Ceramic Rooster

As in all other fields of applied art, it is fundamental also with ceramics to distinguish between handmade wares and wares produced industrially. Even though in this sector manufacturing process were mechanized very early.

Ceramic started being manufactured industrially as early as the beginning of the 19th century, when the English firm Wedgwood was the first to introduce mechanized processes into its production cycle. Generally speaking it can be said that the quality of the ceramic surface of machine-made wares is better and more uniform.

The presence of teardrops in the glaze, of excessively thinned colours, of blisters, irregularities and overly thick ceramic walls are characteristic which may not be very aesthetic,but are the unfailing signs of a handmade piece.

It is not always possible to distinguish a handmade plate or other round, smooth-surfaced object from a similar one that is partly machine made. The best clues are offered by details like handles and decorations, and with figures, especially hands and feet.

One very reliable way of telling whether a figurine is handmade or not is to examine the base. The imperfectly round central hole made to allow air to escape during firing is a sign the item has been hand made. A smooth and perfectly glazed bottom on the other hand can be only machine made. Only a machine creates perfectly uniform walls and smooth surfaces because it is precisely uniformity that simplifies mechanized operations.

Completely handmade figures are extremely rare and generally fairly large in size. Knowing the date when a certain pigment was used for the first time can be decisive for determining authenticity. Since ancient times pigments for paintings and fabrics were supplied in abundant by nature. But most of them were neither fireproof nor colorfast, for which reason the number of pigments used for ceramics up until the eighteenth century was very limited: antimony yellow, copper green and manganese brown. In the 15th century cobalt blue, of Arabian origin was added to the above colours. Until the end of the 18th century the entire palette used for ceramics was made up of the four above mentioned colours. Depending on the place of manufacture, gold and iron oxide based colours ranging from yellow to reddish brown and greenish brown, were the only rare exceptions. These colours changed during firing, however. Chrome green and other chrome colours were introduced into ceramics and other decorative arts only in the 19th century. Objects purported to be from before this period and decorated in a great many colours are in all likelihood copies or fakes.

A number of pigments used in the past were not suited to high oven temperatures, so that it was necessary to proceed to a second firing at a lower temperature if such pigments were to be used. Evidence of successive applications of colours is a positive indication of authenticity.

Today a potter who wants to copy an antique piece has a complete palette of colours at his disposal which can be fired at a high temperature in a single process. In order to increase the value of an antique but simply decorated item, in the 19th and 20th centuries extra motifs were added to the ground. Typical of subsequently added decorations are tiny blisters which form during the new firing. Numerous interventions with abrasives, chemical products and new colours in order to enhance the beauty of a previously made plate or jug leave traces of air, humidity or solvents in the pores of the clay body which cause the new layers to blister. The lack of heat-resistant pigments sometimes made painters prefer to decorate objects with conventional colours over the glaze after firing. With this process, already used in ancient times, the decoration loses its brilliance and is much less resistant to wear.

Colors are also dictated by fashion and can furnish clues to the date of manufacture. Meissen's early production, for instance, used strong colours, whilst 19th century tastes induced the painters to use a more delicate palette. There are a number of rules of thumb, which have been accumulated by generations of collectors and cognoscenti. For example copies of ming ceramics are generally a paler blue than original pieces or the ceramic bodies of antique plates from the south of France are generally lighter than those from the north. There may be some truth in such rules but they are not a dependable basis for judgments.

Handmade Ceramic

As in all other fields of applied art, it is fundamental also with ceramics to distinguish between handmade wares and wares produced industrially. Even though in this sector manufacturing process were mechanized very early.

Ceramic started being manufactured industrially as early as the beginning of the 19th century, when the English firm Wedgwood was the first to introduce mechanized processes into its production cycle. Generally speaking it can be said that the quality of the ceramic surface of machine-made wares is better and more uniform.

The presence of teardrops in the glaze, of excessively thinned colours, of blisters, irregularities and overly thick ceramic walls are characteristic which may not be very aesthetic,but are the unfailing signs of a handmade piece.

It is not always possible to distinguish a handmade plate or other round, smooth-surfaced object from a similar one that is partly machine made. The best clues are offered by details like handles and decorations, and with figures, especially hands and feet.

One very reliable way of telling whether a figurine is handmade or not is to examine the base. The imperfectly round central hole made to allow air to escape during firing is a sign the item has been hand made. A smooth and perfectly glazed bottom on the other hand can be only machine made. Only a machine creates perfectly uniform walls and smooth surfaces because it is precisely uniformity that simplifies mechanized operations.

Completely handmade figures are extremely rare and generally fairly large in size. Knowing the date when a certain pigment was used for the first time can be decisive for determining authenticity. Since ancient times pigments for paintings and fabrics were supplied in abundant by nature. But most of them were neither fireproof nor colorfast, for which reason the number of pigments used for ceramics up until the eighteenth century was very limited: antimony yellow, copper green and manganese brown. In the 15th century cobalt blue, of Arabian origin was added to the above colours. Until the end of the 18th century the entire palette used for ceramics was made up of the four above mentioned colours. Depending on the place of manufacture, gold and iron oxide based colours ranging from yellow to reddish brown and greenish brown, were the only rare exceptions. These colours changed during firing, however. Chrome green and other chrome colours were introduced into ceramics and other decorative arts only in the 19th century. Objects purported to be from before this period and decorated in a great many colours are in all likelihood copies or fakes.

A number of pigments used in the past were not suited to high oven temperatures, so that it was necessary to proceed to a second firing at a lower temperature if such pigments were to be used. Evidence of successive applications of colours is a positive indication of authenticity.

Today a potter who wants to copy an antique piece has a complete palette of colours at his disposal which can be fired at a high temperature in a single process. In order to increase the value of an antique but simply decorated item, in the 19th and 20th centuries extra motifs were added to the ground. Typical of subsequently added decorations are tiny blisters which form during the new firing. Numerous interventions with abrasives, chemical products and new colours in order to enhance the beauty of a previously made plate or jug leave traces of air, humidity or solvents in the pores of the clay body which cause the new layers to blister. The lack of heat-resistant pigments sometimes made painters prefer to decorate objects with conventional colours over the glaze after firing. With this process, already used in ancient times, the decoration loses its brilliance and is much less resistant to wear.

Colors are also dictated by fashion and can furnish clues to the date of manufacture. Meissen's early production, for instance, used strong colours, whilst 19th century tastes induced the painters to use a more delicate palette. There are a number of rules of thumb, which have been accumulated by generations of collectors and cognoscenti. For example copies of ming ceramics are generally a paler blue than original pieces or the ceramic bodies of antique plates from the south of France are generally lighter than those from the north. There may be some truth in such rules but they are not a dependable basis for judgments.

