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TILE TIPS
should you install Saltillo tiles?
. . . WE RECOMMEND AGAINST IT
You may have seen, and admired, Saltillo (sahl-TEE-oh) tiles. If you have spent much time in the Southwest, where Saltillos are used extensively, the likelihood is even greater.
What are Saltillo tiles?
For hundreds of years, paver tiles have been hand-made from clays found near the Saltillo River in Mexico. This soft body tile is traditionally produced at low temperatures without a fired glaze. Because of the crude manufacturing process, they can be very irregular in size, thickness and color. They are an inexpensive product that can be very attractive, but can also prove to be quite troublesome and in the long run. One of the leading producers of Mexican Saltillo tile provides the following "guidance" regarding the selection and use of their tile:
"Here are some of the normal characteristics of Saltillo Tiles.
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they are not always flat
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they can have chipped edges and surfaces
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they can vary in size and thickness
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they have colour variations of yellow to peach and red to pink
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they can have animal prints on the surface
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they may have lime deposits that later can cause craters in the surface of the tile
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they have alkaline in the clay and may cause efflorescence
All Saltillo Tiles need to be sealed, polished and maintained. The sealing is to protect the tiles from staining, the polishing is to protect the surface of the tiles. Always ensure the manufacturer's instructions are followed."
This is clearly not a trouble-free or easily maintained product. One of the most disturbing characteristics is the "lime-pop", an unwanted and unpredictable possibility associated with Saltillos. It occurs when small particles of lime reside in the clay. They may not appear during the manufacturing or installation process, but can develop unexpectedly, weeks or even months after being installed. If present in the tile, the lime particle emits a gas. As the amount of gas increases, it can eventually erupt or “pop” leaving an unsightly crater on the face of the tile. You can experience numerous pops on a single piece, so it is difficult to overlook. Manufacturers tell us moisture is a major contributor to the lime-pop problem. This explains why the incidence of failure is much lower in arid climates than in our somewhat soggy Pacific Northwest.
No one wants to deal with the expense and mess of a tear out of a product that has failed. If you want the look, there are many high-fired glazed tile products on the market that resemble Saltillos but offer significant performance benefits. Many of these products are porcelain and can be installed indoors, or out (you would never want to install Saltillo tile outdoors in our climate). If you want to achieve the Southwestern look, check out the various tiles that have a "cotto" look. You'll be glad you did.
