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What is Terrashield ®?
Terrashield ® is a surface enhancement that does not fade or breakdown in sunlight; is not flammable and is mechanically and chemically bonded to the tile during the firing process in manufacture. Tiles treated with Terrashield ® and laid indoors and outdoors are easier to clean, maintain and keep looking good for longer. |
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Where can tiles with Terrashield ® be used?
By choosing a tile with Terrashield ® you have the peace of mind knowing that your tiles can handle the extreme conditions that come along, on that odd occasion or every day.
Think of parties, entertaining and cooking areas, and even where you park the car, and the unique barrier of Terrashield ® will guard against staining and will stand up to the challenge of looking good after the party is over.
New Naturals 300™ are also superb for inside the home or restaurant with the protection of advanced stain resistance and ease of care that Terrashield ® provides. Now even with those extreme conditions you really can enjoy the natural look of traditional cottos inside and out with the minimum of care.
What does Terrashield ® do?
Terrashield ® protects your tiles in extreme conditions from nearly all stains and inhibits growth of mould and mildew. Terrashield ® resists stains, graffiti and food products making cleaning a breeze.
How is Terrashield ® applied?
As Terrashield ® is applied in the tile factory there is no need for any onsite preparation such as cleaning tiles, or applying chemical treatments before or after laying. There is no need for sometimes costly and lengthy sealing procedures after you have laid the tiles.
How much do tiles treated with Terrashield ® cost?
Our surveys show that tiles treated with Terrashield ® are comparable in price, or less in most cases, than the combined cost of purchasing a natural unglazed tile and applying a sealer on site.
Does Terrashield ® harm the environment?
Terrashield ® is also friendly to the environment as it is applied in a controlled environment inside our factory, and unlike on-site treatments you don’t have to be concerned about protecting surrounding areas from over spray and keeping away from drains, plants, water and soil or using only in well-ventilated areas. You or your tiler don’t have to wear suitable solvent-resistant gloves, protective clothing, safety goggles and an organic vapour respirator sometimes required during application of some sealers. Because Terrashield ® is applied at the factory, and not on site, there is no risk of harm to the immediate environment such as your family, pets or plants.
Are there any harmful odours?
There are no nasty odours with Terrashield ® so when laying tiles with Terrashield ® inside there is no need to ventilate the areas and no harmful irritants to upset your family or pets.
How long do I have to wait to use my tiles?
With Terrashield ® you can walk on the tiles as soon as the adhesive is dry – no long waiting periods for sealers to dry. Terrashield ® allows you to enjoy your tiles sooner and for longer than other traditional treatments.
How long will Terrashield ® last?
Tiles protected with Terrashield ® will give you many years of service under normal conditions. In fact, with normal maintainence procedures tiles treated with Terrashield ® should last as long as a glazed tile (some will last a lifetime).
Technical Note: Terrashield ® is expected to have similar wear characteristics and last as long as ceramic glazed tiles with a PEI Class IV rating (around 15 years). However this will vary depending on structure (texture) and hardness of the tile surface, the location and traffic frequency of the area, severe environmental conditions such as abrasive grit, and the frequency and type of maintenance products used. Extreme weather conditions, harsh cleaning methods and high-alkaline or solvent-based cleaners may also affect wear.
How Terrashield ® is maintained?
Cleaning tiles treated with Terrashield ® is as easy as maintaining a glazed ceramic tile. Spills should be cleaned up promptly to minimise the likelihood of absorption and the floor swept regularly to remove dust and light soils. Indoors a damp mop can be used or alternatively in an exterior situation the tiles may be hosed.
What doesn’t Terrashield ® do?
Terrashield ® prevents staining from most causes when cleaned within a reasonable period of time. Some strong alkaline, phosphoric solutions and extremely light oils such as virgin olive oils may cause discolouration. |
| Does the grout need sealing?
All grout, with the exception of epoxy grout, is porous and needs to be sealed for optimal stain resistance. Your tile retailer can advise you on the best brands for your requirements.
Do cut edges need sealing?
As Terrashield ® is applied to the entire surface of a tile, when the tile is cut for laying purposes it will expose the untreated cut side of the tile. This cut side is generally protected by the grout, however it may be advisable to apply a sealer to the cut face itself. If you are intending to seal the grout then you would not have to seal the cut face. | 
