Archive for category: Blog

With timeless beauty and wide accessibility, granite is one of the most popular options for home renovations, both interior and exterior. From granite slabs for kitchen counters to granite tile pavers for driveways, there are dozens of ways to utilize the natural beauty of granite for your home. 

However, granite can often be high-maintenance and cost-prohibitive, making it an unrealistic option for many homeowners. That’s why Tile Tech created a practical solution for homeowners and business owners who want the beauty of natural granite without the fuss — Granite-Tech concrete pavers.

Designed to mimic the natural beauty of granite, Granite-Tech deck pavers offer timeless elegance with enhanced practicality. From a lower cost to a longer lifespan, here are just a few of the reasons why Granite-Tech concrete deck pavers are superior to traditional granite tile pavers.

Strong & Durable

One of the main concerns for many homeowners and contractors is the strength and durability of their deck pavers. Every property owner wants a paver that can withstand heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions, and everyday wear and tear.

Granite-Tech concrete pavers are made using a unique blend of natural granite and high-strength concrete to give property owners the best of both worlds. This combination results in visually stunning pavers that are incredibly strong and impact-resistant. After all, there’s a reason why contractors use concrete for bridges, buildings, and other load-bearing projects; it’s an extremely hard-wearing material that will get you the most for your money in the long run. 

Our Granite-Tech pavers can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather, making them perfect for high-traffic areas such as driveways, walkways, and patios. When cared for properly, Granite-Tech pavers can last for decades without significant wear and tear.

Low-Maintenance

Although older or cheaper concrete deck pavers may be considered high maintenance, Tile Tech’s Granite-Tech pavers are engineered with superior wear-resistant qualities. Our tiles are highly compressed during production to make the product stronger and more resistant to salt attack, water absorption, and surface chipping. 

Our Granite-Tech pavers also help shield the underlying surface from the effects of nature such as mold and weather damage. By installing Granite-Tech as roof pavers, for example, you can extend the lifespan of your roofing and reduce maintenance and repairs. Therefore, when you choose Tile Tech, you’re receiving a much lower-maintenance and more cost-effective option for your renovation.

Versatile

Another advantage of concrete deck pavers is that they come in an enormous range of colors and finishes. If you can’t find the perfect natural granite slab to complement your project, Granite-Tech concrete pavers allow you to customize your ideal finish. You can choose from various colors and aggregates to create your dream granite without breaking the bank or leaving things up to Mother Nature. 

In addition to our Granite-Tech series, we also offer a Stamp-Tech series, Oceanic series, and Recycled Glass series. Each of these series has its own distinct look, but all of them have an unlimited choice of colors and aggregate mixes. You can also decide between a polished or shot-blasted finish for further customization.

Affordable

One of the biggest drawbacks of granite tile pavers is their high initial cost. Natural stone pavers of any kind, including granite, are typically a much larger investment, which can make them impractical for projects with a tight budget or large area to cover.

Concrete is beloved by residential and commercial property owners alike because it’s one of the most affordable and cost-effective options on the market for deck pavers. Granite-Tech offers the same look and durability as traditional granite tile pavers but at a fraction of the cost. Moreover, the low maintenance and durability of Granite-Tech further enhances its cost-effectiveness. With minimal upkeep and long-lasting durability, you can save money on repairs and replacements in the long run.

Visually Appealing

Finally, Granite-Tech concrete pavers are visually stunning and complement any design. As mentioned above, Tile Tech concrete pavers can be customized to meet your one-of-a-kind design needs, so whether you have a modern bungalow or a Mediterranean oasis, you can find a Granite-Tech paver that works with your style.

The natural granite blend of our Granite-Tech pavers also ensures that they have a luxurious and high-end look that will elevate the appearance of any outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a cozy patio for entertaining or a grand driveway for your home, Granite-Tech deck pavers will add an element of elegance and sophistication just like that of natural granite tile pavers.

If you’ve decided that concrete paving slabs are the best paving solution for your renovation, trust only the best — Tile Tech’s deck pavers. We have dozens of concrete paving products, all customizable to the colors, patterns, and textures of your choosing. To find out more about our available product selection, give us a call at 888-454-9437 or fill out our online contact form today. One of our knowledgeable team members would be happy to advise you and provide you with a free catalog, product sample, or project quote.