Glass Ceramics

Glass ceramic cookware has to be chosen carefully since there are some materials that can not only damage the stovetop but can also harm the person who is doing the cooking on the stove. There are ceramic cookware sets that are made to go in the microwave or in the conventional oven but are not made to be used as glass ceramic cookware. Glass ceramic cookware has to be able to withstand the process of heating quickly since the stovetops heat up extremely fast and can damage pans and pots that are not made to withstand those types of temperature changes. The glass ceramic cookware also has to have a smooth bottom to it because the stovetop can become scratched or cracked if the items used to cook on it are rough in any way.

Cautions

When using the glass cookware, the pots and pans should be placed on a burner that most closely fits the pot or pan being used. If this is not done, the person cooking can easily be burned by the open surface of the burner that is not covered by the pot or pan. Another caution about using glass ceramic cookware is that it should not be placed on the cook top dry. In other words, the pots and pans that are used should have at least one ingredient in it when it is placed on the stovetop and the burner is lit so that the pot or pan does not become damaged from the high heat with nothing inside of it.

Another caution when using a glass ceramic stovetop is that the cookware should not be made of glass. Glass is not a very forgiving material which means that when it is heated quickly to a high heat the glass can crack or shatter. This would do damage to the ceramic stovetop as well as to the chef that is using the cookware. Copper pans also should never be used as glass ceramic cookware because the copper will melt the ceramic stovetop and then meld with it, ruining the stove altogether. Even pans that have some amount of copper in them will do this, so chefs should check to make sure that the pot or pan does not have any copper in it, and if there is any question, it should not be used at all.

Refractory Ceramic

Refractory materials are used in industrial structures like furnaces, boilers, incinerators, and chemical reactors to protect them from intense heat. What they do is provide a type of insulation from the heat which these structures are exposed to; heat which can damage them and increase the need for costly repairs. But there are also problems which can arise during the creation process of refractory which can have damaging or even dangerous effects.

When refractory material is created it is done in the same way which cement is created when it is mixed with water. As refractory is heated it becomes solid. However, if this happens to fast sometimes the moisture doesn't have the chance to dry up and it becomes trapped inside the solid refractory.

And then what?

Well, when the refractory heats up that moisture starts to expand. In most cases the result is mere cracking, but if the expansion is severe and rapid enough it's like setting off a bomb. So refractory dry out provides a safe and effective way for removing this moisture and thus preventing the possibility of expansion or explosion.

The way it works is high velocity burners use a combination of intense pressure and near one thousand degrees Fahrenheit heat to remove moisture from the refractory at a safe rate. This heat is applied at an ambient temperature at first and is slowly increased over a prolonged period of time. In some cases, proper dry out process can take over two hundred hours. This is because the refractory has to have the time to dry out and to solidify properly in order to ensure for a stronger end product.

Therefore his controlled temperature adjustment period is crucial to accomplishing a safe and effective means of refractory solidification. This means not only a stronger more solid refractory lining, but also for removal of mechanical and chemical water which keeps cracking and explosive spalling from ruining the structure. Proper refractory dry out also applies hot, cold and intermediate thermocouples to ensure proper through wall temperate gradients within refractory linings. This process causes something called ceramic bonding which prevents sagging in dual component linings, resulting in a stronger refractory and safer structure.

Some of the industries which require refractory dry out are: foundry, glass, aluminum, cement, ceramic, refineries, chemical plants, power plants, and steel mills. These industries all use furnaces, kilns, chemical reactors, and incinerators and therefore utilize refractory materials in order to protect them from the intense heat used to operate them. This requires proper application of refractory dry out technologies for the sake of a safer operating environment and a greater durability and lifespan of their structures.

Materials Ceramic

The word Ceramics is derived from the Greek word Keramos which means potter's earth or clay. Therefore, ceramics may be considered to be material made from naturally occurring clay or earth. Scientifically, ceramics are compounds of metallic and non-metallic elements. There are also manufactured ceramic materials such as diamond, SiC and Si3N4 and so on. In modern applications, a broader definition applies to the term ceramic, that is everything that is not a metal or organic material. Ceramics are inorganic as well as non-metallic materials which have been processed or used at high temperatures.

The American Ceramic society has defined ceramic products as those manufactured "by the action of heat on raw materials, most of which are of an earthy nature -- while of the constituents of these raw materials, the chemical element silicon, together with its oxide and the compounds thereof, occupies a predominant position." That branch of knowledge which deals with the expertise of manufacturing and treatment of ceramic materials is called ceramic engineering.

There are various types of ceramic products which we have classed under four distinct categories-

1. Structural - it includes roof and floor tiles, pipes and bricks.

2. White wares - they include objects like decorative, sanitary ware, table ware and wall tiles. The examples of white ware ceramics are stone ware, porcelain, bone china and earthen ware.

3. Refractories like glass and steel building crucibles, gas fire radiant and kiln linings.

4. Technical or fine ceramics. such products include tiles applied in the space shuttle program, ballistic fortification, bio-medical implants, missile nose cones, nuclear fuel uranium oxide pellets and jet engine turbine.

The various properties of ceramics are discussed below-

1. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES- they are crystalline or amorphous and are usually covalently bonded or iconic substances. Ceramic materials also show plastic deformations.

2. ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES- they are semi conductors and most of them are transitional metal oxides. However under extremely low temperatures some ceramics become superconductors.

CLASSIFICATION OF CERAMICS-

They are classified as non -crystalline and crystalline ceramics. The non-crystalline ceramics are formed from melts and are called glass ceramic. They are produced after a great range of processing whereas the crystalline ceramics do not require much doling out.

Apart from the ones discussed above, ceramics have a wide range of usage

1. It is used in making knives and ceramic knives are sharper than steel knives. Though they are brittle, their blades are more durable.

2. Ceramics like alumina and boron carbide are used as "Small Arms Protective Inserts"

3. Steel can be replaced by ceramic balls in ball bearings. Due to their hardness they have a longer lifetime. Their electrical insulating capacities are also valuable in bearings but a major drawback is their high cost.

4. Ceramic engines can be used in laboratories due to their high fuel efficiency and they do not need any cooling system. However mass production is not possible because cracks can easily develop in ceramics which may result in dangerous equipment failure.

5. Nowadays bio-ceramics are made which include synthetic bones and dental implants.

6. High tech ceramic is also employed in making watch cases.

Personalized Ceramic

Gift giving occasions abound around the world, traditional holidays, major life events, and sometimes just to show someone you care. Personalized gifts add that extra touch of kindness and caring to any gift giving occasion. Personalized ceramic coffee mugs are a very versatile gift that almost anyone can enjoy.

