Ireland's odd weather can go from sunny and windy to wet and rainy in the blink of an eye. It constantly puts a strain on the materials used to build homes, including those needed to make the interior of a home warm and inviting for its owner. Whether you are planning a home renovation or building a new house, when selecting tiles for your flooring, it is essential to consider not only the aesthetic appeal of your tile choice but also its durability and safety.
The following tips will help you select the right tiles to weatherproof your home, both indoors and outdoors, while searching for tiles in Dublin and all over Ireland:
The typical Irish climate can be characterised as:
Because of the above weather issues, moisture can be problematic if the right materials are not considered when selecting tiles. Excess moisture may encourage the growth of aquatic organisms such as algae, lead to the absorption of water into the tiles, promote cracking of the tiles, and cause the surface of the tiles to wear due to moisture build-up.
When waterproofing, the amount of water that can enter through the surface is very important.
The Best Overall Tile for Outdoor Spaces — Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are very dense and do not allow for moisture to pass through their surface at a high rate (generally less than 0.5%). Therefore, porcelain tile can be used in:
These tiles do not allow moisture to reach the sub floor or support and are also less likely to crack due to temperature changes.
Rain and wet ground make surfaces very slippery. So do not forget to check the slip rating of the outdoor tiles you will be using for your property; look for an R11 or higher and they will support outdoor use.
Considerations for the following areas:
Textured (rough) or matte (dull) finished tiles are much less slippery than polished tiles.
When tiles are indoors, it is very common for bathrooms or kitchens to have matte finished tiles; this is helpful when using the bathroom.
Even though Ireland's winter is not severe, frost is possible. When water infiltrates porous tiles, it can freeze and grow larger, which can cause tiles to break.
Always confirm:
Typically, porcelain is good for this, but some tiles fall outside the aforementioned criteria. If you're not sure, verify detailed specifications before proceeding with installing tiles.
Because of their location, Irish properties receive heavy pedestrian traffic from November through March, when mud, grit and moisture are already being entered into houses.
In hallways and entrance areas, look for tiles that are rated PEI 4 – 5 (high wear-resistant).
Dark or textured will also help hide dirt between cleanings and be more attractive to homeowners.
Porcelain tile products that look like stone or concrete are also an attractive and sensible choice for Irish home decoration.
Properties along coastal lines, including Dublin, Galway, Cork and many other parts of the country, can be affected by exposure to salt in the air.
Salt exposure can deteriorate:
High-density porcelain tile combined with quality grout and sealants are the best materials to use in coastal properties.
You can't expect a high-quality tile to perform properly if it's installed incorrectly.
To weatherproof your space, make sure to:
Weatherproofing your space in Ireland starts with smart tile selection. The key factors to remember are:
Ireland’s climate may be unpredictable, but your home surfaces don’t have to be. Choosing the right tiles ensures your space remains beautiful, safe, and structurally sound for years to come. Visiting trusted showrooms like Tilex will help you take smart decisions.
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