Around the world, people have realized the importance of protecting our natural resources and as a result, eco-conscious consumerism is on the rise. Chances are, you yourself have taken steps to ensure you leave a smaller eco-footprint or have at least pondered on how you can do your part. Well, we're happy to tell you about one simple way to make a difference: using mosaic tile made of recycled glass.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Ralart Mosaic.
While the recycled glass industry is still in its infancy, it is expected to become a billion dollar market in the next few decades. As environmental awareness and concern grows, homeowners are searching for creative ways to help reduce their carbon footprint. The use of recycled glass is becoming a popular eco-friendly alternative.
When properly installed, glass mosaic tile is known to be one of the most durable, long-lasting materials on earth. In fact, it is estimated that glass can take up to 1 million years to decompose!
Benefits of using recycled glass tile
There are many benefits to choosing recycled glass tile for your pool or home. Some of which include:
How does glass use effect the environment?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States produced 12.3 million tons of glass in alone! This number is expected to rise year over year. Of that 12.3 million tons of glass, only 3.1 million tons were recycled.
This means that 9.2 million tons of glass ended up in our landfills as waste. All this additional waste is leading to unprecedented climate change and air pollution. This can and has led to the destruction of our wildlife and natural resources around the world.
Furthermore, mismanagement of waste is a huge public health concern. Diseases such as asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, COPD, and other bacterial infections are spread to us via the emissions generated to break down all our waste, wreaking havoc on our communities. (Earthday.org, )
Make a difference, choose eco-friendly tile
But can one person using recycled glass tile really make a difference? The answer is YES! The stigma that surrounds the use of recycled glass is unfounded. So long as the materials are produced following TCNA (Tile Council of North America) guidelines, the material is just as safe, durable, and beautiful as non-recycled glass.
One person choosing to go with recycled glass mosaics will set the standard for high-quality, stunning pool tile in their neighborhood.
Speaking of stunning pool tile, there is a misconception surrounding recycled glass tile that it won't be as beautiful, or that somehow, it retains the style from its previous use, therefore creating a hodgepodge of colors etc. This just isn't the case.
For instance, all the eye-catching, premium glass tile from the brand Vidrepur, is made from recycled glass. They offer everything from smooth solid colors to extraordinary iridescent finishes, and even anti-slip options. There truly is something for everyone.
Designing Pool and Interior with Recycled Glass Tile
Maybe you want to source all your materials from here in the United States. Well, good news. All the artisan glass mosaic tiles produced by American Glass Mosaics are made right here in the US using recycled glass. Their breathtaking collections of glass mosaic tiles are hand-crafted to perfection. You truly end up with a one-of-a-kind glass tile.
Perhaps you're looking for something different. Something that truly stands out and astounds onlookers. Look no further than the Vanguard series by Aquatica. This collection features a multitude of varying colors and sizes, all displayed in gorgeous patterns across the face of the tiles.
What our customers are saying about our recycled glass tile products
"I could not be happier with AquaBlu Mosaics. From my initial purchase, through the end of the project, Aqua Blu made sure to keep in contact and make sure I was satisfied. The glass tile looks amazing in our pool. I highly recommend this company and this product for any future pool remodel."
Want more information on Recycled Glass Mosaics? Feel free to contact us.
The Topazstone was a tile was one of my samples, I thought it was breathtaking and hope these pictures can help potential buyers. The online pictures of this tile do not do it justice. It's just beautiful!
In short, recycled glass mosaic tiles are just as vibrant and alluring as non-recycled tiles. So long as the manufacturer follows TCNA guidelines (like those featured on AquaBluMosaics.com) to produce these materials, durability is not an issue. Between lessening the amount of glass waste that ends up in our landfills, to alleviating some of the environmental effects this waste has on our communities, going with recycled glass tile is one simple way to do your part.
So don't delay, shop all our recycled glass tiles today and create your paradise with ease of mind because you're not only creating a beautiful oasis, but also helping to care for the environment.
For making tiles from recycled glass sources, raw materials must be free of contaminants. There are three common methods for making recycled glass tile.
Bathroom and kitchen designs are often the centerpiece of today's homes. Colors, accessories, lighting, style, and comfort are essential elements of these frequently used spaces. For homeowners who want to incorporate a unique design while remaining respectful of the environment, recycled glass tile can offer the best of both worlds.
Glass tile has many aesthetic and practical advantages over other flooring and cladding options. The most obvious thing is its appearance.