All the hot drink lovers in your life would be overjoyed with a personalized ceramic coffee mug. That cup of coffee in the morning tastes just a little better when you are drinking it from a mug that someone has taken the extra time to have made especially for you. That morning cup of tea in the personalized coffee mug, will always bring fond memories of the person who gave you the mug.

Another place to give personalized ceramic coffee cups as gifts is to teachers, clergymen, postal carriers, and your garbage man. Every one of these people provides an invaluable service to you and your community and should be recognized for their efforts. Consider an apple or a bouquet of flowers for your child's teacher, perhaps a favorite bible verse for your clergyman. Your postal carrier may enjoy a personalized ceramic coffee mug with a golf theme; the garbage man might like to have a personalized ceramic coffee mug with his or her monogram. Personalized ceramic coffee mugs can be used for other things as well. The assistant you can't live without could be recognized on Administrative Professionals Day. Consider purchasing them a personalized ceramic coffee mug with a business office theme, and then fill it with several high quality pens. Don't' forget to include a note thanking them for all their hard work. An added benefit of personalized coffee mugs around the office is that there is no mistake which cup belongs to whom.

Weddings come with lots of gifts, both received and given. The bride and groom traditionally give a thank you gift to the members of the wedding party. Personalized ceramic coffee cups are a fantastic gift for the entire wedding party. The bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents of the bride and groom, attendants of the wedding book and gift table, each of these people provide a great deal of help to the bride and groom. Personalizing their gift is a great way to include a personal thank you for all their assistance.

Personalized mugs are extraordinary holiday gifts as well. A Christmas gift, stuffed with a teddy bear, some peppermint candy, and a package of cocoa will be well received by everyone on your gift giving list. Perhaps you could purchase a personalized coffee mug and fill it with candy conversation hearts. For a unique wedding proposal, use a personalized ceramic mug as a vase filled with a favorite flower. Hide an engagement ring among the bouquet for your loved one to find.

A personalized coffee cup is also a great newlywed gift. Consider a pair of mugs personalized with the couple's last name. Fill the mugs with gourmet coffee and a few miniature muffins or bagels for the first morning as a married couple. Also to commemorate the first day of a new job you can give the gift of a personalized ceramic coffee mug.

With the many options available for personalized ceramic coffee mug, there is sure to be the perfect combination for everyone on your gift giving list.

Porcelain Ceramic

Antique porcelain is valued for its historical and artistic values. Due to human negligence and natural disasters, many valuable porcelain items get damaged and lose their monetary worth and cultural importance. Porcelain restoration not only helps preserve the monetary value of a porcelain item but helps preserve the work of art for future generations.

Professional porcelain restoration requires that a restores undergo a basic training. Many colleges and universities offer ceramic and porcelain restoration courses, and some provide diplomas and certificates. The restorer has to know the difference between various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, majolica, terra cotta, earthenware, clay, and plaster, learn how to work with many types of paintbrushes, how to operate and airbrush, and learn the skill that requires to glaze and lacquer the surface of items. When restoring Chinese and Japanese porcelain the restorer has to know the historical period the item was created in order to match the color and surface pattern. On top of that, he or she also has to have the artistic ability, the right temperament to work long hours and appreciate the delicate and painstaking work that porcelain restoration often requires. A haphazard approach to porcelain restoration further damages the items instead of restoring and conserving them.

Below are the steps involved in restoring porcelain items:

1. Careful examination of the item and the broken pieces.

2. Washing and cleaning the pieces (in many cases old glue or restoration has be to taken off) in order to prepare them for a new restoration.

3. Sculpting the necessary fragments and micro-fragments for a perfect fit of the existing broken pieces.

4. Gluing and bonding the pieces.

5. Matching and replicating the surface color and pattern/design, first with a paint brush and then with an airbrush, which often requires several steps.

6. Glazing or lacquering, depending on the material.

The restoration takes from three to four weeks and depends on the severity of the damage. An ethical restorer places a heavy emphasis on conservation, which means strengthening the item undergoing the restoration and using only those materials that won't damage the object's substance, thus helping preserving for many years to come.

Porous Ceramic

Ceramic water filtration was a system originally devised by the Guatemalan chemist Dr. Fernando Mazareigos. It uses the filtering capacity of the porous ceramic material along with the powerful anti biotic catalyst, colloidal silver. The porous nature of ceramic sifts out the soil and other impurities present in water while the colloidal silver chokes most of the pathogens in the water by rendering their oxygen mechanisms inactive.

The porous element of the ceramic filter is composed of Diatomaceous earth, which is made of fossils of hard-shelled algae called Diatoms. This Diatomaceous earth dehydrates germs to kill them... and that about sums up the capabilities of ceramic water filtration units.

Before you run away with the idea and decide this is the filter you need to protect your family, read on: ceramic water filtration may seem to give your water optimal protection from all kinds of microbial invasions, but what about the various chemicals that are daily being dumped into our water sources by the rapid industrialization, and insensible individuals who dispose of harmful drugs and other wastes in our lakes and creeks?

Ceramic filters do not have any significant effect on the chemical contaminants present in water. Basically, they can save you from cholera, dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid and other such maladies but when it comes to slow lead poisoning, or the presence of fluoride or even hormones from any medicine contaminating your water, there is little to no protection on offer. In fact, the chances are strong enough that other subsidiary chemical compounds may be formed which can be injurious to our health.

So, the dilemma remains; what is the best way to keep your loved ones safe from water-borne ailments? The best option among water purification methods would be one which removes all pollutants, be it microbes or chemicals, while at the same time not depriving us of the essential mineral elements that our bodies need for proper functioning. Water minus these minerals would be as bad as tap water.

Carbon filtering, with both powdered block filters and granular activated filters, fits the bill much better than the ceramic filters. This system eradicates the volatile organic compounds, chlorine and sediments while it also improves the water's taste and eliminates the problem of bad smell. These filters can achieve optimal purification capacity if reinforced by infusing it with silver, which acts as an effective and powerful anti-bacterial agent.

The onus falls on the buyer in the end though; the cheaper ceramic filter offers some protection, but is it enough? In the end, perhaps a healthy life for the family is what makes spending more for a thorough filter more appealing.

Tile Ceramic

Are you building a new house? Perhaps you are planning to renovate your home. Ceramic tile is a suitable flooring material. This material is the choice of most home owners. Because of this, good tile setters are doing brisk business. They can do the job quickly but they do charge a hefty sum too.

Tile setting is not that hard. Anybody can learn how to lay ceramic tiles. Just like any other home projects this can be done by any person with enthusiasm to do handy jobs.