When you’re contemplating an elevated roof for your client, it’s worth considering sustainable upgrades that could push you toward LEED certification. It’s a component of a building that offers various avenues for LEED credit categories, including energy and atmosphere, water efficiency, and materials and resources.

Whether platinum, gold, or silver, Tile Tech offers solutions for enhancing your LEED goals. For example, a modular green roof can contribute to credits such as stormwater management and promoting habitat and biodiversity. Additionally, rooftop decks with a high solar reflectance index (SRI) value can earn credits for reducing the building’s heat island effect, consequently leading to energy usage reduction credits. 

The specific requirements and eligibility criteria for earning these points may vary depending on the version of the LEED rating system being utilized (e.g., LEED v4, LEED v4.1). It’s essential for project teams to carefully review the credit requirements and ensure that their roof design and implementation align with the specified criteria to maximize point opportunities.

Urban Heat Island Mitigation

Cool roofs are engineered to absorb less heat and reflect more sunlight compared to standard roofs. Typically constructed with highly reflective paint, sheet covering, or tiles, cool roofs offer numerous benefits:

• Decreased energy bills by reducing the need for air conditioning
• Prolonged service life of the roof
• Lowered local air temperatures, mitigating the heat island effect
• Prevention of power outages by reducing peak electricity demand
• Reduction in power plant emissions like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide

SRI values typically range from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating better solar reflectance and a cooler surface. A value of 81 indicates extremely high solar reflectance and emissivity, meaning the material can effectively reflect most of the sun’s energy and emit absorbed heat efficiently. This leads to significantly reduced heat absorption and lower surface temperatures, which is highly desirable for various applications, especially in hot climates. 

Tile Tech’s Porcelain Pavers in Terrazzo Cool White have a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) value of 84, while Quartzite Crystal White, with a value of 81 are two examples considered excellent. Either would contribute significantly to energy efficiency, comfort, and mitigation of the urban heat island effect.

Tile Tech Porcelain Paver          SRI Value         LEED Credit        R Avg        EM Avg

Terrazzo Cool White                           84                  Passed               0,682         0,8920

Quartzite Crystal White                      81                  Passed               0,661         0,910

Potential credit:

LEED v4.1 Building Design and Construction

Heat island reduction | Sustainable Sites | Possible 2 Points

Intent: To minimize effects on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats by reducing heat islands. The eligibility for reducing the heat island effect credit depends on the type of roof. For existing buildings under LEED v4, low-sloped roofs must have an initial SRI of 82 or a three-year aged SRI of 64, while steep-sloped roofs require an initial SRI of 39 or a three-year aged SRI of 32.

Vegetated/Green Roofs

Green roofs offer an excellent opportunity to earn LEED credits while providing additional benefits for occupants and the environment. They contribute to reducing the heat island effect, promoting biodiversity, and managing stormwater. Tile Tech’s Plant-Tray™ system, otherwise known as modular living roof or green roof system, is an engineered system used in conjunction with our adjustable pedestals on top of roof decks, plaza decks, and terraces. Additionally, they can integrate seamlessly with our elevated paver and wood deck tiles products resulting in a stunning and versatile GREEN rooftop deck.

A green roof not only enhances the building’s sustainability but also promotes occupant well-being by providing a usable space connected to the environment. Note that structural engineer verification is crucial to determine if your roof can support a green roof retrofit, especially if occupants will be utilizing it.

Potential credits: 

LEED v4.1 Building Design and Construction

Sustainable Sites (SS) – Multiple Benefits | SS Credit: Protect or Restore Habitat | Point(s): 1-2

Intent: Use vegetated roofs with native or adapted plants to restore 15-25% of total site area to provide habitat.

SS Credit: Open Space | Point(s): 1

Intent: Use vegetated roofs to achieve a minimum of 25% outdoor vegetated space that is physically accessible.

