05 May 2025, Read Time : 4 Min
64
How to Maintain Outdoor Tiles in Indian Summers
Indian summer’s scorching heat could be brutal to outdoor areas, primarily tiled grounds that endure the gruelling sun and monsoon rain. Whether you own a balcony, patio, or garden walkway, maintenance becomes necessary to leave your outdoor tiles looking new and clean without having to suffer damage from heat. In this article, learn how to follow step by step when it comes to taking care of your outdoor tiles during Indian summers’ hot spells.
Understanding the Challenge
Indian summers throw some challenges to outdoor tiles. With longer exposure to sunshine, temperature variations, and accumulations of leaves and twigs, your outdoor tiles can undergo issues like fading, cracking, and discolouration during summer. But with proper maintenance and care, your outdoor tiles will appear fresh and function optimally the whole season.
Regular Cleaning: The Key to Tile Maintenance
Daily Sweeping Does Count
Begin with the basics—daily sweeping of your outdoor tiled areas in summer. This essential step keeps dust, leaves, and debris from accumulating and scratching the surface upon walking. Sweeping early in the morning is also convenient as it removes overnight-settled dust.
Clean your exterior tiles weekly. The best time to do this is early morning since water will not evaporate too fast in the heat of the day. Plain water and a soft push broom are best for everyday cleaning. Do this twice a week for high-traffic areas, such as doorways.
Clean up spills at once to prevent staining. Spilled food or liquid is inevitable during summer gatherings—clean them up immediately with a wet rag. Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it for 15 minutes, scrape it off, and then wash it off if it’s still there.
Shielding From Heat Damage
Heat-resistant sealers are your tiles’ best friends during Indian summers. They provide a shield against UV rays, which keep fading and heat expansion damage at bay. Not all tiles require sealing—porcelain tiles won’t usually need it, but natural stone, terracotta, and cement tiles can really do with sealing.
Seal it at the start of summer, preferably in March or early April, before it becomes extremely hot. Give the surface a good clean and let it dry first. Reapply most sealants every 1-2 years, but better-quality ones should last longer.
Make Shade Where Possible
Consider installing awnings, pergolas, or shade sails over huge expanses of tiles to block direct sunlight as much as possible. Even semi-shading has the effect of significantly reducing surface temperatures and the lifespan of your outdoor tiles.
Also Read: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Adhesives for Tiles
Preventing Moisture-Related Issues
Accurate drainage is crucial, especially in light of the sudden pre-monsoon rains that usually come in late summer. Ensure your tiled area is inclined slightly (around 1-2%) away from the house to avoid water collection.
Inspect and sweep drainage pipes now and then, as leaves and rubbish clog them more often than not. Keep a special watch during dust storms, which occur regularly in northern India during the summer season.
Address Mold and Mildew Quickly
The infrequent rain and hot weather combine to provide ideal mold growth conditions. Check hidden areas often for initial mold or mildew development. A 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar works well for small infestations. Mold and mildew tile cleaning are usually necessary for stubborn mold.
Smart Cleaning Practices
Select Time-Appropriate Cleaning
Prevent cleaning tiles during the hottest part of the day (11 AM to 3 PM). Sudden evaporation can leave behind water spots and cleaning residue. Morning or evening cleaning permits drying without excessive evaporation.
Utilize Suitable Cleaning Products
Harsh chemicals will etch tile surfaces and sealants. A solution of mild dish soap and water is effective as a basic cleaner for day-to-day cleaning. For heavier cleaning (perhaps a once-a-month occurrence), use pH-neutral cleaners designed specifically for your type of tile.
Avoid acidic cleaners on marble or limestone since they can etch. For marble or limestone, use cleaners designed specifically for natural stone.
Other Summer-Specific Reminders
Keep a look at the Grouts
Heat expands, and this can stress grout lines. Check grout regularly for cracks or wear. Fix damaged grout immediately to avoid water seepage under tiles, which can cause loosening.
On hot days, lightly spray your outdoor tiles with water at the beginning of the evening. This cools the surface and also picks up dust collected throughout the day. Just be sure not to allow the water to collect on the surface.
Shield Furniture Contact Points
Position protecting pads under outdoor furniture legs to avoid scratches and wear on tile surfaces. In intense heat, metal furniture can be scorching hot and harm tile surfaces. Try using furniture covers or relocating items to shaded areas.
Also Read: How to Select Perfect Ceramic Roof Tiles for Your Home?
Summing It Up
Caring for outdoor tiles in Indian summers involves regularity and effort but pays dividends in long-term wear and look. By adopting these tips, you can keep your outdoor areas looking great and serving their purpose well despite the harsh climate.
For those planning new outdoor tiling installations, Orientbell Tiles has a great selection of heat-resistant, long-lasting tiles that have been developed with Indian climatic conditions in mind. Their outdoor tiles have improved UV resistance, low water absorption, and anti-skid features—ideal for patios, balconies, and garden paths that bear the full brunt of Indian summers. If installed correctly and maintained as suggested above, an Orientbell tiled outdoor area can look beautiful for years, no matter how hot the summer is.
600×1200 mm
