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We receive calls on a regular basis with questions about efflorescence. Is it normal? Do I have defective tiles? How can I remove it?
In most cases, it IS normal for saltillo tiles, terra cotta pavers, and many stones to have efflorescence. This is not considered a defect because it’s a natural element in these earthen materials. The appearance of efflorescence can be found in many architectural structures around the world (statues, floor tiles, outdoor pavers, monuments, masonry, natural stones, ceramic tile, brick, wood, buildings and more).
What is efflorescence? This is a white crystalline substance often seen on the surface and is composed of salts, lime and other minerals. In Mexican tile, these salts come from within the clay where alkali substances exist. As water evaporates from within the clay and from bedding installation materials, the salts use moisture as its vehicle to transport itself onto the surface. As the moisture evaporates completely, it’s easy to see the alkali material. In situations where a fat mud setting mixture is used, there may be a heightened probability of efflorescence occurring because there is lime added to the mortar.
What can I do to control efflorescence on saltillo? First, buy presealed tile is possible. This helps reduce the possibility that you will see abundant areas of efflorescence. At Rustico Tile and Stone, our presealed tiles are sprayed with 5 coats of penetrating sealer. This helps eliminate unnecessary moisture from penetrating the clay. However, it is still possible that the salts can travel upward to the surface with excessive moisture evaporating from installation materials. Another solution is to use a waterproof membrane beneath the installed surface. Ask Rustico about their Schluter products to use with your Saltillo tile installation.
Once your material is installed and grouted, apply a good quality topcoat sealer like our GREEN sealer ($119/gallon). GREEN is a good water repellents sealer that can help efflorescence from occurring when the original source of moisture is coming from the exterior elements or from below. If you’re using a topical sealer that is not breathable, this can propel the efflorescence problem.
How can I clean efflorescence on saltillo? The best method is the use an acid cleaner (acid and cleaner elements). The salts and minerals typically dissolve on contact with acidic cleaners. If the efflorescence lies below the surface of the sealer, that sealer will need to be removed for the acid to do the trick. Cleaner that is in the solution will work to remove any latex that could be providing a protective barrier to the salts and minerals. Once complete, flush with water VERY thoroughly. Above all else, follow the manufacturer directions for the cleaner of your choice. Test a small area first to be certain you will be satisfied with how to clean efflorescence on saltillo.
We have been featured multiple times on:
Watch for episodes in Spring 2012 where our terra cotta tile and antique saltillo will be featured in multiple locations!
Our phone rings everyday with some very common questions about Mexican Tile terminology.
Listed below are some common phrases you may run across while doing research on these rustic floor tiles.
SALTILLO: Saltillo is a city in the state of Coahuila Mexico that is known for it’s durable clay found in local riverbeds. Hence the name, Saltillo Tile. Pronounced “Sawl-tee-o”
SALTILO: Common misspelling for Saltillo.
TERRA COTTA or TERRACOTTA: This basically means “baked earth”. Terra Cotta used to be an actual brand of tile but today it is a term commonly used to describe many types of clay tiles. Since authentic Saltillo tile is clay, it is often referred to as Terracotta tile. Saltillo tile is terra cotta BUT not all terra cotta is Saltillo. If the clay tile is not made specifically of the riverbed Saltillo, Coahuila clay, it cannot be referred to as Saltillo tile. This is very high quality clay.
MEXICAN TILE: Any tile that comes from Mexico. The country of Mexico is known for beautifully producing a plethora of floor and decorative tiles. This include Saltillo floor tiles, Talavera painted tiles, Cantera stone tile and pavers, terra cotta pavers, travertile tile, and other types of Mexican flooring and accent tiles.
SUPER and REGULAR Saltillo or Terra Cotta: Super does not mean “better”. The term super simply refers to a tile mold that produces rounded corners and edges. Regular is a term also known as “Paperback”. This is a mold that produces saltillo tiles with sharp corners and edges.
SEALED or UNSEALED (Raw): The Mexican terracotta floor tiles are naturally raw clay. The clay is porous. Without the application of a floor sealer, the clay will discolor with dirt, debris, weather elements, and spillage. Sealed Saltillo means that the tile has already been sealed with penetrating sealer. It’s beneficial to shop for pre-sealed Saltillo in order to save cost on labor and material of sealing the raw clay at the jobsite. It’s a messy job and likely for mistakes by inexperienced installers.