SS Credit: Rainwater Management | Point(s): 1-3

Intent: Use vegetated roofs, alone or in combination with other Low Impact Development or Green Infrastructure tools, to reduce site runoff and improve water quality.

Credit Now and in the Future

Tile Tech’s array of elevated deck products not only contributes to current LEED certification endeavors but also offers long-term benefits such as energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Embracing sustainable practices not only aligns with environmental stewardship but also creates healthier and more comfortable spaces for occupants. At Tile Tech, we’re committed to providing innovative solutions that elevate both your roof and your sustainability efforts. Questions about our products? Give us a call today at 888-380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re happy to provide a free project quote, catalog, or product sample at your request.

In recent years, there has been a significant shift toward more eco-friendly and sustainable building practices. Both residential and commercial property owners are opting for environmentally friendly materials when undergoing new construction or renovations, both saving them money and benefiting the planet.

Among the various eco-friendly materials available, Cool Roof pavers have emerged as a leading choice for sustainable roof decks. These innovative pavers not only provide a touch of elegance to any structure but also offer numerous benefits for both the property owner and the local environment. If you want to create a LEED-certified or eco-friendly rooftop deck for your project, here are some of the many benefits of Cool Roof pavers for sustainability.

Energy Efficient

One of the most significant advantages of Cool Roof pavers is their energy efficiency. These pavers are produced from premium, ultra-white raw materials that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional roofing materials. This results in less heat being transferred into the building below, ultimately reducing the need for air conditioning and other cooling systems.

As a result, Cool Roof pavers can significantly reduce energy consumption and utility costs for building owners, saving them money and protecting the environment. Cool Roof pavers also meet the requirements for LEED-certified projects when used on your roof decks and balconies, as they have a minimum Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) value of 78.

Reduced Heat Island Effect

The urban heat island effect refers to the phenomenon of crowded cities having higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas. This occurs because dense cities contain more concrete and asphalt than rural areas, and these dark-colored materials store a lot of heat, resulting in higher temperatures in the city.

Not only is the heat island effect more uncomfortable for the city’s residents during the summer, but heat islands also have proven detrimental effects on residents and the local environment, including increases in energy demand, air pollution, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and instances of heat-related illness.

Cool Roof pavers, however, have light-reflecting properties that minimize the urban heat island effect by reducing the absorption of the sun’s rays. This results in cooler buildings, streets, and neighborhoods, making cities more comfortable and livable. By installing Cool Roof pavers for your roof decks, you can help contribute to creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly urban environment.

Extended Lifespan

Traditional roofing materials such as asphalt, shingles, and concrete can suffer from the effects of high temperatures and constant UV exposure, leading to rapid deterioration and a shorter lifespan. By adding an extra layer of protection between your rooftop and the sun, however, you can better protect your roof’s structure and extend its lifespan significantly.

Cool Roof pavers are elevated deck pavers that will effectively shield your rooftop from the sun’s harsh rays. These pavers are also designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, so no matter your local climate, your roof will remain protected. Whereas damage to your rooftop can cause you to need a complete re-roofing or even damage the interior of the floor below, individual Cool Roof pavers can be easily replaced if one or more of them is damaged by the elements. Roof decks are also incredibly durable and easy to clean, making maintenance easier and more affordable versus an exposed rooftop.

Improved Air Quality

Poor air quality has become a growing concern, especially in densely populated cities. Burning fossil fuels to power HVAC systems is a major contributor to air pollution, which damages the local environment and poses a health hazard to residents.

Cool Roof pavers, however, can help improve air quality and reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your need for air conditioning. Since these deck pavers have high SRI values, less heat from the sun is absorbed and stored in buildings, keeping them cooler and reducing their energy consumption. Through this, building owners can decrease their property’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve their carbon footprint.

If you have a residential or commercial property that you’d like to make more eco-friendly, Cool Roof pavers are a great choice. Not only will they reduce your carbon footprint, but on average, Cool Roof pavers can save a property owner 7 to 15 percent on total cooling costs over time. Whether you’re managing a commercial building or upgrading your dream home, Cool Roof pavers can benefit you.

If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including Cool Roof pavers, give us a call at 888-380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog, or quote for your next project.

