One of the advantages that make cement mosaic a favorite of today’s interior design trends is its great durability. Unlike other finishes, cement tiles last practically as long as the rest of the building, and taking this into account, not only is it a versatile and elegant finish, it is also among the most economical when we consider that it is a lifetime investment.
You may be wondering what makes cement mosaic so resistant, even more than ceramic tiles or good quality wood, and that is just what we will explain today.
1.- Unsurpassed density
The direct competition of hydraulic mosaics is ceramic mosaic, and this is mainly because they look very similar when installed, but that’s only what you can see at first glance because at a structural level they are extremely different.
First of all, ceramic mosaic hardens in kilns, has a density that is relatively fragile, and depends almost entirely on the adhesion of the tile to the wall so as not to break.
Hydraulic mosaic, on the other hand, is manufactured tile by tile in presses that compress high-strength materials to the maximum possible extent, and then spends about a month setting in humid chambers. Cement mosaic is not only thicker but has different densities that give it better cushioning, it is much more difficult for a piece to break and for this breakage to be transferred to the surrounding pieces, as almost always happens in the case of ceramics.
2.- Craftsmanship
Each piece of cement mosaic is handmade and its quality is checked by an expert craftsman. Unlike other coverings that are produced by volume, defective pieces of hydraulic mosaic tile do not represent an issue for installation simply because they are discarded from the workshop whenever they do not present the proper resistance or there are undesired variations in color or design.
Each hydraulic tile consists of three layers. The first is the outer face of the mosaic and is made of a combination of marble dust, sand, cement, and high-strength pigments. Then comes the second layer of gray cement and sand, and finally the last one that is a little more porous because it also contains common cement. This combination has proven its effectiveness and durability for decades, so much so that it is still possible to see perfectly well-preserved cement tiles in really old buildings.
3.- Proper maintenance makes it look as good as new
Cement mosaic tile looks new as long as it is properly maintained, which is neither cumbersome nor expensive. It is simply a matter of gently polishing the surface to remove the old layer of sealer, placing a new layer, and letting it dry for a day, and this should be done every two to three years, depending on use. Because the surface layer of hydraulic mosaic tile is quite thick, the pattern is neither erased nor affected when properly polished.
Whether it is for interiors, exteriors, walls, fireplaces, pools, kitchens, bathrooms, or high traffic surfaces, cement mosaic resists all extreme conditions and ensures a clean and elegant finish for many years to come. However, if you are enthusiastic about changing your decoration frequently, we recommend you resort to mosaic tiles in neutral colors and simple designs that adapt well to changes in interior design trends. Visit our catalog and get inspired.