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Athangudi Tiles Disadvantages: Understanding the Limitations of Heritage Flooring
- Futurestiles
- December 21, 2024
- 1:44 pm
Athangudi tiles originated in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, India. These tiles are well-known for their rich colors, elaborate designs, and traditional handcrafting processes. Even though these tiles give a sense of history and uniqueness to contemporary spaces, prospective customers should bear in mind a few disadvantages before proceeding to make a purchase. This article discusses the drawbacks related to Athangudi tiles and the factors that homeowners and designers will have a greater perspective on.
1. High Maintenance Requirements
The need for them to be replenished regularly is perhaps the most serious issue afflicting Athangudi tiles, as these carry their right amount of significance burdens and this is where most fall short. This ensures that the tiles remain vibrant in color and have a gloss over time. which is especially required for those high-traffic areas. Further neglecting the needs of these tiles may cause extensive damage owing to staining. It also makes routine maintenance such as using PH-neutral cleaning quite important.
- Polishing Requirement: Ideally homeowners should refrain from polishing the tiles before every other year as that will gradually increase the overall cost of ED.
- Cleaning Restrictions: The use of highly chemical cleaning products should be rethought as not only do they require more effort when disinfecting the area, but they may also severely harm the surface as well.
2. Susceptibility to Staining
Athangudi tiles have the disadvantage of being porous in nature and hence, are easily susceptible to staining and absorbing liquids. Spillage of oil, any acid, or colored substance if unattended will leave a permanent mark on the tile. This feature makes it unfavoured to be used on surfaces like kitchens or outdoor areas that are subject to weather changes.
- Moisture Absorption: The tiles are porous so moisture can be absorbed making them discolored and weaker over time.
- Use of Sealant: Sealants offer protection from porosity to some extent but have to be reapplied after a certain amount of time.
3. Limited Durability in Certain Conditions
Athangudi tiles may be said to be elegant in their looks, but may not be as resilient as porcelain or vitrified tiles. In the presence of sharp objects or in extreme temperatures, such tiles can flake or develop fractures when exposed to excessive weight for an extended time period.
- Damage by Foot Traffic: Use of such tiles in work or commercial areas is not suggested as they aren’t able to bear the building’s foot traffic or heavy machinery.
- Trouble Regarding Repair: Due to slight differences in colour or design of broken and replacement tiles, the matching can be difficult.
4. Time-Intensive Installation Process
Athangudi tile installation is an arduous task with strict requirements to be followed and labor to be skilled. These tiles that are handmade are different from the ones that are mass-manufactured since they require additional knowledge and precision regarding the placement of the tiles.
- Costly Workers: Artisans who work with Athangudi tiles are difficult to come across and this makes outsourcing these works costly.
- Curing Time: Post-installation, the tiles need adequate time to settle and cure, delaying the overall construction timeline.
5. Limited Design Flexibility
The tile’s traditional knee-jerk patterns are somehow influenced by heritage aesthetics. This is why homeowners who are looking for a minimalist or contemporary look may be restricted when using Athangudi tiles.
- Traditional Appeal: The colorful and intricate patterns may not suit modernistic designs.
- Customization Constraints: Custom patterns and designs are achievable but have high price and time considerations.
6. Environmental Sensitivity
On the bright side, the tiles are handmade from eco-friendly materials such as cement, sand, and natural pigments, but the manufacturing of Athangudi tiles is highly depending on climatic conditions such as humidity and temperature changes.
- Humidity Effects: Due to increased humidity levels, the tiles are prone to absorbing considerable amounts of moisture triggering efflorescence or surface damage.
- Temperature Vulnerability: Use of the tiles outside requires greater care as a quick change of temperature would shift up the structure of the tiles leading to breakage.
7. Higher Initial Costs
The end product of the tile makers’ skill and heritage wisdom comes at a cost as Athangudi tiles are more expensive than machine-produced tiles and this is on the material and installation costs.
- Material Costs: Expensive per tile as the average cost is increased from handmade production.
- Labor Costs: Payment for the professional workers and handiwork add to the installed cost.
8. Colour Fading Over Time
The exquisite Athangudi tiles that are adored by everyone can have their vibrant colours dulled out due to excessive exposure to the sun and wear and tear.
- Relying On UV Protection: Over time, direct sunlight causes the colors to fade slowly, thus losing their vibrancy.
- Repairing the Restoration Once Worn: Resealing or polishing may be needed to restore the restoration to its original luster and color.
9. Inconsistent Quality
Because every tile is handmade, variations in color, size, and texture are only to be expected. Yes, while this uniqueness makes them attractive, it can be a drawback for those looking for consistent tiles.
- Variation In Surface Dimensions: Variations in the size of the tile would also make the process of installing the tile more difficult.
- Monochrome Superiority: Changes in grain concentration would lead to the tiles having noticeable physical changes to them.
10. Limited Availability Outside Specific Regions
Athangudi tiles are manufactured almost exclusively in Tamil Nadu which can cause logistical problems for buyers that are based in countries outside of India.
- Insufficient Shipping Charges: The further the tiles are moved from Tamil Nadu the more expensive getting the tiles is making it overall costlier.
- Slow Delivery: Due to the restrictions in supply and the handmade process, it takes a lot longer before the order is delivered.
11. Slippery Surface When Polished
The glossy surface of Athangudi tiles while giving it an appealing look and feel, makes the surface incredibly slippery when wet meaning certain areas around the house can be more dangerous to walk around in.
- Concern With Safety: In places where there is a lot of exposure to water such as pools or bathrooms these tiles are not ideal.
- Surface Modifications: Anti-slip treatments can be applied but may alter the tile’s appearance.
12. Lack of Brand Standardisation
Since there isn’t any regulatory body overseeing the slim artisans who make the Athangudi tiles, they can make tiles of any size or color with no constraints.
- Quality Assurance issues: Buyers may find it difficult to assess the long-term performance of the tiles.
- Dependence on Artisans. Each craftsman while making this makes a particular tile that is not identical to other tiles crafted by other artisans which in the end reflects on the final product.
Conclusion
The artisans are the core part of the Athangudi tile-making process and do well in keeping the values and traditions alive. However, the tiles do possess several issues including how heavy maintenance needs to be done on them or the possibility of them fading out in color and losing their aesthetic value. Athangudi tiles can be a good addition to the home for people who love and appreciate artwork.
Being aesthetically pleasing is far from enough if they do not suit your lifestyle. Being able to understand them will help avoid a mismatch.