Providing that wall and floor tiles are installed following the recommendations of British Standard BS5385, they should be expected to have a lifetime of the same length of time as the building in which they are installed. 

The DEFRA document “Environmental costs and benefits and market evaluation of European Union GPP Criteria for Hard Floor Coverings states “ceramic and natural stone tiles can be easily maintained and have a longer life than other flooring types. Ceramic tiles have an expected life of up to 50 years, as opposed to the short lived carpet, with a life expectancy of only 8 years”

Typical BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) ratings for floor tiles are between A+ and E with porcelain rating A and A+ and ceramic tiles rating B.  A+ is the highest possible rating.

A number of European ceramic floor tile manufacturers have products that conform to the floor tile Ecolabel.

Wall and floor tiles are inert and do not release substances into the atmosphere.  As a result of this wall and floor tiles are being used as a benchmark for forthcoming air quality standards emanating from the European Commission.

Wall and floor tiles are fire resistant and are ideally suited in areas subject to flooding.  Ceramic tiles can be recycled after they have been removed.  They can be crushed for use as inert fillers or as hardcore.

Ceramic tile adhesive and grout manufacturers through continuous research and development strive to produce products which minimize as much as possible any impact on the environment. One way this has been achieved in practice is by use of recycled filler materials as a replacement for more traditional quarried sand fillers.

The wall and floor tile industry recognises the importance of the environment.  Floor and wall tiles provide an ideal cradle to grave environmental solution.

 

For all you need to know about tiles and tiling go to our website at www.tiles.org.uk