Hydrotect Tile

We have entered a new age of tile glazing technology.

Scientists across the globe are developing ways of breaking down those two stubborn bugs, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and E. coli, with two ingredients: light and titanium dioxide. Paints, fabric dyes and a dye to apply to wounds are being developed that utilize the process, called photocatalysis. Any light, natural or manmade, kicks off the reaction.

Not only does photocatalysis kill germs, the process cleanses the air and brings us another promising use: smog-eating concrete. There’s a street in Italy being tested with titanium dioxide embedded into concrete. The company, Italcementi, claims the concrete is reducing toxic emissions in the air by 60% in the immediate area.

But the tile industry is ahead of the game. Tile with glaze containing titanium dioxide, or Hydrotect, is available now from Deutsche Steinzeug America, (DSA). Hospitals, food industry facilities, building facades and swimming pools all over the world are already tiled with Hydrotect.

In addition to killing germs and cleaning the air, another advantage of Hydrotect tile is found in its hydrophilic property. When water contacts the tile, it is attracted to the surface and literally slides under any dirt or oil and rinses it off.

Hydrotect has three major advantages in our global green endeavors:
• Easy cleaning: the consumption of harsh cleaning agents and disinfectants can be considerably reduced, thereby protecting the environment from hazardous materials,
• Decomposing and retarding growth of bacteria, odors and other microbes without using any chemical products and emitting dangerous gases, and,
• The ability to break down the toxic fumes produced by industry and cars.

The advantages of Hydrotect surface coating are significant. The sustainable building merits of DSA ceramics supported by the capabilities of Hydrotect can work towards accumulation of points and accreditation of a LEED certified sustainable building project.

DSA offers very attractive lines of Hydrotect tile designed not only for commercial applications, but for homes also. Costs are in the low- to mid-range prices of regular tile.

Click here for a brochure and video on Hydrotect Tile.