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Expert Answers
QUESTION
What kind of tiles should I buy for an exterior area application subjected to high and low temperatures? - I want to install ceramic tile over a 2' x 20'concrete demi-wall/planter/retaining wall in Chicago. I want bright, colorful tiles. What kind of tiles do I buy to weather the hot summers & cold, snowy winters??ANSWER
ANSWER - For Chicago weather you need to use a tile that is freeze thaw stable. Generally speaking that is any ceramic tile that has less than 3% absorption, but you need to test the tile to be sure if it is near the 3% value. To be safe you should use a porcelain ceramic tile which should be 0.5% or less and considered impervious.That is only half the battle. The concrete planter/retaining wall needs be properly prepared for that application for it to successfully last. The inside of the planter wall should be waterproofed with a retainer type of waterproofing material. That planter should provide drainage as necessary. The top and front side of the wall, where the tile will be applied, needs a special latex type of paint on waterproofing that is specifically for tile applications. You can see a list of manufacturers on our website who provides these types of products and the adhesive to bond to them at https://ctasc.com/Resources_and_Links/Installation_Products/. Of course the concrete walls need to be properly prepared to make sure they are clean and contaminate free and square and plumb. If you got to our FAQ section on our website at www.CTaSC.com and look under installation guidelines you can download a guide to help you through the process. Good Luck.
