Slate Tiles – The Benefits

Slate has been used for centuries to create appealing and functional tiles. Today, they are still frequently used in homes and even for roofs. So just what exactly is slate? Slate is a type of metamorphic rock derived from clay or volcanic ash. While it’s quite beautiful to look at, slate is also a very effective tile choice for a number of reasons.

There’s no denying the fact that slate is an extremely versatile type of rock. It’s most commonly use as tiles, but it’s also used for tombstones, roof shingles, benches and outdoor memorial structures. Some of the early 20th century relay controls for trains even used slate because of its resistance to fire and electricity.

What Are The Benefits?

One of the greatest things about slate tiles is that it tolerates heat very well. In fact, out of all the tiles on the market, It is arguably the type that has the best heat resistance. Because of this, slate tile is an excellent choice for kitchen counter-tops where piping hot pots and pans can be left without fear of damage.

You shouldn’t limit yourself to using slate tiles in just the kitchen, though. It’s also ideal for bathrooms because of the non-slip surface it offers. Chances are you’ve walked on the tile outside at a park or memorial before. The reason it’s used in these areas is that it provides a non-slippery surface, even after it’s rained on.

Another benefit to using slate tile is the variety of choices and styles available. You can find them in everything ranging from vibrant colors to your typical gray in great tile outlets. So, no matter what type of style you’re going for, you’re sure to find a slate tile to match it.

Maintaining Slate Tiles

Because slate tiles are made of unique rock composition, it’s important to understand what goes into maintaining it. If you don’t take the time to do so, you could find yourself having to re-do the tile work down the road.

The biggest gripe consumers usually have with slate tiles are how porous it is. Practically all types of rock, slate included, absorb water. If you allow your slate tile to absorb water, it will begin to smell and eventually crack or damage. To prevent this, you’ll need to weather-proof the slate tile by applying a coat of wax to the surface about once a year. This will help repel any water that tries to seep its way into the pores of it.

Just like any tile, slate will require cleaning once and a while. To clean it, simply run a mop with soapy water over it. This will remove any germs, mildew and dirt from the tile and keep it looking just as good as it did when you first installed it. Just remember to keep the tile waxed and water-proof before using any water or cleaning solution on it.

Tile Factory Outlet has a great range of quality tiles at amazingly low prices. Visit our showroom today or compare and buy tiles from our online store.