Ceramic tiles are one of the best flooring materials because of its durability. Ceramic tiles would last from generation to generation without needing major repairs. This is one of the flooring materials that would require very little maintenance. Because it is stain resistant, sweeping, vacuuming and regular mopping is all it takes to maintain a clean surface.

It is important to learn how to lay ceramic tile before beginning the project to avoid costly mistakes. Wrong tile setting could result to cracked tiles, water seepage as well as additional costs if too many ceramic tiles are wasted due to improper cutting.

Below is a step by step instruction on how to lay ceramic tile.

• Prepare the sub-floor. This base foundation must be leveled and thoroughly cleaned. Measure the area and calculate the number of tiles to be used.
• The next step is the layout. Find the center of the room by measuring the length and the width. Make chalk lines in the floor, this will serve as your guide. To visualize how the finished floor would look, lay the ceramic tiles without applying adhesive.
• The next step is spreading the adhesive or the thin set. Professional tile setters use powder adhesive mixed with water. You may want to use a ready mixed thin set to avoid the hassle of mixing one yourself. Thin sets are available in different colors. You can choose the color that would complement the color of your walls. Spread the thin set by using a nick edged trowel. The nick mark will serve as the gauge to ensure that the right amount of thin set is spread.
• Lay the ceramic tiles using the chalk lines as your guide. Use tile spacers to ensure that the tiles are uniformly spaced. Cut tile pieces to fit floor edges and to accommodate the fixtures in the room. The tiles must be allowed to set for a couple of days after which you can now apply the grout.
• Apply the grout. Ensure that the spaces between the tiles are filled. Grout has to be mixed with water to attain the consistency that would be easy to apply. Use sponge and water to remove the excess grout from the newly laid tiles.

Ceramic tilling is best done before other fixtures are installed. This is to avoid the need to cut tiles to accommodate the fixtures. But if the house is being remodeled and you need to remove the old flooring materials, ensure that no damage to the fixture will result by using sheets and towels as covers.

Tubes Ceramic

Knob and tube wiring was a system of open electrical conductors supported on ceramic knobs. It also used ceramic knobs where wires cross each other or pass through framing. This type of wiring was in common use from the 1880's to 1930's, in North America.

During the era when knob and tube was in common use, a typical home would have 30 or 60 amp electrical service, sufficient for general lighting and maybe a radio. These were the days of "iceboxes", wood or gas stoves, coal heat, and no air conditioning. Wiring homes was a new trade, with very few rules.

The first home wiring rules appeared around the turn of the century, when Terrell Croft wrote the American Electricians Handbook. Crofts books defined early wiring practices. One of Croft's rules was that knob and tube wiring should always be run through, never over the house framing. The problem with running wiring over framing is that it can get bumped, snagged, and damaged. Most electrical experts would agree that wiring run over the framing is a sign of amateur, cobbled-together work, and it never conformed to any electrical code.

Good Points

The theoretical advantage of knob and tube wiring is that it dissipates heat into free air, and therefore has a higher ampacity than cable systems with equivalent wire size. When originally installed in the 1900's knob and tube wiring was less expensive than other wiring methods. Due to the installation cost, owners and electricians would opt for knob and tube versus conduit wiring and metal junction boxes. The conduit methods were known to be of better quality, but their cost was significantly higher than knob and tube wiring.

Modern wiring methods assume two or more load carrying conductors will lie against each other, for instance the standard non-metallic - 2 cable. Since the load carrying wires are in close proximity, when they heat up, the heating is shared across the wires, limiting the overall current load they can support. Since the load carrying wires in knob and tube wiring are widely spaced, the wires are capable of carrying higher loads without risk of fire.

Bad Points

Knob and tube wiring was commonly insulated with cotton cloth and soft rubber, in addition to the porcelain insulators. Although the actual wire covering may have degraded over the decades, the porcelain insulators have a very long lifespan and will keep any bare wires safely insulated. These same porcelain insulators are commonly used with bare wire electric fencing for livestock. These insulators can carry very high voltage surges without the risk of shorting to ground. Many electricians understand that by running the hot and neutral conductors farther apart from each other than today's electrical cabling does make shorts between those conductors less likely, at the same time realizing there is not a grounding conductor.

Wiring installation standards and methods were less stringent in the era of knob and tube versus modern day electrical codes and standards. The main shortcomings of knob and tube include the following: lack of a safety grounding conductor, inability to confine switching to the hot conductor, the permitted use of in-line splices in walls without a junction box. Compared to modern thermoplastic wiring insulation, typically known as "romex", the knob and tube wiring is less resistant to damage.

Knob and tube wiring is very vulnerable to mechanical damage, such as from stored materials in the attic or basement. Bending the wire can cause older insulation to crumble and fall off the wires.

Knob and tube is insufficient for current usage patterns. Contemporary households use a wide range and intensity of electrical equipment that was unforeseen at the time of knob and tube inception. Household power use increased following World War II, first generation wiring systems became susceptible to abuse by homeowners, who would avoid repeated blown fuses by overfusing the circuits, thus subjecting the wiring to heat damage due to higher levels of current.

In many instances deterioration and abuse have rendered the wiring unsafe. During building renovations and remodeling wiring can become damaged. The rubber insulation will become dried out, brittle when handled, damage by rodent, or simple carelessness - for example hanging objects off wiring in accessible places like attics and basements.

Covering knob and tube wiring with thermal insulation is unsafe and prohibited. This is a known fire hazard and it is specifically condemned in the National Electrical Code, Section 324-4. No form of insulation - loose, blown-in, or expanding foam insulation can be placed over the wiring. Knob and tube wiring was designed to let heat dissipate to the surrounding air. As a result, energy efficiency upgrades that involve insulating previously uninsulated walls usually also require replacement of the wiring in affected homes.

Homeowners insurance underwriters may refuse and deny coverage for homes and buildings that have this type of wiring installed.

Engineering Ceramic

Introduction

Have you ever wondered about the myriad materials from which stuff is made that we come across in our daily life? The numerous materials which have unique characteristics and which are used for making various articles used in everyday life- these materials attract the attention of the young inquisitive minds in engineering classrooms all over the world.

Today, let me introduce you to the world of "CERAMICS".

"Ceramics" are the materials which are often misunderstood as materials used merely for pottery and decorative objects. Even though the word ceramic is derived from the Greek word "Keramos", meaning potter's clay or pottery, what many people don't realize is that ceramics play an important role almost everywhere you see and many times in places that you can't.

Besides the everyday objects of glassware and floor tiles, the ceramics of today are critical in helping computers and other electronic devices operate, in medical devices for improving people's health in various ways, in providing global telecommunications, and in protecting soldiers and vehicles during combat.

