Advantages and disadvantages of cement-sand tiles

When contemplating cement-sand tiles for your upcoming building or remodeling endeavor, it’s critical to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks in order to make an informed choice. These tiles, which are mostly composed of cement and sand, have a number of advantages that both builders and homeowners find appealing.

The longevity of cement-sand tiles is one of their main benefits. These tiles are renowned for their durability and resilience to both extreme weather and foot traffic. They are a dependable option for high-traffic areas like driveways, patios, and even interior floors because they retain their structural integrity over time whether they are used indoors or outdoors.

Their adaptability in terms of design is another noteworthy benefit. There is artistic freedom in selecting colors, textures, and patterns when it comes to cement-sand tiles. There is a cement-sand tile to fit your style, whether it be sleek and contemporary or rustic and traditional. They are well-liked for both residential and commercial projects where diversity in design is important because of their adaptability.

Furthermore, when considering alternative flooring options such as hardwood or natural stone, cement-sand tiles are comparatively more affordable. They provide a cost-effective and long-lasting balance, making them suitable for projects with limited funds without sacrificing quality.

Cement-sand tiles have some disadvantages to take into account despite these benefits. Their vulnerability to stains and moisture absorption is one of the key issues. These tiles can absorb liquids and stains if they are not properly sealed and maintained, which could shorten their lifespan and change how they look.

In addition, compared to other materials, cement-sand tile installation can require more labor. The overall cost and complexity of installation are increased by the need for proper substrate preparation and sealing, which are essential measures to guarantee the tiles function well over time.

Finally, even though cement-sand tiles are durable, some homeowners may find that they lack the prestige or aesthetic appeal of ceramic or natural stone tiles. When selecting flooring materials, personal preference is very important. Those who are looking for a particular finish or style may find that other options work better for them.

For walls and floors in building and remodeling projects, cement-sand tiles provide a sturdy and affordable option. Their benefits include a large selection of design options, affordability, and durability against deterioration. But compared to other flooring types, they can require more maintenance and careful installation to avoid cracking. When selecting materials for their projects, builders and homeowners can make more informed choices if they are aware of these benefits and drawbacks.

Production stages and necessary equipment

There is no need for pricey materials or sophisticated machinery in the CFC production process. A 50 square meter production workshop can be used to set up a workshop for the creation of this building material. Such a workshop can produce more than 200 thousand tiles annually with a competent approach to production and uninterrupted material supply.

The following tools are required for such a production area:

• Molding machine.
• Set of templates for the top and bottom of the tiles.
• Containers for dosing the components of the mixture material.
• Mortar mixer for mixing all components.
• Steam chamber.
• Set of pallets for stacking finished products.
• Small equipment such as buckets, shovels, etc.

The production process for cement-sand tiles follows this scheme:

1. First thing cement, sand and water in the required proportions are loaded into the mortar mixer and mix thoroughly. Also, if necessary, mineral dyes are added.
2. The resulting composition fed to the molding machine for molding.
3. The formed tiles are sent to the steaming chamber for a period of 8 to 12 hours. After the steaming process is completed, the finished tiles are dried, placed on pallets and sent to the finished product warehouse for subsequent shipment to the customer.

Cement-sand tiles: advantages and disadvantages

To the primary benefits This content consists of:

• Environmental friendliness.
• Service life exceeds one hundred years. According to manufacturers, the warranty period is at least 30 years.
• Sustainability to large temperature differences, high frost resistance, low degree of water absorption.
• High durability to corrosion.
• Excellent thermal insulation and noise insulation characteristics.
• Resistance to atmospheric pollution and ultraviolet radiation.
• Low price, in comparison with similar roofing materials.

These tiles’ primary drawback is their weight. One standard size tile (33 by 42 cm) weighs more than 4 kg, placing a heavy burden on the roof’s load-bearing structures.

In addition to the drawbacks Included in this content ought to be the following:

• Narrow color palette, having only 5 colors (red, brown, grey, black and green).
• Relatively low mechanical strength. Transportation and installation of the central heating unit requires special care.