Whether renovating a backyard patio or constructing a major corporate campus, contractors consistently choose porcelain deck pavers for their hardscaping needs. Why? 

Combined with our adjustable pedestals that make installation a breeze, porcelain pavers are one of the most durable and high-quality paving materials on the market. On top of that, they come in a diverse range of hundreds of colors and finishes that make them suitable for any landscape design. 

Whether you’re a homeowner seeking nothing less than the best or a contractor scoping out the premier finishes in the industry, here are just a few reasons contractors love Tile Tech porcelain deck pavers.

1. Resistant to Freeze-Thaw Cracking

Whether you live in the middle of the desert or experience severe winter blizzards, porcelain paving tiles can handle it all. That’s one reason why they’re beloved by contractors who need to ensure they’re providing clients with high-quality results.

Extreme temperature changes in the summer and winter can cause concrete, asphalt, or porous natural stone to crack over time as the ground contracts and expands, freezing and thawing. Porcelain pavers, by contrast, are durable and nonporous, and they’re installed with a flexible adjustable pedestal system that makes them immune from this same surface stress and cracking.

When your property does freeze over in the winter, not only do you not have to worry about the pavers cracking, but you can also easily eliminate the snow with Tile Tech’s compatible snow melt paver trays. By installing these paver trays underneath your porcelain pavers, you can melt away any snow and ice and enjoy your outdoor area year-round.

2. Slip Resistant

One of the biggest benefits of porcelain outdoor tiles is their slip resistance. Thanks to their slightly textured surface, porcelain deck pavers are slip-resistant compared to other hardscaping materials. 

In fact, in a pendulum test, which mimics the way a heel would make contact with the floor, Tile Tech’s porcelain pavers far exceeded the recommended result in every test performed. Whether used for pool deck tiles or exposed to heavy rainfall, porcelain pavers will remain less slippery than other comparable materials, making your paver deck safer for guests and family members. 

3. Heat & UV Resistant

For contractors whose clients live and work in a sunny climate, porcelain pavers are the ideal solution, thanks to their fade resistance. While other materials such as concrete can begin to show signs of discoloration after exposure to UV rays, porcelain deck pavers will resist fading for years to come and retain their original coloring.

They’re also resistant to heat and remain cooler to the touch compared to natural stone deck tiles. Tile Tech’s Cool Roof pavers especially remain cool and comfortable even during the height of summer thanks to their ultra-white, raw materials and high SRI value of 78. They’re especially incredible when used on rooftops, as their heat-reflective properties reduce heat transferred to the building below, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning, cutting your utility bills down, and making your project more eco-friendly.

4. Stain Resistant

Porcelain pavers are favored for both residential and commercial applications because of their incredible stain resistance. Porcelain pavers’ nonporous nature means they are stain-resistant and never need to be sealed, requiring minimal maintenance to stay pristine.

5. Low Maintenance

Contractors can trust porcelain paving tiles for projects of any size, scope, and function because they know porcelain pavers are one of the lowest-maintenance hardscaping options on the market. They boast resistance to stains, scratches, chips, discoloration, freeze-thaw cracking, fire, and more. They also never need to be sealed or re-sealed, unlike natural stone deck tiles, since they’re manufactured to be nonporous and are virtually impenetrable.

Cleaning porcelain deck pavers is also incredibly quick and easy. Simply wipe them down with water and a mild detergent to keep your pavers clean, and they’ll last you for years to come while remaining colorfast, stain-free, and always beautiful. In the case that a paver does become stained or damaged, our adjustable pedestal system makes it easy to repair or replace a single tile at a low cost and in a matter of minutes.

If you’re a contractor searching for the perfect interlocking pavers for your next residential or commercial project, Tile Tech has a vast selection of products that are guaranteed to suit your every need. From porcelain pavers to wood deck tiles and from driveways to pool decks, you can find what inspires you at Tile Tech. Give us a call today at 888-380-5575 or contact us online to speak to a team member about our available inventory. We’d be happy to provide you with a free catalog, product sample, or quote for your next project.

