Gypsum tiles, why is it so good?
As already mentioned, tiles from gypsum are inferior to their performance characteristics for some other facing materials. Apply it exclusively for interior decoration. For outdoor works, it is not suitable, as it is destroyed from the effects of climatic conditions. However, gypsum facing tiles in addition to aesthetic appeal also has many other advantages.
- Provides excellent sound and heat insulation .Especially if you add insulating materials.
- Environmental and Environmental Safety .Gypsum is a natural material that does not contain any foreign chemical impurities.
- Fire and incombustibility .Therefore, it can be used even when the oven is tiled. If there is an accidental fire, no harmful substances will be released to the material.
- The structure and natural composition of the tiles allow to maintain a favorable microclimate of indoors, besides, the material does not smell .
Is it possible to make gypsum facing tiles with my own hands?
Decorative gypsum tiles can be manufactured both in large and small industries. Including, you can do it at home with your own hands. This is possible due to the natural properties of gypsum, which, when dried, heats up and expands.
A solution is prepared from the following components: glue for gypsum tiles( preferably PVA), plaster itself and water. All the ingredients are thoroughly mixed until a creamy mass is obtained. Further, the mass is poured into special molds, while filling all voids and cracks( material properties to expansion).Often used elastic forms, made of two-component polyurethane.
In some cases, silicone molds are also used( more often for large architectural designs).Both those and others are sold in the corresponding building stores. The time for drying the gypsum is approximately 15 minutes. That is, after 15 minutes you get the finished tile .The resulting material can be colored with acrylic paints. For example, gypsum tile for brick is painted with brown shades.
Stacking of gypsum tile
Stacking can be done in two ways - dry and wet .However, before that it is important how to prepare the surface and take away the tile. The base is leveled, cleaned and primed if necessary. Then the tiles are sorted and the marriage( with chips) is eliminated. If it needs to be cut, then an ordinary metal hacksaw is used for this. The next step is to select the application method.
Dry method assumes stacking in vertical rows, and tiles with projections( on opposite sides) are used. Begin the application from the corner of the room. There vertically fastening the rake is fastened. From it measure the distance equal to the width of the tile, and fix the second rail. Then, from the top down lay the tile( threaded like beads on the rail).
The wet method of involves placing the tile horizontally from the bottom up. The base and the back of the tile are covered with mastic. After a while( indicated on the packaging of the mastic), the tile is attached to the base. Verticality and horizontality of the rows can be controlled with the help of a berthing line and a plumb line. At the final stage, the seams are sealed with a trowel.
Also for grouting you can use a cement-sand mixture or polymer cement mastic. Joints and joints should be filled with a solution only half.