Sand-and-cement tiles: image

Main types of tiles

The types of this tile are as follows:

• Pazovaya. Groove and half tiles used for main roofing. The dimensions of the groove tiles are 420×330×50 millimeters. In this case, the closing size of each tile is 330×300 millimeters. The consumption of such tiles varies from 9 to 10.1 pieces per 1 square meter. The weight of 1 m2 of such a roof is from 40 to 45 kilograms.
• Half. Half element differs from the grooved one in half the dimensions, which are 210x330x50 millimeters, and the closing size is correspondingly 110×300 millimeters. The mass of one such tile is approximately 4 kg.
• Checkpoint. Installed in places where holes are provided for the passage of masts, television antennas, etc.
• Footrest. These tiles are used to simplify movement on the roofing sheet and is a security element. The main feature of such tiles is the presence of a specialized protrusion for installing additional sheathing. All dimensional characteristics and weight are completely similar to groove tiles.
• Pediment. This type of material is provided for gable deviceV.
• Snow retention. This type of CHR, as can be understood from the name, serves to retain snow cover on the roof surface. The overall dimensions of the tiles of such tiles are completely identical to the dimensions of the groove tiles. The only difference is the weight, which for snow retention tiles is 5 kilograms for each piece. This increase in weight is due to the presence of a transverse protrusion on their surface, which allows the snow carpet to be retained on the roof surface.
• Bell-shaped. Such tiles used for making corner joints. Its overall dimensions are 370×345 millimeters, and its weight does not exceed 5 kilograms.
• Skate. This type of tile is used for roof ridge installation.
• Ventilation. This type consists of a complex of elements, providing the necessary ventilation of the roofing pie and its protection against condensation formation. This effect is achieved due to the presence of ventilation holes in the body of the tile. The dimensions and weight of such tiles are completely similar to the characteristics of groove tiles. When calculating the material for roof covering, it is important to consider that the number of such ventilation elements should be 0.5% of the total amount of material. In other words, for every 1000 tiles you need to purchase 5 ventilation.

The joint Russian-German company BRAAS-DSK1 produces cement-sand tiles known as BRAAS. When producing it, only the best components are used.

These consist of the best grade washed sand, cement with no additives, pigments, water, and dyes. Sand-and-cement tiles In our nation, braas are among the most well-liked tile varieties.

Braas lining

Sea Wawe cement-sand tiles are made in the Russian Federation in collaboration with Benders, a European business. These tiles are shaped like waves in the sea, as the name would imply.

Because it is manufactured to the highest standards and uses only tested raw materials, this roofing material has gained a lot of popularity in Russia and Europe.

Sea Wawe layering

Sheathing device

When installing lathing beneath a cement-sand tile roof, softwood bars with a relative humidity of no more than 25% are utilized.

To stop the material from rotting, bars with a section of 3×5 or 5×5 centimeters must be used. These bars must also be pre-treated with an antiseptic.

Typically, when the distance between rafters is no more than 0.75 meters,

Lathe devices employ 3x5cm-cross-section timber when stepping from

Use 4×5 cm bars with a step greater than 90 centimeters for 0.75 to 0.9 meters. Ideally, you would want to use 5×5 or 5×6 cm cross section wood.

Measuring the sheathing step at the overhang from the eaves should be done along the outer edges of the beam, and then along the upper edges for all subsequent steps. A step interval of 32 to 39 centimeters must be maintained.

Subtleties of constructing a roof from CPC

There are guidelines and restrictions for installing cement-sand tile roofs, just like with any other building material:

1. Cement tiles – heavy material, therefore, to install it, it is necessary to strengthen the rafter system. Step intervals and sizes of rafter legs are determined depending on the roof slope.
2. The roofing pie is built according to the standard scheme: vapor barrier, then insulation and waterproofing material.
3. Sand tiles have quite a lot of weight, as a result It is not recommended to stack more than 6 tiles on the roof. Violation of this rule often results in damage to the rafter system.
4. In cases, when the roof slope does not exceed 16 degrees, the central heating unit is laid on a continuous sheathing .
5. This material should be stored in a place protected from rain, or covered with plastic film to protect it from moisture.

