As the world continues evolving through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing increased emphasis on cleanliness, health, and safety in design strategies—all with the focus on clean indoor environments. Considerations for product specifications may begin with style, color, and size and overall technical performance, but we’re also seeing even more specific interest regarding tile’s advantages related to ease of maintenance, cleanability, and resistance to elements. Focusing on the indoor environment entails much more than just air quality, as specifiers need to understand how surfaces not only limit toxic emissions but also withstand disinfectants. Designers are strategically thinking through their selection of materials in order to ensure surfaces support cleaner—and, thus, generally safer physical environments.
At Crossville, we have an unparalleled commitment to quality in the manufacture of porcelain tile. As an American manufacturer, we are proud to deliver tile products that support the design of healthier, cleaner spaces. Our porcelain tile collections are not easily harmed by chemicals and can be cleaned and disinfected with a bleach solution or any CDC-approved disinfectant.
Let’s look at a few more advantages related to installing Crossville tile for clean indoor environments.
- Tile is one of the only hypoallergenic flooring options because it is naturally inert and resistant to dust and other harmful pollutants that are known to cause a variety of health problems.
- Unlike other surfaces, tile is impervious, meaning it’s inhospitable to dust mites, bacteria, fungi, mold and other irritants.
- Tile is designed to handle regular heavy traffic, resist moisture, and be unaffected by abrasive dirt that can create places for bacteria and germs to hide.
- Seamless flooring minimizes spaces for bacterial growth, and large format porcelain tile options allow for fewer and smaller grout lines. Additionally, Crossville offers matching cove base products eliminating a 90-degree angle where the floor and wall meet that is harder to clean.
- Tile is low-maintenance, moisture-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant.
- Wall surfaces are just as important as flooring. High traffic areas need impact resistant walls. When walls are damaged, the surface can harbor bacteria and germs in the crevices. Crossville’s gauged porcelain tile collections provide the durability and easy to clean surfaces needed. Check out how Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center renovated hallways.
- Countertops are surfaces that must also be considered in the era of post COVID-19 interior design. Crossville’s porcelain countertops are devoid of the pores and seams commonly found in other countertop surface materials. From reception areas to food prep stations and healthcare work areas to office spaces, Crossville porcelain countertops provide a hygienic surface needed for infection control.
Additionally, tile is easy to maintain. To properly disinfect Crossville porcelain tile:
Step 1: Remove any loose dirt and contaminants with a recommended cleaner and method outlined in our care and maintenance guide.
Step 2: Disinfect with a product and procedure recommended by the CDC.
(Please note: bleach and other disinfecting chemicals may damage or discolor certain grouts. Consult with the grout manufacturer or test in an inconspicuous area before applying the disinfectant.)
Now, every project represents an opportunity for designers to think in terms of health and wellness, and how each end-user is ultimately going to utilize a space. Choosing tile makes some of these decisions a lot easier!