Ceramics are generally defined as inorganic, non-metallic materials that are made from powdered chemicals. They are typically crystalline in nature (their atoms are arranged in a systematic manner) and are compounds formed between metallic and non-metallic elements such as aluminum and oxygen (alumina, Al2O3), calcium and oxygen (calcia, CaO), silicon and nitrogen (silicon nitride, Si3N4), and so on.

Various "advanced ceramic" products are manufactured by combining high-purity chemicals into desired shapes and then heating them to very high temperatures. The shaped ceramic products thus made can have many desirable properties such as heat resistance, hardness, strength, low electrical conductivity, and unique electro-mechanical characteristics. Thus advanced ceramics are ceramics which are made by tightly controlled methods and therefore they exemplify an "advancement" over the general definition. As a consequence of these refined methods, a new class of ceramics called "advanced ceramics" is born.

Long lasting and harder than steel, advanced ceramics may be found in aircraft engines, automotive engines, cutting tools used for making metal products, the skin of space shuttles, knives, bullet proof armor, artificial hip-joints, computers and microelectronics.

History

One of the first uses of advanced ceramics was for corrosion-resistant stoneware vessels in the chemical industry as early as the 1750s.Then came porcelain, which was first used in dentistry in the 1850s. With the invention of electric light in the 19th century, ceramic materials based on porcelain for electrical insulation were developed.

This was followed by the blooming of the radio and television broadcasting industry in the 20th century, which needed special heat resistant materials that could withstand the high-frequency electromagnetic fields. As a result, electro-ceramics such as steatite were developed. Subsequently, other electro-ceramics such as magnetic ceramics (ferrites) were developed, followed by capacitor ceramics (titanates) and electro-mechanical ceramics (piezoelectric ceramics). In the later part of the 20th century, the need for protecting tiny transistors and ICs from ambient conditions led to the development of ceramic packaging materials which facilitated further miniaturization.

Concurrent with the development of electro-ceramics, another sub-class of advanced ceramics which came to be called structural ceramics progressed, which had high structural and chemical integrity characterized by properties such as extremely high hardness, stiffness, and heat and chemical resistance. These structural ceramics found applications in various industries, for example in the space industry as heat and wear resistant tiles and nose cones on space shuttles, in the aerospace industry as bearings and turbine rotors, in the chemical industry as chemical resistant seals and conduits, in the defence industry as bullet-proof vests and armor plates for vehicles, in the biomedical industry as hip-joints, knee-joints and orbital implants, and so on.

Further Developments

As ceramic technology has rapidly progressed over time, the definition of advanced ceramics has expanded to include a much wider range of compositions used in a large variety of applications. In broader terms advanced ceramics also include glass (which has a non-crystalline or amorphous random atomic structure), enamel (a type of glassy coating), glass-ceramics (a glass which is partly crystallized), and inorganic cement-type materials (cement, concrete, plaster and lime).

Advanced ceramics include yet another sub-class of ceramics called refractories. Refractories are critical materials which reduce heat losses from industrial ovens, also called kilns, and at the same time they resist very aggressive conditions including chemical and acid attack, very high temperatures (up to 3200°F), abrasion, mechanical impact, and more. These refractory ceramics enable manufacturers of commodities such as metals, alloys, cement, glass, etc to operate efficiently and profitably. Thus they play a very important role in growing the global economy.

Advanced ceramics continue to be developed even further; new ceramics and their combinations are constantly being improved and newer products are continually being introduced in various industries.

The progress in advanced ceramics is so rapid that the advanced ceramics of today are strikingly different from those made even a few years ago. Ceramic engineers eagerly anticipate further rapid developments of newer ceramic materials and their combinations that will find even more exciting applications in the future.

Chi Ceramic

It is often said that many women with straight hair wish they hard curly hair. This is easily attainable with a permanent. The other side of the coin is the women with curly hair who want straight hair. Now this easily attainable, too, with a Chi ceramic hair straightener from Farouk. It is perfect for taming frizzy hair, too.

The flat iron hair straightener concept has been around for several years now. The originals had metal plates and then the technology moved on to ceramic-coated plates. But the Chi today offers pure ceramic heated plates. Farouk also has a wide variety of Chis, including the original, basic model and the Turbo. The Turbo has temperature controls versus just one heat setting like the basic model. The temperature can be set anywhere from 176 to 392 degrees. If you have fine hair, the lower the temperature, the better it is for your hair. The ceramic plate in the Chi Turbo is also lined with felt to protect against accidentally burning yourself while styling your hair. The Chi also has a model with a 2-inch ceramic plate. Most models are only 1 inch.

If you've never user a ceramic hair straightener like the Chi, here's how it works for hair styling. The ceramic helps to maintain the natural moisture and shine in your hair while the curved plates allow you to curl or flip the hair. You should always use a heat protecting spray before using the Chi. Starting underneath your hair and working your way out to the top layers and to the top of your head, section hair in ½ inch thick sections, running each section through the chi from scalp to end.

Ceramic Wedding Ring

One of the newest wedding ring trends to hit the market are ceramic wedding rings. Now, while you may read or hear "ceramic" and think of a plate or cup smashing, nothing could be further from the truth. Ceramic wedding rings are not breakable like glass jewelry. In fact, it is the virtual indestructibility of ceramic wedding rings that is making them so popular. Is it for you? Read on.

What are ceramic wedding rings? They are made from a combination of powdered pure ceramic materials and zirconium, which is then heated to more than 6000°, resulting in a molten liquid. The liquid is shaped, cut, cooled, and then polished into a ring. These king of rings are harder than titanium, and almost as hard as a tungsten carbide wedding ring.

This is great news for those unfortunate folk who have contact allergies to metals.

Ceramic wedding rings are going to gleam just as well in the years to come, as it did when it went on your finger.

* Will never fade. While some other colored and treated wedding rings may fade in color, a ceramic wedding ring won't. This is especially significant for those who want a black wedding ring.

* Weighs less than a tungsten ring, but is heavier than a titanium wedding ring.

* Unscratchable. The color of it is solid and contained the whole way through the ring. The final color is not an industrial coating of black or white covering a different colored metal underneath, as in some titanium wedding rings. Those who have active lifestyles, jobs, or hobbies may be reassured to know that those are pretty much unscratchable.

* Will not change color. Tungsten wedding rings that are made with a cobalt alloy instead of carbon, can oxidise and change color, this will never happen with a ceramic ring.

* Will not craze.

* Range of colors. Apart from black and white, there are plenty of other contemporary colors to select from, including pinks and blues.

