What is structural glazed tile?

What is Structural Glazed Tile?

Structural Glazed Tile (SGT), commonly referred to as Glazed Block, refers to ceramic glazed hollow masonry units designed for both loadbearing and non-loadbearing wall applications.

Understanding Structural Glazed Tile (SGT)

Structural Glazed Tile (SGT) is a versatile and durable building material known for its combination of structural integrity and an attractive, easy-to-maintain finish. It integrates the functionality of a building block with the aesthetic and hygienic qualities of a glazed ceramic surface.

Key Characteristics

SGT is distinctly identified by the following features:

• Ceramic Glazed Surface: Each unit features a permanent, impermeable, and non-fading ceramic glaze that is fired directly onto the tile. This finish makes the surface resistant to scratches, impact, chemicals, and simplifies cleaning, eliminating the need for paint.
• Hollow Masonry Units: Unlike solid bricks or blocks, SGT units are hollow. This design can reduce overall wall weight and potentially allow for the incorporation of reinforcement or utility lines within the wall cavity.
• Dual Functionality: SGT is engineered to serve in both loadbearing and non-loadbearing capacities. This means it can contribute to the structural support of a building or simply act as an internal divider.

Primary Applications

The adaptability of Structural Glazed Tile makes it suitable for a wide array of construction uses, offering both functionality and a finished surface in one product:

• Structural Walls: Used as foundational elements that support the vertical loads of a building.
• Partition Walls: Employed to create internal divisions within a building without carrying significant structural weight.
• Multi-Wythe Walls: Incorporated as one or more layers within a multi-layered masonry wall system, often for specialized performance or aesthetic reasons.
• Veneers: Applied as an exterior or interior decorative and protective layer over another structural backing, providing a durable and attractive finish.

Benefits and Practical Insights

The selection of Structural Glazed Tile for construction projects offers numerous advantages:

• Exceptional Durability: The robust ceramic glaze provides superior resistance to abrasion, chemicals, moisture, and staining, ensuring a long service life.
• Minimal Maintenance: The non-porous, glazed surface is effortless to clean and never requires painting, significantly lowering long-term upkeep costs.
• Aesthetic Versatility: Available in a broad spectrum of colors and finishes, SGT enhances the visual appeal of interior and exterior spaces.
• Superior Hygiene: Its smooth, impervious surface is ideal for environments demanding stringent cleanliness, such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, laboratories, and food processing plants.
• Acoustic Performance: The material's density and hollow core can contribute positively to sound attenuation properties within buildings.
• Inherent Fire Resistance: As a masonry product, SGT naturally possesses excellent fire-resistant qualities.

Overview of Structural Glazed Tile