decorative element in ceramic tiles 29 December 2022 – Δημοσιεύτηκε σε: Architecture & Decoration Trends
When renovating or designing a new space, the floors and walls are chosen first. Other materials that play an important role in the quality of the finishes should also be considered, such as grouting materials, skirting boards and special fittings.
These materials are integrated into the space and offer an important aesthetic element, defining the appearance of the ceramic tile.
What is a joint?
In the physical separation between the tiles, necessary to compensate for any dimensional deviations that the ceramic tiles may have, the installation joints are an essential element in the final quality of the ceramic floor and wall tiles.
In any case, joints must meet the following technical functions:
To improve the durability of ceramic tiles.
To help with the absorption you create from unstable supports and dimensional variations.
Vapor diffusion capacity. Joints must be impermeable to liquids, but permeable to water vapor. Especially outdoors in cold weather and on non-absorbent or glazed tiles.
All the ingredients covered by tiles, to allow the evaporation of water, which may be present, especially the adhesives used for their installation.
Decoration with joints
The placement of joints in floors and walls plays a decisive role in the style of spaces, with two main decorative trends:
Invisible joints: mixed into the ceramic tiles. The purpose of using this type of joints is to make them as inconspicuous as possible, as they are very narrow and integrated into the pieces being used. This method is chosen to enhance the visual continuity of the surface.
Joints that stand out against ceramic tiles. The aim is to emphasize the modularity of the ceramic floor or wall tiles, enhancing the contrast between the tile and the joint. To achieve this effect, the joints must be wide. This type is often used for mosaics and terracotta floors.
– Colors. The choice of color for the joint is fundamental in terms of the appearance of the overall ceramic design of a room. If the design of the ceramic is to be highlighted then the joint should not be visible. The color of the grouting material must be similar to the color of the ceramic tile.
When the goal is to give the joint a distinctive role in the interior design, it is important to choose a distinctive color or one that contrasts with the color of the ceramics.
Τύποι αρμών
In order for joints to decorate a space, the chosen jointing material must be of high quality and match the technical characteristics of the ceramic tile to which it is to be applied.
There are two types:
Reactive resins. They provide the best color quality and maximum chemical resistance, mechanical properties and zero water absorption.
Cement based. Suitable quality for most types of installation, good color stability and optimal water vapor diffusion.