MANGANESE SALTILLO: Authentic saltillo tile that has the added element of Manganese Dioxide. This turns the clay varying shades of browns, black swirling, and the normal terra cotta shades found in traditional saltillo tile.
ANTIQUE or RUSTIC SALTILLO: This is a custom tile produced to give the illusion that’s its a very old traditional saltillo tile. The antique finish has more texture and a special darkening rub. The term RUSTIC is the same as ANTIQUE as used in describing our Saltillo tile varieties.
If you need further explanation on other terms or things found on our website, please contact us by calling 512-260-9111 or email info@rusticots.com . Happy Tiling!
Did you know that Saltillo tile can be installed in an outdoor environment? Recommendations are different for varying weather climates but this article should answer most of your questions. If not, contact us for more details! Call 512-260-9111 or email info@rusticots.com . We are the SALTILLO TILE EXPERTS!
A. Hot and Cold temperatures alone do not tamper with the terra cotta clay tiles. The clay comes from Saltillo, Coahila Mexico where the weather can get cold, and it definitely gets hots! These Mexican floor tiles are burned in a kiln so heat is no problem. At Rustico Tile and Stone, we even have people use raw clay tiles as baking stones in their ovens.
B. Freezing and Wet conditions matter. If you live in a climate where it freezes and precipitation exists, then you need to take certain measures to care for your terracotta tile.
The first thing to consider is an underlayment for water protection….is there a water barrier to prevent water from getting into the back side of the raw saltillo clay. Even if your saltillo floor tile is sealed, the back side is not sealed or protected from water absorption. If water seeps into the clay and freezes, it can expand and crack some tiles. This may not happen to all of your mexican tiles but it can happen.
Secondly, is your tile and grout sealed very well with GOOD sealer. If you can make the top of your saltillo floor water-proof (and protect the bottom side from water absorption), then you can install it outdoors in a freezing climate. However, poor quality sealer will not suffice. You need a good quality top coat sealer for the tile and grout (something ike our WB or GREEN sealers). A good sealer should last several years but it needs to be inspected prior to every winter. Reapplication may be necessary if sealer has worn away.
C. Saltillo tile can be used on driveways and in carports. It’s imperative that the tile is installed correctly and we recommend sizes of 12×12 or smaller for these purposes because they have less curvature than the larger tiles. Remember that authentic saltillo is handmade and do not always lie perfectly flat. In concave areas of the terracotta tile, the backside may need to be buttered with extra thin set to maintain the integrity of strength in this type of floor. In lieu of saltillo tile, some of our clients opt for using a cut stone such as Cantera architectural stone. With either material, a good quality topcoat sealer will maintain the look and protection of the surface of these beautiful floor tiles.
Check back later for more useful information about Saltillo Mexican tile. If you have specific questions, don’t hesitate to call one of our experienced experts at 512-260-9111 or email info@rusticots.com. Happy floors!
We receive phone calls every week asking how to clean Saltillo tile floors. This process is actually much more simple than most people expect. Assuming your Mexican tile floor is sealed saltillo, you can confidently follow the advice provided below. If you have unsealed terra cotta, you’ll need to be more cautious about what you use to clean the floor so as not to stain the raw clay.
First, vacuum the whole terracotta floor. We use a vacuum with a brush so that it kicks up any small dust that could be settled in the grout lines.
Second, inspect your floor for hairline cracks, recent chips, or lime pops. If you find these characteristics, it’s best to swipe on extra Saltillo floor sealer to prevent the clay from deteriorating.
Third, clean the floor with your tile cleaner of choice. We recommend diluting most commercial cleaners in order to preserve the life of the saltillo tile sealer. Our StoneClean 104 is a good deep cleaner that helps remove dirt, grease and other debris. For a general weekly cleaning, you can also use a mixture of water and white vinegar. Alternatively, you can use a floor steamer that requires no chemical.
That’s it! Voila… your terra cotta floor should be clean. We do not recommend waxing these saltillo floor tiles Applying a wax requires on going maintenance. It’s much less work and less costly to seal your floor with a good quality sealer that will last 5-7 years. It’s worth paying a little extra for quality sealer. To inquire about our floor sealers, just give us a call or email info@rusticots.com. In the meantime, enjoy your lovely Saltillo tile floor!
