Integración de perfiles en azulejos cerámicos
Con un número creciente de instalaciones de baldosas cerámicas que coexisten con otros recubrimientos de superficies, se hace necesario utilizar elementos de transición adecuados, o perfiles, en las superficies recubiertas con baldosas y alrededor de ellas. Los perfiles también se utilizan para cubrir y proteger los cantos de las baldosas instaladas en pisos y paredes, proporcionando un excelente recubrimiento de los cantos. Además, el uso de los perfiles como herramienta de transición ha inspirado a los diseñadores a utilizarlos como elemento decorativo. Consulte la información contenida en este artículo, en el que se destacan algunos aspectos importantes de los perfiles:
Tipos de aplicación de perfiles
Los perfiles son accesorios de metal o plástico que proporcionan transiciones estéticamente agradables entre diferentes materiales del mismo grosor o de grosores variables, como baldosas de cerámica que hacen una transición a otra baldosa de cerámica, o a superficies de piedra natural, alfombra, laminado, baldosas porcelánicas y paneles de baldosas, pisos de madera o baldosas vinílicas de lujo (LVT). Los perfiles están disponibles en una amplia gama de tamaños, formas y acabados en beneficio de las necesidades del diseñador y del instalador, para agregar un elemento de diseño audaz o sutil, garantizando al mismo tiempo la integridad de la instalación de baldosas cerámicas.
Perfiles para pisos
Existe una amplia variedad de perfiles para pisos en una gama de colores, tamaños, formas, materiales y acabados que complementan cualquier elección de diseño, como estos perfiles de tono dorado agregados como elemento decorativo a la instalación de baldosas del piso.
Los perfiles también se utilizan para crear elegantes transiciones entre recubrimientos de pisos a la misma altura, así como para transiciones en pendiente hacia recubrimientos de pisos a menor altura. Estos perfiles protegen los cantos de las baldosas y crean una transición suave entre las superficies.
Perfiles para paredes
Ya sea para enmarcar el protector contra salpicaduras de una cocina o para crear una pared de acento única, los perfiles ofrecen una protección superior de los cantos de las baldosas y un elegante toque final. Disponibles con diferentes accesorios (como tapones de extremo y ángulos para dar el acabado a dichas transiciones) y en una gran variedad de colores, formas, tamaños y materiales, los perfiles de pared permiten personalizar por completo cualquier pared recubierta con baldosas.
Perfiles para encimeras
La versatilidad de los perfiles permite enmarcar una encimera en su totalidad o acentuar un área en particular. El uso de perfiles alrededor del lavabo elimina la necesidad de calafatear y agrega un toque de acabado superior cuando se trabaja con baldosas cerámicas.
Profiles for Stairs
Stair-nosing profiles protect tile edges, conceal the subassembly of the stairs, and can also increase visibility. Profile options include installation with a slip-resistant wear tread and provide a decorative touch to both commercial and residential stair applications.
Appropriate Uses of Profiles
Movement Joints
In addition to allowing for transitions, some profiles include movement joints for applicable applications at the perimeters or within the tiled surface. Some movement joint profiles include strips composed of flexible chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) in the center of the profile that expand and contract based on the temperature, moisture, and other factors that can contribute to movement. Movement accommodation is necessary in all floor tile applications as it prevents materials from cracking and tenting (bending and moving upwards) due to movement.
The requirement for movement joints is a standard for the tile (EJ-171 detail in the Tile Council of North America’s (TCNA) Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation). For areas subject to freeze/thaw conditions that are more prone to expansion and contraction due to fluctuations in temperature, movement joints accommodate movement to protect the tile or stone field. Without movement joints, damage to the surface covering can happen over time. Movement joint profiles are recommended to be installed at a maximum of every 20 feet in any direction based on the size of the tiled surface, and EJ-171 explains when more frequent movement joints may be required, such as in areas with full sunlight. This free download provides more information on movement joints, as does the TCNA Handbook.
Profiles for Corners
Corner, or cove-shaped, profiles are commonly used in wall-to-floor or wall-to-wall applications as a more practical method of creating a curved surface that prevents dirt build-up in the corners of installations.
Traditionally, the use of a sealant or caulk has been employed to treat such areas, due to the lack of availability of ceramic trim pieces, meaning these joints must be maintained throughout the life of the installation. To achieve a clean and maintenance-free corner installation, cove-shaped profiles are an attractive choice and eliminate the need for caulking.
Interior Dry Environments
Due to moisture affecting the finish of some profile finishes or coatings, stainless steel is the recommended choice for interior areas subject to moisture, such as bathrooms, steam rooms, and saunas. Stainless steel is also the recommended finish for commercial areas subject to chemicals and acids, such as in the food industry in commercial kitchens within restaurants and hospitals. Although many profile finishes are approved for use in interior wet environments, routine cleaning is necessary.
Exterior Environments
The location of the installation must be taken into consideration when choosing the specific profile finish as harsh climates, such as areas subject to freeze/thaw conditions, will affect the finish. Stainless steel, color-coated, and textured color-coated aluminum are some finishes suitable for exterior applications.
Swimming Pools
Swimming pools are popular exterior areas where installers would benefit from the use of profiles. Stainless steel, for example, provides striking views from the pool’s surface, not to mention safety while walking into the pool to gradually reach the bottom. Although some of the profiles used in swimming pool applications will be continuously submerged, regular maintenance can maintain the quality and appearance of the profiles.
Care and Cleaning
In order to maintain the appearance of profiles, regular maintenance is imperative. Cleaning products used to clean profiles, regardless of the finish and area(s) installed, must be pH neutral to avoid damaging the finish and/or coating. The pH (power of Hydrogen) is measured on a scale of 1 to 14, where 7 is neutral. A pH of less than 7 is acidic (i.e., distilled white vinegar), and a pH of higher than 7 is alkaline (i.e., household ammonia). In addition to being a neutral pH (near 7), cleaners and cleaning materials used for profiles should be non abrasive to prevent scratching. Refer to the cleaner manufacturer’s safety data sheet for the specific pH of the cleaner for a better understanding of which cleaning products to use, which ones to avoid, and how to clean the profiles for an installation that lasts.
Smooth Transitions and Sharp Style
Ceramic tile designers and installers now have a large array of profiles to choose from to finish a tile installation and provide movement accommodation. By choosing the correct material for their installation environment, the designer and installer can ensure many years of trouble-free service. Additionally, manufacturers frequently offer other elements such as drain covers and shelves that match the profile style and beautifully tie together the entire installation.