![]() Exterior areas in the Midwest are frequently wet, handle high traffic, and are exposed to chemicals. In addition to cold weather temperature fluctuations, tile needs to be chosen based on the special use it will receive. Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on materials and cause longer curing times. Note! Pay attention to the outside temperatures during installation. Although porcelain tiles are often already sealed, natural stone and some other tiles may benefit from an application of sealant. To protect the tile from stains and moisture, apply a sealant.Sealants may be helpful in preventing moisture from entering the tile assembly.Consider substituting grout additives for water when using standard grouts. ![]() Polymer-modified grout is a good choice because it absorbs less water.Use grout that is compatible with the tile.Mortars with good bond strength, combined with flexibility will allow for movement in the substrate due to varying moisture levels.Freeze-thaw cycle resistance can be better achieved with polymer-modified thin-set mortars.Make sure to bond the tile to the substrate with complete mortar coverage.Use mortar that is compatible with the tile.Choose tile that is intended for exterior This may seem like a no-brainer but we do see interior tile installed outside – it lasts exactly one freeze-thaw season.Use tile that has a porosity level of 3% or less. In the winter, the water-filled cells will expand and the tile will crack. Choose tile that does not absorb much water. Tile porosity affects exterior performance.Go with a quality porcelain tile from a reputable manufacturer like Daltile or Virginia Tile.Expansion joints are a given – allow for inevitable tile movement by providing joints over anti-fracture membranes.Cover the substrate with an isolation membrane to isolate moisture and to prevent cracks from telegraphing through to the tile.The substrate (surface on which the tile is installed) must be solid and stable.Exterior tile installations need to be able to handle all this up-and-down movement without cracking or chipping. As the weather changes, the ground begins to thaw and it contracts, moving downward. In the winter, the ground expands with frost and it heaves upward. Cold Weather ChallengesĬold weather locations present special challenges when it comes to tile products and installations. Exterior tile installed in our climate needs to be resistant to slipping, chemicals, and harsh weather conditions. Choosing the right tile for the application and location is essential to long-lasting performance. Not all tile is created equal – in fact, there are a wide variety of tile product choices on the market. Take time to select frost-resistant materials and installations that will withstand our Midwestern weather extremes. Working together, properly selected materials will be able to withstand anything that winter throws their way.Īs the weather turns colder, the prospect of the coming winter becomes more real. Consider the complete installation and how the various materials work as a system, including the intended substrate and all the materials: tile, mortar, grout, and sealant. Think about how the exterior tile will be used and the kinds of abuse to which it will be subjected. But you could also use standard patio edging (like you would for a brick patio) or even pressure treated 2″ x 4″ boards.Be smart when selecting exterior tile in areas with cold climates. The only thing you’ll need is to install some edging around the area where your patio will be. If you are installing over a concrete patio or flat, compacted dirt, then you don’t need to do any preparation to make the surface flat. The one lesson I have learned that makes the tile installation so much easier, is to make sure that you are putting them down over a level surface. Once you have decided on the color, measure the length and width of the space, and multiply them to come up with the square footage that you need. All of the tiles except for the lightest one got so hot in the sun that I couldn’t walk on them (I do like to walk around in bare feet)…which also meant that my dog wouldn’t want to walk on them either. I laid them out and left them there for a little while…and then mother nature made the decision for me. I couldn’t make up my mind which one I liked best, so I ordered a bunch of samples to see them in person.
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