If you’re a homeowner or contractor seeking to add a rustic, natural aura to your new patio, you may be considering wood deck tiles. Beautiful and functional, wood pavers add a unique look to your hardscaping that few other materials can provide. 

However, when choosing the right wood deck pavers for your project, it’s important to investigate the quality of your products. Low-quality wood deck tiles can be rife with issues such as mildew, rot, warping and splintering. These issues can be costly and time-consuming to repair, and they can even put the safety of your family and guests at risk. When investing in wood pavers for your next project, make sure you choose a high-quality deck paver product that avoids these five common issues.

1. Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are some of the most common problems associated with low-quality wood deck tiles. This is especially true if the tiles are installed in a damp, humid environment, such as near a pool deck or in a tropical climate.

Mold and mildew aren’t just unpleasant to look at; they can cause permanent discoloration, staining, and even rot. They can also be difficult to remove, and even if you do manage to remove them, they can quickly come back if the conditions are right.

2. Rot

Real wood is naturally porous and can absorb moisture. When it does, it can cause the wood to weaken and deteriorate, resulting in rot. This can create an unsafe environment, as the wood can become brittle and weak, breaking underfoot.

If your heart is set on a hardwood paving product, choose a nonporous wood such as ipe or cumaru. Both of these dense species have excellent durability and weathering properties. They’re some of the most resistant to termites, decay, and rot, guaranteeing a longer lifespan than other high-porosity, low-quality woods.

3. Warping

Another common issue with low-quality wood deck tiles is warping. Warping occurs when the tiles are not properly sealed or supported. If the tiles are not sealed properly, they can absorb moisture and swell, causing them to warp and buckle. This warping causes the tiles to become uneven and unstable, making them dangerous to walk on.

If warping is a major concern, choose a dense wood that doesn’t need to be sealed to maintain its structural integrity. With Tile Tech’s ipe and cumaru wood deck pavers, you can choose to re-seal them annually to retain their original color, or you can allow them to naturally weather over time to a silver-gray hue without worry. You can also opt for wood-look porcelain pavers that will replicate the appearance of real hardwood without any concern for warping or freeze-thaw cracking.

4. Splintering

Anyone who has come into contact with wood knows one of its biggest nuisances: splinters. With low-quality wood deck pavers, this is no exception. If your wood isn’t dense enough or isn’t properly sealed, the wood can become dry and brittle, causing splinters that can be painful to anyone who walks on your deck barefoot.

If you want to make your deck safe for all ages, seasons and footwear, choose a dense and durable wood like ipe or cumaru. Some of the least porous and most low-maintenance wood deck tiles on the market, our wood deck pavers allow you to minimize splinters while still enjoying the natural beauty of an authentic hardwood deck.

5. High Maintenance Requirements

The biggest hesitation homeowners have regarding wood deck tiles are their high maintenance requirements. Compared to nonporous stone, durable wood species, and porcelain pavers, low-quality wood pavers require a lot of maintenance, including regular sealing, staining, and cleaning. If wood tiles are not properly maintained, they can become susceptible to the issues mentioned above. 

If you want a low-maintenance deck solution that will still look beautiful for years to come, porcelain pavers are the safest bet. At Tile Tech, we offer three unique wood-look porcelain paver series — Wood Plank Series, Wood Rustic Series and Wood Chevron Series — so you can find the aesthetic style you’re looking for while enjoying all the practical benefits of porcelain deck pavers. Paired with our innovative adjustable pedestal system, porcelain pavers allow you to have a stunning, low-maintenance outdoor deck that will last you for decades.

For those seeking real wood for their outdoor hardscaping, ipe and cumaru deck pavers are the nation’s preferred wood deck pavers due to their design versatility, remarkable durability, and natural beauty. Homeowners and developers nationwide know they can turn to Tile Tech for affordable, high-quality and easy-to-install wood deck tiles that can handle any application and match any landscape design. Pair them with our industry-leading Adjustable pedestals for a do-it-yourself deck paver system that you can install stress-free in a matter of hours. 

If you’re interested in ipe wood pavers or porcelain deck pavers for your next project, give us a call at 888-380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’d be happy to provide you with a free catalog, product sample or estimate for your next project.