Glass tiles provide jewel-like transparency and touches of luxury that cannot be achieved with stone, ceramic tile, or solid surface materials. Compared to the feel of a granite or marble cave, glass baths evoke a feeling that is more reminiscent of a tranquil pond or secluded cove.
Making Recycled Glass Tile
For making tiles from recycled glass sources, raw materials must be free of contaminants (paper, dirt, packaging, etc.). Also, the materials must be of uniform color and source. Typical sources of recycled glass tiles are jars, bottles, or window glass.
Different types of glass have various colors and composition. So, glass waste must be cautiously sorted before use. Different glass sources also have various coefficients of expansion. As a consequence, the glass will not cool down to a uniform mass.
Different manufacturing methods lead to different results. There are three conventional methods for making recycled glass tile:
Small Mosaic Tile
Small mosaics are usually made of glass that is melted to the color of the glass, poured onto an iron table, and pressed with a shape (cookie cutter). This technique involves small batches and a laborious slab assembly process. The glass and color mixture is heated at a high temperature until it reaches a molten state. Once the pieces are cooled, they are separated, and the tiles can be assembled into easy-to-install sheets. This technique is well known and relatively simple to implement.
The final product consists of small mosaics with some color variations. This variation isn't complicated and may even be desirable. An ecological advantage of this technique is that broken tiles and production waste are minimized due to the small modulus of the tile. However, a disadvantage is a high heat required to heat the tile, around degrees C.
Large Glass Tile
The process for making two-by-two-inch tiles begins the same way as for small mosaics. The additional step is to store the glass in an oven, where it is heated over 500 degrees Celsius (932 degrees Fahrenheit). Then slowly cooled to make the resulting glass more robust and less brittle. There is more production waste when creating large tiles than small ones. Besides, larger tiles need more control for excellent color and quality.
Tile Made from Cullet
Cullet glass is glass that has crushed and then graded into particles of uniform size and color. Cullet glass-based tiles are produced by placing the glass in ceramic molds, heating the glass to 800 degrees Celsius ( degrees Fahrenheit). This technique produces a faster production cycle than small and large glass tile methods. But the colors of tiles are limited as the color depends on the original colors of the glass used.
Making Recycled Glass Countertops
Stained glass can be used to add a touch of color to countertops. Whether you choose to have a glass of a specific color or use whatever you hold, glass can spice up your countertop. One idea is to cut the bottom of a collection of wine bottles with a glass cutter.
Create a pattern with the round glass and break the remaining bottles to complete the design. You can mix green, blue, brown, and clear glass for a multi-colored countertop. While glass crushing machines can be purchased, a less expensive option is a mortar and glass crushing pestle, which you can find at stained glass supply stores.
The final look of your crushed glass countertop varies depending on the epoxy you choose. Clear epoxy is a common choice for stylish counters that display items such as coins, bottle caps, and wine bottle caps.
Note that the clear epoxy allows the surface under the counter to be visible between the spaces between the pieces of glass. This means you must paint the surface before starting the epoxy. Otherwise, you can choose white epoxy to contrast with the glass. Countertops finished with marine grade polyurethane for a durable, glossy finish.
Tips for Installing Recycled Glass Tiles
1. In general, installing recycled glass tiles will take longer, and more care should be taken with the tiles before fixing them in place.
2. After applying the thin layer, it is essential to break up and smooth out the comb marks. Otherwise, these marks will be visible through the glass and create an unattractive appearance.
3. When smoothing the thinnest, make sure there is an even layer of adhesive deep enough to secure and hold the tile.
Benefits of Using Recycled Glass Tile
The benefits for homeowners who choose recycled glass tile for the backsplash, bathroom floor, or any other important room in the home are twofold. First, recycled glass tiles are an excellent way to keep glass products from building up in landfills. In addition to helping preserve the environment, homeowners get a unique product that adds style to their home. Glass tiles are available in a variety of colors and finishes, both matte and gloss. They are a long-lasting way to decorate surfaces. Use glass cleaner to maintain them.
Glass tiles can be used anywhere, where regular ceramic tiles would be installed. They have the added benefit of being chemical and stain resistant, making them suitable for areas prone to moisture. They can be installed on floors, walls, counters, tabletops and more, and can be used both outdoors and indoors. Installing glass tile requires a bit more care than installing standard opaque ceramic tile. Builders and homeowners should be aware of these differences to ensure their trades get it right the first time.
By Liliana Alvarez
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