Tiling in winter has its own set of principles and guidelines, and a professional tiler must be thoroughly familiar with them. Tiles are materials used in various parts of a structure, particularly on building facades, courtyards, terraces, and more.
These materials are constantly exposed to temperature fluctuations, moisture, humidity, chemicals, and other external factors, which can impact their durability and quality. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully consider a tile's resistance to different weather conditions before purchasing. This way, you can select the most suitable type of tile for your region’s climate. In this article, we will discuss how tiling is done in cold climates.
What Tiles Are Suitable for Cold Weather?
As you may know, excessive heat directly affects the condition of tiles and can damage them. Similarly, cold weather can have negative effects on tiles, which is why it is advised to use tiles with minimal water absorption—ideally close to zero—when tiling in cold seasons.
If the tile absorbs water from rain or snow, it can freeze, expand, and eventually cause the tile to crack or break. For tiling in cold climates, choose tiles with a water absorption rate of less than 3%.
Factors Affecting Tiling in Cold Weather
Several factors impact tiling during winter, which we will explore below:
- Temperature: Low temperatures slow down the drying process of adhesive and mortar. Additionally, freezing water in the mortar can damage both the tile and the underlying surface.
- Humidity: Tile mortar contains water, which freezes in cold weather, reducing the adhesive’s bonding strength and negatively impacting the tile’s durability.
- Wind: Cold winds in winter can evaporate the moisture in the mortar, leading to cracks and speeding up the setting time of the adhesive. Suitable Materials for Tiling in Cold Weather
To ensure smooth tiling in winter and avoid issues, using the latest tiling tools and appropriate materials is the best solution. These include:
- Mortar: Cement-based mortars can be used for tiling. To prevent freezing in cold weather, use antifreeze additives.
- Grouting Materials: Polymer-based grouts offer high resistance to moisture and cold, making them an ideal choice.
- Thermal Insulation: Since mortar takes longer to dry in winter, using thermal insulation underneath can raise the surface temperature and speed up drying.
- Tile Adhesive: Porcelain tile adhesive is an excellent choice for cold weather as it dries much faster than mortar and has high resistance to frost.
- Polymer Mortars: These have high durability, low water absorption, and prevent moisture from penetrating the tile structure.
- High-Quality Tiles: Use porcelain tiles for winter tiling, as they are highly resistant to freezing and do not absorb water.
- Maintaining Temperature: During tiling, keep the temperature between 5 to 35°C using heaters such as gas or electric blowers. After installation, maintain a minimum temperature of 5°C to accelerate the drying process.
Steps for Tiling in Winter
Before starting tiling in winter, pay attention to manufacturer recommendations regarding the suitability of tiles for specific weather conditions. Choose tiles that can withstand temperature fluctuations without cracking or breaking. Follow these steps for cold-weather tiling:
- Surface Preparation: Clean the surface thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris, and ensure it is completely dry.
- Heating the Environment: Keep the workspace warm using gas or electric heaters. (The ideal temperature range is 5-35°C.)
- Material Preparation: Mix grouting material, adhesive, or any other necessary components according to the instructions and store them at an appropriate temperature.
- Tile Installation: Spread the adhesive evenly on the surface using a notched trowel. Place the tiles in an orderly manner, leaving adequate spacing, and gently tap them with a rubber mallet to secure them. Use a level to ensure proper alignment.
- Grouting: After the adhesive has completely dried, fill the tile joints with suitable grout.
- Surface Protection: Apply protective coatings such as wax or nano-sealants to enhance resistance against moisture and dirt.
- Choosing the Best Tiles for Cold Regions
Due to temperature fluctuations, snowfall, and frost in cold regions, selecting tiles based on the following factors is crucial:
- Low Water Absorption: Suitable tiles for cold climates have minimal water absorption, preventing water infiltration and freezing damage.
- High Abrasion Resistance: The surface of these tiles is hard and resistant to scratches from foot traffic and environmental factors.
- Low Thermal Expansion: Tiles with a low thermal expansion coefficient are less likely to crack due to sudden temperature changes.
- High Chemical Resistance: Tiles should be resistant to de-icing salts and other chemicals used in winter.
- Quality Glazing: A good glaze prevents water absorption and increases tile longevity.
Recommended Tiles for Cold Climates
For winter tiling, the following tiles are excellent choices:
- Porcelain Tiles: These have the lowest water absorption rate and offer high resistance to thermal shock, abrasion, and moisture.
- Glazed Ceramic Tiles: Their durable glaze layer provides protection against chemicals and wear.
- Textured Tiles: Rough-textured tiles provide better grip and reduce the risk of slipping on icy surfaces.
- Tips for Selecting Tiles in Cold Climates
- When buying tiles for cold regions, consider the following:
- Consult experts to select tiles that match your climate.
- Check technical specifications such as abrasion resistance, water absorption rate, and thermal expansion coefficient.
- Choose thicker tiles for increased durability.
- Use specialized adhesives and mortars designed for cold climates.
Conclusion
This article discussed the challenges of tiling in winter. As mentioned, factors like wind, humidity, and low temperatures can cause several issues during tiling. To overcome these challenges, use polymer mortars, polymer adhesives, and surface membranes for protection.
When purchasing tiles for cold climates, prioritize features such as low water absorption, high resistance to wear, and minimal thermal expansion. Opt for porcelain tiles, glazed tiles, or textured tiles to ensure durability and longevity in harsh weather conditions.