Flexible tiles for exterior wall decoration

Ceramics have been used for architectural decoration since ancient times. The most common form is ceramic tiles of various sizes, ranging from small mosaics to large floor tiles. Over time, the manufacturing technology of ceramic tiles has evolved, giving rise to new architectural materials. One of these materials is flexible ceramic tiles, which have been successfully applied to exterior facade decoration and interior design.

Flexible tiles are produced in the form of sheets or rolls. Regardless of the form, they closely resemble traditional ceramic tiles in appearance, but their usage characteristics are significantly different.

The main advantage of this decorative material lies in its flexibility. The mesh base allows the sheets to bend in any way, enabling the decoration of surfaces with complex shapes. The material is lightweight, making installation much easier and reducing the overall weight of the structure. As a result, Flexible tiles can be used in the renovation of rather old buildings and incorporated into the restoration process.

Flexible tiles are manufactured using biologically safe components, making them environmentally friendly. This coating is non-combustible, unaffected by rapid temperature changes, and resistant to damage from humidity. Flexible tiles perform exceptionally well in exterior facade and outdoor pool decoration, as well as in damp environments such as bathrooms or saunas.

The presence of pores in this coating allows it to "breathe," which is crucial for the ventilation of decorative walls. The decorative coating has excellent thermal insulation properties and is insensitive to mechanical damage. Ceramic coatings come in a variety of appearances, with various colors and textures. They can simulate natural stone, limestone, brickwork, and more.

Another significant advantage of this material is its ease of installation. Flexible ceramic tiles can be installed on almost any base, including concrete or cellular concrete walls, polystyrene or basalt insulation materials, and cement particle boards or OSB boards. During the renovation of old buildings, the material can be directly installed on the existing external walls.

Prior to installing the new coating, careful preparation of the base is necessary. This involves clearing any irregularities and protrusions, leveling potential height differences, and filling cracks and gaps. After completing these tasks, it is recommended to apply a primer to enhance adhesion between different materials.

Special adhesive is used to fix the ceramics to the surface. The solution should be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. Considering the rapid curing speed of the mixture, it should be prepared in small quantities to allow for timely stirring before it dries.

Flexible tiles can be cut into desired sizes using scissors or a utility knife. The adhesive is applied to the base using a trowel with a notched edge. The worker needs to ensure uniform coverage of the adhesive and place the flexible ceramic tiles on top before the adhesive dries. It is important to leave appropriate gaps between each tile to allow for expansion joints.

After installing all the tiles, a waiting period is required until the adhesive is completely dry. Subsequent procedures, such as filling the gaps between tiles, can then be performed. The choice of grouting material should match the characteristics of Flexible tiles to ensure good adhesion and durability.

Maintenance of Flexible tiles is relatively simple. When cleaning, mild detergent and a soft cloth can be used to wipe the surface. Avoid using acidic or corrosive cleaners to prevent damage to the coating.

In summary, flexible ceramic tiles are a versatile decorative material known for their malleability, environmental friendliness, durability, and ease of installation. They are increasingly popular in the field of architectural decoration, suitable for various applications ranging from interior design to exterior facade decoration.