TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR GLASS TILE IN EXTREMELY HOT CLIMATES OR HEATED ENVIRONMENTS
All INTERSTYLE glass tile products are suitable for interior and exterior surfaces. They can be used in both residential and commercial applications.
Glass tile is suitable for exterior applications where temperatures may reach 50 C during the day and where there may also be a rapid cooling of temperature at night. In addition glass tile may be used in heated areas such as steam-rooms, saunas and hot pools, where it retains the strength and durability of a ceramic tile and the delicate translucency of glass. In exterior applications, glass tile also has the added benefit of being resistant to chemical attack, water absorption, and discoloration.
The production of glass tile involves the fusing of glass to colored glazes at temperatures above 900 degrees Celsius followed by a rapid cooling of the individual pieces to room temperature. Even at these extreme firing and cooling temperatures in the stage of production, the glass tile pieces do not show any occurrences of cracking or stressing in any manner. Glass tile has been used extensively in exterior applications subject to effects of high heat and sunlight.
Correct installation and the use of proper installation materials is essential to avoid stress on the glass. A cement-based thinset mortar must be used in exterior applications with a latex / acrylic additive. This mixture will allow enough flexibility to expand and contract with the glass tile in high to low temperatures. Expansion joints are also a critical consideration in long spans and areas subject to extremes in temperature.
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