* Many styles or ceramic rings to select from. These can also be incorporated with other ingredients. A ceramic wedding ring can have metallic stripes (such as gold or tungsten) running through it, can be inlaid with diamonds, or engraved with various designs and patterns. Ceramic wedding rings can also be faceted, grooved, or bevelled, for those who are seeking a wedding ring that is more ornate.

* Hypo-allergenic. These kind of rings are not going to result in a nasty red rash for those who have problems with contact dermatitis. A ceramic ring is inert and contains no ingredients to react with sensitive skin.

* Contemporary looking. Ceramic rings are extremely modern looking and are an ideal choice for those who are after something a little newer than a traditional metallic wedding ring.

Drawbacks

* Can't be re-sized. Ceramic rings cannot be re-sized or altered once they have been made. If your finger size should fluctuate dramatically, then this may not be the best wedding ring option for you.

* Slower to remove in an emergency. Much the same as tungsten carbide wedding rings, a ceramic wedding ring cannot be removed with standard ring cutters. However, they can be removed using pliers and force, it will just take a little longer. Those selecting ceramic wedding rings should probably get their jeweler to educate them as to how to remove their ring in the case of an emergency. Alternatively, remove the ceramic ring prior to hazardous activities involving machinery.

Those rings or even engagement rings can be the ideal choice for those who are after a contemporary colored wedding ring that will not fade, discolor, lose its luster, or scratch.

Ceramic Teapots

It is my job to make weddings beautiful. That is what I'm hired to do. So when I come across something that, for certain weddings, adds the perfect finishing touch, I get very excited. This is exactly how I feel about the ceramic teapot wedding favor.

I don't think many like to admit it, but most couples want to impress their guests with their wedding. And it doesn't stop with the wedding favor. In fact, with the guests bringing home the wedding favor, it reminds them of your wedding for many years to come. So be very thoughtful of what you purchase.

One wedding favor which is so unique and perfect for an old fashioned wedding or a 'tea' bridal shower, is the teapot wedding favor. These tea pots are usually ceramic and floral in design and bring a touch of elegance and nostalgia to your guest's tables. Most are glazed and are ceramic and usually are hand painted which makes each one just a bit different than the other. Many have gold leaf detail with a cover that comes off allowing your guests to actually use it as a place to seep tea. Sometimes they come in a set of 4 with different colors of flowers painted on each one. Then it really looks so beautiful.

What I love the most about this item I think, is how it looks on the tables at your wedding or shower. It immediately warms up the room. And no matter what your theme is (unless you are going totally contemporary) it fits in perfectly.

I remember the last wedding I did that I used them, they ended up being the highlight of the day. As I stood in the corner with my headset waiting for the next item on my agenda, I watched the guests as they reacted to that wedding favor. They were all picking them up and turning them over - taking off the lid and looking inside. They looked like a bunch of kids at a tea party. It was precious.

Also, what is usually available is personalized tea bags. You can hang these out of the top of the teapot and it can say something like "Ken and Sarah - the Perfect Blend". That really makes it very personal and very, very unique.

Knowing how everyone is looking for something different, this is definitely a wedding favor to consider. They can be a bit more expensive than your dollar favor, but if you want to make a major statement at your wedding, they might be worth every cent.

Ceramic Wall

When I think of ceramic wall tile I think of how beautiful a room can truly be. Whether you are wall tiling a kitchen, dining room, hallway or bathroom, this tile will bring out the magnificent luster that is natures own.

This manifestation of clay and fire is something that can only be describes as a gift from God that has been passed down through the ages. This craft of creating art from what we have an abundance of, that being the ground we stand on, has only improved with time.

These artisans who have passed down through the years their craft only to have future generations develop, with their own creative minds, an ever evolving and improving form of art known as ceramic wall tile.

In the beginning there was a limited selection available to those of royalty and power. Down through the centuries this ceramic tile became more available to the masses and was attainable to all who had but a little to spend or barter for.

Today, more than ever, ceramic wall tile has become the standard for covering walls with an extremely powerful presence. When you enter a room that has been finished in ceramic wall tile, you know, that whoever had the creative mind to add the artful touch of ceramic tile to the walls knew the heart pounding emotional effect it would have on anyone who entered the room. This feeling is truly magnificent.

Do you have any idea of just how many styles, shapes, colors and finishes are available to you in ceramic wall tiles alone? With that in mind, you can create an effect all your own just by combining different styles shapes and colors to make a wall tile masterpiece that is original and truly all your own.

Just take a moment and imagine what would happen if you combined the major surface of your walls with Bone Speckle with a border running near the top and near the bottom of each wall with Topis Barcelona trim size (3' x 3') tile. Add to that some miscellaneously placed Topis Barcelona (6' x 6') tiles and you would end up with a ceramic wall tile masterpiece that would make you heart pound.

Here's another idea. This time imagine the major surface of your walls done in Riviera Sapphire ceramic tile. This beautiful deep majestic blue would be perfect with a top and bottom border of Linea Colonial Sevilla ceramic tile. About three or three and one half feet up the wall and going around the entire room would be two rows of Braganza Portuguese ceramic tiles.

I put these combinations of ceramic wall tiles together while I was writing this information. It didn't take long for me to create surrounding walls that would bring a feeling of warmth rushing through my body that no other wall decor is capable of producing. This is truly an interactive form of art that you have no limits on what you can create.

Ceramic wall tile is now available in so many art forms that you have unlimited opportunity to create walls that are uniquely all your own. If you are looking for wall decor that does more than just look great, then this wall decor will also make you feel great. Now is your opportunity to perform magic on a room. Go for it!

Ceramic Vases

I always have had this penchant for those foreign sounding English words! And thus when I came across these absolutely beautiful looking ceramic/terracotta vases with an equally beautiful sounding name, obviously I couldn't resist it! Scrafitto Ceramic vases. Lovely shades of blue, pink and brown. Antique look, simple design...I just had to find out more...And guess what I found out! Sgraffire means "to scratch" in Italian. And from there it follows that Sgrafitto is an Italian term for scratching techniques usually associated with scratching through layered ceramic glazes to expose the underlying glazes.

This particular vase that I saw was from the City of Arezzo in the Tuscany region of Italy. These vases date back to the early 20th Century (about a 100 years old now!) and are so well preserved that they still look retain their bohemian look. Germans have been using this technique since the 13th century and Italian since the 16th. I guess it cam to the rest of the world through the Italians, hence the Italian sounding name.