Installation of cement-sand tiles

Cement-sand tiles are easy to install yourself:

1. The first stage is laying waterproofing material. Horizontal laying of the waterproofing film is used, in which the material is overlapped by 15-20 centimeters. The material is secured with nails or staples, as well as wooden slats every 20 centimeters so that the film sags by 1-2 centimeters. The film is attached at a distance of at least 5 centimeters from the insulation.
2. At the next stage, a counter-batten is installed to provide ventilation.
3. The batten is made of 3×5 cm timber with a pitch of 3.2 to 3.9 decimeters, depending on the slope of the roofing sheet.
4. According to the instructions,, an apron of the eaves overhang is installed and the ventilation elements of the eaves.
5. At the next stage, a valley is equipped.
6. Cement-sand tiles are laid in one row along the entire perimeter of the roof (in the case of a hipped roof) or along the slope. Laying usually begins from the lower right edge of the slope. All subsequent rows of tiles are laid in a checkerboard pattern. It is important that the bottom row of tiles is slightly lowered behind the batten to protect the roofing cake from the effects of precipitation.
7. In most cases, the tiles are connected using grooves and do not require additional fastening. In conditions of increased wind loads, as well as when the roof slope is more than 45 degrees, it is necessary to additionally secure the material with self-tapping screws.
8. The first row of tiles always requires additional fastening due to increased loads. Each tile must be secured with 2 screws. It is important to remember that it is prohibited to fasten cement-sand tiles with ordinary nails, since due to their fragility there is a very high chance of damaging the tiles. Tiles adjacent to the nodes also require additional fastening.
9. The last (ridge) row is also laid with some gap to ensure ventilation.

Putting in the initial tiles

After taking into account everything mentioned above, we can say that contemporary cement-sand roofing tiles are a cutting-edge material that satisfies all standards for contemporary building. Because of its low cost when compared to natural roofing materials and relative ease of installation and maintenance, it is highly valued in the construction market and has high physical and mechanical characteristics.

Advantages	Durable and long-lasting, suitable for high-traffic areas. Provides good thermal insulation and fire resistance.
Disadvantages	Requires skilled labor for installation. Prone to cracking if not properly installed or maintained. Initial costs can be higher compared to some alternatives.

Because they combine affordability and durability, cement-sand tiles are a popular option for building and remodeling projects. Their composition, which is usually made up of cement, sand, and water, guarantees durability against a range of weather conditions as well as deterioration over time. Because of their durability, they can be used for roofing and flooring in both indoor and outdoor environments.

The affordability of cement-sand tiles is one of their main benefits. They are generally less expensive to produce and install than a lot of other types of tiles. This makes them affordable for a broad range of budgets, which makes them especially desirable for large-scale projects where cost effectiveness is crucial.

Cement-and-sand tiles are inexpensive and long-lasting, but they have certain disadvantages. A noteworthy issue is how much they weigh. These tiles can be heavier than alternatives like ceramic or porcelain tiles because of the materials used and their sturdy construction. This may require sufficient structural support during installation, which could present difficulties.

Maintenance is an additional factor to consider. Although cement-sand tiles are durable, they might need to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent stains and moisture absorption. Furthermore, because of their porous nature, they may accumulate dirt and grime more easily, needing frequent cleaning in order to preserve their aesthetic appeal.

In conclusion, cement-sand tiles offer a practical and affordable solution for a range of building requirements. They are also long-lasting. However, when selecting them for a project, it’s important to take into account their weight and upkeep needs. Through careful consideration of these variables in relation to project specifications and financial limitations, contractors and homeowners can arrive at well-informed choices that fulfill both practical and visual objectives.

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