| Tiles |
The first to look at the air quality, as dust and grime sit on tiles like any other surface. Stone and tile products are better for air quality as they release few, if any, emissions. They are easy to clean with reference to a build-up any dust. In the case of the Kenzan Tile, they have introduced a new type of coating which effectively eliminates de composition of bacterial, fungi, algae, moss and germs. The Hydrotect coating does this through by activating oxygen molecules in the coating. The tile surface becomes hydrophilic, thereby releasing the surface tension of the water globules to form a thin film which lifts dirt from the surface to ensure easy cleaning.The concept is based on the principle of the photo catalysis of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) whereby the antibacterial effect happens through the light which activates the oxygen, thereby decomposing bacteria and germs. Due to stone being a heavy material, it requires more energy for transportation than other alternatives for floors and walls. This in turn, produces greater contributions to global warming. As a general rule, it is normally highly recommended that all products originate as closely as possible to the building site. There are very few manufactures of tiles in South Africa, with most companies imported from over-seas. Kenzan Tiles imports mostly from Germany, where the natural raw materials is available for production. Their natural material includes clay, kaolin feldspar and quartz for their ceramic tiles. The production plants are situated near the deposits to minimize the transport distances. They re-cultivate the landscape after the exploitation of a clay pit. From the re-cultivated areas recreational areas, bathing lakes or nature zones are created. Sustainability is examined through the durability of a product, as well as the long-term maintenance and replacement costs. The environmental benefits associated with this include a reduction in the amount of resource extraction and in the energy consumed for manufacturing and installation. Kenzan Tiles manufactures concentrate on recycling and closed cycles with regards to their products. Their solid media, such as clay and other raw materials that accumulated during the manufacturing process are systematically collected and reused in the production cycles. Liquid media such as water for industrial use, are recycled to a high degree – approx. 90% of the total production. The Quantity of their Group are manufactured completely without sewage and the remaining 10% of the total production quantity are produced in a factory which has its own sewage treatment plant. Stone Stone is extremely durable; it easily outlasts other flooring and wall materials when properly designed and installed. Stone’s durability leads to fewer repairs and replacements over the building’s lifetime. From a design standpoint, stone, with its natural appearance and richness of color and texture, can become a strong focus within a design that has a naturalistic aesthetic. Terrazzo Terrazzo consists of small colored chips (stone, masonry, concrete, tile, glass, etc.) bound together by an adhesive matrix that is either concrete or epoxy-based. Terrazzo is extremely durable and long-lasting, generating lower maintenance and replacement costs over time, and giving it some of the same environmental benefits as described for stone above. Manufacturers can incorporate recycled materials (such as glass) into the matrix, improving its environmental profile. Epoxy-resin binders are not completely free of emissions during the cure period, but most people tolerate the cured product well. Because of the wide range of materials and colors available for both the matrix and binder, terrazzo’s versatility lends itself to a wide range of aesthetic effects. It can be designed as a subtly textured background surface, as a major focal point, or as anything in between. Ceramic Tile Ceramic tile is more durable than wood, linoleum, and carpet. However, it does require periodic maintenance, especially the grout. Ceramic tile is more energy-intensive to produce than some alternatives (wood and bamboo, for instance). There are few specifically green ceramic tile products. Some manufacturers claim to use recycled materials, but those are mostly post-production (not post-consumer) wastes. Ceramic tile is available in a wide range of colors, textures and patterns, so the design possibilities are endless. For this reason, ceramic tile can provide a unique look for a particular spot. Glass Tile Although glass tile has been around since before the Romans, many new products incorporating post-consumer recycled glass have recently become available. Some of these tiles have the appearance (and durability) of ceramic tile while others look (and wear) more like traditional glass tiles, where abrasions tend to become more apparent more quickly. Although glass tile does not have as wide a range of colors, textures, and patterns as ceramic tile, many have an appealing translucency and softness of color and texture that cannot be found in ceramic tile. Installation Environmental considerations should be addressed during the installation phase of a project in order to protect the health of construction workers and also to prevent the retention within porous building materials (such as gypboard, wood, carpets, and fabrics) of toxic air emissions (such as VOCs) and dust produced during construction, things that could later be re-released into the enclosed living spaces. First, select adhesives and sealants that are not only appropriate for the intended purpose but that also contain minimal VOCs or other toxic emissions. Secondly, specify that your contractor do their cutting and grinding of tile and stone outdoors as much as is reasonably possible. Also, note that grout may stain or trap dirt if not properly sealed. Resourced: Kenzan Tiles Tel: 021 510 8310 Fax: 021 510 8317 37 Paarden Eiland Rd, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, 7405 Green Home Guide
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