Montevarchi in Arezzo is noted for the Church of S. Lorenzo and the museum that is attached to the churh. The museum has an example of glazed terra-cotta work of Candrea della Robbina and his school and a monumental tempietto that is decorated with firezes of cherubs. An Italian I know said: Come to Arezzo for the true, quality antiques at the dozens of legitimate antique shops in the centro. I wish I could go at least to see, touch and feel those simply gorgeous looking Sgrafitto vases whose creators taught the world the art of scratch painting. While I was browsing to know more, I came across this South African company that has given itself the name of "Sgrafitto" itself as they main use this technique to create some beautiful art pieces. It seems after Germany and Italy, the Africans have taken to this art form very seriously. So much to know, so much to learn, so much to enjoy...

Ceramic Tiling

If laying ceramic tiles is totally new to you, "5 Steps to complete a successful ceramic tile installation" is a set of basic but important tips that you will help you avoid making costly mistakes on your next bathroom or ceramic tile installation.

o Plan which Tile

o Shop around if you want to save

o Prepare the surface for a long lasting job

o Lay the tiles

o Finishing touches

Plan which Tile

This step is often underestimated and sometimes even forgotten (can you believe it?). Planning your ceramic tile installation from A to Z is probably one of the most important steps for a smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

Some things to take in account are:

o Suitability of the tile

o Pattern /colour of the tile

o Size of the tile

o Size of the area to be tiled. (This is important data that will be vital to know how much tile, grout, etc, you have to buy)

o Adhesive, mortar or grout to suit your needs

Not all ceramic tile installations are the same, different tiling installations may require different mortar or grout. DO NOT feel shy about asking the suppliers for advice or help in calculating how much you need. They will gladly help you, as they are likely to make a sale.

Shop around if you want to save!

This isn't as difficult as the first step, however when the budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right tile for the ceramic tile installation you want. You are going to have to make some compromises and so don't get carried away by the beauty of some of the ceramic tiles. Prices can vary a lot between different tiles, so some end up rather expensive for only a few square metres.

Always shop around, it has never been easier. Just sit in front of the computer and use the Internet. Use local directories to find the suppliers close to you and pay them a visit.

Before making your final decision always check the chosen tile under different lights as the results can be surprisingly different.

Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before laying the ceramic tiles

The surface to be tiled (floor, wall or any other) will often need to be prepared, this can include work like filling, levelling, smoothing, priming and sometimes water proofing.

The right preparation will be directly affect the lifespan of the ceramic tile installation. Unless you want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this right from the start.

This is probably the most important point to ensure a long lasting tiling job. Don't rush it.

Laying the ceramic tiles safely

The technique of laying ceramic tiles is not especially difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before anyone can easily master it. Clearing the room to be tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer and easier. Don't forget to wear your safety goggles when cutting or chipping tiles.

Laying ceramic tiles can also be a bit messy, if you don't want dust all over the house we suggest sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will do the job quite well.

Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin and never forget to read the manufacturers directions before even opening the tin. If some ends up on you, just clean it with water as soon as possible. Even though tile adhesives aren't usually abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause an allergic reaction.

Use a spirit level to help you with the depth & level of the tiles and spacers to maintain an even distance between them.

The finishing touches

Once the tile adhesive or mortar has cured (dried) and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with the finishing touches.

You'll have to fill the spaces between tiles with grout making sure you don't leave any gaps as these cause damp problems, in a shower for example.

The technique is very simple, use a rubber faced trowel to spread the grout and a cotton cloth to clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards.

There are many different types of grouts; you'll have to choose the right one depending on the surface and chosen tile.

Now that you have your ceramic tiles laid down, you only need to take care of them, usually manufacturers provide information on taking care of their tiles and only minimal effort is required. Most household cleaning products will do the job well, if some particular stain is stubborn, there are many commercial stain removers, just make sure you use the right product for the right tile.

You are now closer to discovering how satisfying it can be handling a tile installation yourself, just follow these 5 steps to get the best result.

Ceramic Tiles

Bathroom ceramic tile is a good choice because of its durability, resistance to dampness and its ease of cleaning. Bathroom ceramic tile can range from inexpensive to very expensive, and it is a classic choice for a bathroom.

Ceramic tile is formed from clay, shale or porcelain, then fired at very high temperatures until it hardens. The higher the temperature and the more times the tile is fired, the harder and less porous the tile becomes. Tile for bathrooms comes in many shapes, sizes, patterns and textures. Tile shapes can be squares, rectangles, hexagons and octagons. Accent tiles are narrow-shaped and diamond-shaped pieces.

Tile can be glazed or unglazed. Unglazed bathroom ceramic tile is simply baked pieces of clay whose colors are determined by the mineral content of the clay. These tiles are the workhorses of the industry. Generally thicker and denser than glazed tiles, they include products such as quarry tiles and porcelains. The toughness of unglazed tiles make them ideally suited (but not limited to) heavy commercial installations.

Here are tips for using ceramic tile in a bathroom:

1. Consider using unglazed bathroom ceramic tile if you want to have the most slip-resistant surface. The rugged surface texture and matte finish of these tiles give them good slip-resistant qualities for use in wet areas. If you buy and install unglazed tiles for your bathroom floor, they will need to be cleaned frequently because they absorb oil and stains quite easily. Examples of unglazed tiles are quarry tiles, porcelain tiles and terra-cotta tiles which can be handmade or machine-made.

2. If you are using a white or cream ceramic tile for your bathroom, using a different color grout like "blue" will give your bathroom a more dramatic look.

3. Make sure you apply sealers to grout lines in areas of heavy wear, like countertops. Sealers will protect and preserve grout colors.

4. For a floor surface that is virtually stainproof, use glazed bathroom ceramic tile. Glazed bathroom ceramic tile is made the same way as unglazed tile, but it undergoes an additional process. A glass layer is applied, then subjected to tremendous heat in a kiln. This process liquefies the glass and fuses it to the bisque. Glazes offer an unlimited array of beautiful colors, textures and designs and create a surface that is practically stainproof and very wearable. While most glazed tiles are for light residential to medium commercial traffic uses, recent technological advances produce glazed tiles that are hard and durable enough to stand up to the most demanding commercial applications.

5. To make your bathroom floor more exciting, add patterns, floor accents or small splashes of color using ceramic custom tile pieces. Or consider using large rectangular decorative sections placed in the middle of the floor. Custom ceramic tile or art tile can be found with Victorian, Mexican or Moorish styled designs and they can also be used as bathroom backsplashes, tub surrounds and in showers.

6. For countertops and backsplashes, make sure the tiles are glazed and can withstand household cleaners. And backsplashes are a great place to add decorative tile.

7. To tie it all together, pay attention to the available bathroom accessories. Towel bars, ceramic soap dishes, toothbrush/cup holders -- you'll want these to blend in well with your bathroom ceramic tile.

