Exterior tile on concrete block.
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Some how over the years I collected enough cerramic tile to think maybe I have a tile addiction.I am a woodworker after all I should have a couple units hardwood not 100 different types of tile.I am ready to actually start some projects and could use some advice.How do you tell the different types porcelin etc.is all tile suitably for exterior,dealing with expansion joints on block wall and plywood mudset best way ext. countertop.Thanks for any advise.Work is all exterior for now and I live in a hot dry climate.New motto is ‘you can let it be if its free’unless its 20 sacks of thin set. thanks again Tom
Replies
differentiating types
"How do you tell the different types porcelin etc" ? tommyx
Easy. Lift up each ones tail to see if it has testicles.
check with the manufacturer and the TCA
Seriously---only the manufacturer can state if a specific tile is designed and suitable for exterior use. If you're able to ascertain the manufacturers info from the various boxes of tile you've collected (and they are still in business) then the best advice is confirm suitability for your specific application with them or an authorized retail representative. Otherwise it's a crap shoot as to whether your installation will perform as expected.
All tile should conform to applicalble ANSI standards. For a copy of those standards and the TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation visit http://www.tileusa.com
The biggest hazard for exterior tile would be frost spalling, which you presumably don't need to worry about in your climate. Otherwise it's general durability and the ability to handle thermal stresses on whatever substrate you use.