Saltillo tile, just like its name suggests, is a tile made in Saltillo, Mexico. It is an unglazed clay floor tile made of terracotta. As Saltillo is a special type of tile, you also have to take special care of them.
Here are 5 things you should not do with your Saltillo tiles.
Do not soak your Saltillo tile
One of the old ways to install Saltillo tile is to soak it first in water before setting it as a way to perform what penetrating sealers of today accomplishes for tiles.
By trapping excess water in the clay during installation, efflorescence problems may occur in the future. Prevent from soaking your tiles to extend the lifespan of your floor.
Do not buy unsealed tiles
It is best to buy sealed tiles rather than unsealed ones. Buying pre-sealed Saltillo tiles will save you a lot of money. The amount you paid for the unsealed ones is less but when you add up the money used for the sealer to protect the tiles, you’ll find out that it’s even larger than what you thought you have saved.
The best trick you can do is buy pre-sealed tiles, install them, then apply a final topcoat sealer.
Do not use spacers when installing your Saltillo tiles
The sizes and thickness of Saltillo tiles may vary from one another as they are all made by hand. Installation of Saltillo tiles using a spacer may be looking good initially but will begin protruding funnily somewhere in the next areas.
Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your sealed Saltillo floors
The trick to maintaining long life for your sealers is to avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning the floor. These chemicals will do more harm than good to your floor.
Do not strip your tile
Stripping your Saltillo tiles is something you must not do unless it is your last option. Explore other ways on how to preserve the tiles and the sealer without damaging them or discoloring the floor.
If there is no other way, then you must call a professional to do the stripping, refinishing, and restoration for you. Trust Bizaillion Floors to do this wonderful job for you.