With all the choices that await you today, have fun as you select the styles, colors, patterns and sizes of bathroom ceramic tile and related details for your bathroom. You'll want your bathroom to be a fun, cozy room to spend time in, and bathroom ceramic tile can help create that kind of atmosphere. Bathroom ceramic tile is decorative and lasting -- use it in the ways you want for having the bathroom that you can enjoy every day.

Ceramic Tile

Clean ceramic tile has a longer life expectancy and retains its glossy image until the end. Ceramic tile is used to decorate walls and floors, fireplaces and showers. It is manufactured with naturally-available products including clay and quartz sand. Clay has the property of restricting water flow and is used in the construction of dams, bridges and canals. Ceramic is also used in the preparation of engineering materials such as transistors in electronic devices. There are many varieties of ceramic tiles, and they differ in size, shape, design, pattern and make, and some are even produced specifically for certain rooms, including the bathroom, the kitchen and the living room. However, no matter the type of tile or the use of the tile, it should be taken care of, because clean ceramic tile is a key component in both the beauty of a house and the health of a family.

Decorative ceramic tile is used to decorate walls and floors. Walls can be decorated with these tiles in the place of wallpaper. Fireplaces and showers can be decorated with decorated tiles which increase the value of the house. Interior designers are using decorative tiles in their designs, and homeowners are learning to express their beliefs and personalities through the tiles they choose. Most tiles are exposed to dust, and they will fade over time if they are not cleaned regularly, especially those with painted images or designs. It is important to have clean ceramic tile because it keeps the family healthy and happy. In the end, it also saves on money and time, since well-groomed tiles will last longer and will need to be replaced less frequently, saving on cost, labor and annoyance.

A ceramic tile can be cleaned with a sponge and detergent. Ceramic tiles have a smooth surface which makes them easy to clean. Day-to-day cleaning can involve a vacuum, since light upkeep throughout the week will result in consistently clean ceramic tile. During installation, tiles should be placed so that there are no gaps left between the individual tiles. Otherwise, the tile can leak, and seepage will occur in the spaces left behind. Seepage is a common problem in many households, and the tiles are also harder to clean, as dirt and dust will build up in the cracks and cannot be reached with a vacuum or sponge. Quickly, clean ceramic tile will become a hopeless dream.

Clean ceramic tile is also safer tile. Not only does cleaning help to extend the life and quality of tiles, it can help to extend the life of the family. Dust and other chemicals can make families sick, and cleaning tile helps to remove at least some of the bacteria and disease from the home. If oil or any other petroleum product spills on the tile floor, it should be cleaned up right away, as the tiles can become very slippery and dangerous to walk on. Clean ceramic tile saves a family from accidents, as long as it is dried adequately after cleaning.

Ceramic tile cleaners are designed specifically to clean ceramic tile, especially the surface, and are available in liquid form. Cleaner is also available as a disinfectants Care should be taken while cleaning tiles, as chemicals, no matter how harmless, can be dangerous if used improperly. Tiles form an integral part of the home, and for the family, clean ceramic tile is only in its best interest.

Macor Ceramic

MACOR machinable glass ceramic gives you the characteristics you need from a ceramic with the added benefit of easy fabrication using ordinary machine tools. No longer is it necessary to staff a ceramic specialist with high temperature kilns or specialized diamond grinding equipment. Fabrication is quick, inexpensive and accurate using your in-house personnel, local machinist or Accuratus.

Manufacture

MACOR is melted and cast using conventional glass making techniques. It is a fluorine rich glass with a composition approaching trisilicic fluorphlogopite mica (KMg₃AlSi₃O₁₀F₂). Upon cooling from the melt, the glass spontaneously phase separates into fluorine rich droplets. The resulting glass has the appearance of an opal glass. Subsequent controlled heat treatment devitrifies the fluorine rich droplets causing a series of morphological changes ultimately resulting in the formation of randomly oriented, interlocked, sheet-like fluorphlogopite mica crystals within the alumino-borosilicate glass matrix. The volume percent crystalline phase after heat treatment is approximately 55% with a mean crystal size of 20 microns. It is this uniform distribution of randomly oriented mica within the parent glass that gives rise to the unique characteristics of MACOR

Euro Ceramic

Homeowners today love stylish spa-like bathrooms. Gone are the days when this room was purely functional. Owners today want these rooms to be both relaxing and chic. Euro style showers with heavy Euro shower doors are an upgrade that is quickly replacing the more common framed and usually less attractive enclosures.

Made to order showers can make a small bathroom look bigger and, because the heavy doors often are customized, they can be installed in almost any configuration. Also, because they are unframed, they can be used even in homes with uneven walls and other awkward spaces. They are also popular because of the variety of decorative options they afford. The glass itself can be embossed or otherwise textured, if desired. However, more often the showers often feature beautiful ceramic, stone, granite, or solid-surface tile designs on the walls and/or floor. Heavy glass doors serve to frame, not obscure, these lovely features. The glass can be fitted over bathtubs or used for a walk-in shower.

Heavy Euro style shower entries require heavier glass than the standard framed enclosures in order for them to be free standing with minimal water channeling. The thicker glass in heavy euro shower doors also gives them a sleeker, more elegant appearance. Standard glass thicknesses range from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch, depending on the homeowners' needs. The heavy glass is very safe, having passed rigorous testing. The shower door options include butt-glaze or mitered corners, wall-to-wall glass, glass-to-glass, and top-to-bottom hinges. Shower framework is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, including anodized silver or gold, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze. Knobs, towel-bars, and other hardware features are available to complete the perfect spa-like design.

There are a variety of heavy Euro shower door options, starting with the single swinging door. One or two side panels can be added and these can vary in shape or size to fit the desired space. Hinged return panels sometimes are necessary or desirable and these too can be combined with a side panel or two. The ability to customize the enclosure to almost any shape makes this innovation fit perfectly into almost any bathroom configuration.

If you are an environmentalist, you will love these enclosures because of course, they eliminate the need for shower curtains. According to the Bath Enclosure Manufacturers Association (BEMA), most shower curtains are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which emits toxic compounds. Consumers need to replace plastic shower curtains frequently because they become moldy, so they end up in landfills. Heavy glass shower doors can last up to 50 years with proper care and maintenance.

Maintenance is relatively easy. All glass, including these heavy Euro style doors, can easily be cleaned using non-abrasive cleansers. Abrasive cleaners are not recommended because they can cause scratches that allow discoloration that mars the simple elegance these doors afford. Some manufacturers suggest glass sealers, available from many retail sources, to protect and retain the original transparency. They are easily applied and make cleaning simple and straightforward.

Reputable heavy Euro shower door dealers can be found in all urban areas throughout the country. But for the best results, you would be better off consulting with a business that has some expertise in installing this feature for you.