Vitrified Tiles are better choice than Ceramic tiles as they undergo a process called vitrification which makes them more durable, hard and impenetrable to water. High quality vitrified tiles have a lot of benefits over natural Marble and Granite tiles and hence are very popular in residences nowadays.
Here, I have described the characteristics of Vitrified tiles along with my rating. The overall rating will help you compare Vitrified with other floor options.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VITRIFIED TILES:
Composition: Vitrified tiles are made by fusing silica and clay. The mixture is then
heated to high - fiery temperatures, which results in a non - porous
tile with glass - like texture. Unlike Ceramic tiles, the vitrified tile
doesn't need additional glaze to be added on to it.
Occurrence: Vitrified tiles are man-made. * 7
Physical Characteristics:Vitrified tiles possess much better mechanical strength and scratch-resistance compared to Marble or natural Granite and are easy to clean. * 8
Seamless flooring: Vitrified tiles have grout lines between them and so the floor does not have a seamless appearance. * 7
Seamless flooring: Vitrified tiles have grout lines between them and so the floor does not have a seamless appearance. * 7
Porosity: Vitrified tiles are totally impenetrable to water. * 8
Scratches: Vitrified tiles are more durable and scratch resistant than Marble. * 9
Stains: Vitrified tiles are stain-resistant. *8
Choices: Wide range of colours, patterns, textures is available in Vitrified tiles. * 8
Cost: Vitrified tiles are cheaper than Marble and Granite. * 8
Maintenance: Vitrified tiles are easy to maintain because of the shiny surface. *9
Maintenance: Vitrified tiles are easy to maintain because of the shiny surface. *9
Green rating: Vitrified tiles
are not a green option as they are manufactured in factories and a lot
of carbon dioxide is released into the environment during their
manufacture. * 6
OVERALL RATING OF CERAMIC TILES: 7.8
ADVANTAGES OF VITRIFIED TILES:
Consistency: Being machine-made products, Vitrified tiles are consistent in sizes, shades and thickness.
Quality: Being man-made, the quality of Vitrified tiles can be guaranteed and is not a matter of chance - tiles that do not meet standards are simply not packaged and sold.
Laying and Setting time: They are easier to install and need practically no setting time or polishing after laying.
Bright: Glossy vitrified tiles reflect much more brightness in a room while matt tiles underplay excess light.
Colour permanence: Direct exposure to sunlight will neither alter the colour of the tiles nor cause them to fade.
Non-porous: Vitrified tiles have very less water absorption index and are stain resistant.
Hygiene: Being moisture resistant, Vitrified tiles prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.
Easy to Clean: One of the biggest benefits of Vitrified tiles is that they are very easy to clean and maintain.
Cost Effective: Vitrified tiles are cheaper than many other types of flooring.
Wide range and choice: Vitrified tiles are available in many colours, patterns, designs, sizes.
DISADVANTAGES OF VITRIFIED TILES:
Installation: Tiles need to be installed by an expert tile layer to ensure thin, even and neat joints between the tiles.
Repair: The tile with the defect must be cut away along the grout lines and surrounding material could be damaged in the process.
Slippery: Vitrified tiles are slippery when wet.
Grout Maintenance: Every year or two, the grout must be resealed or it will begin to look dirty.
Not a green option: Vitrified tiles are not environment friendly as the process of making them causes a significant expenditure of energy and carbon dioxide.
SUITABILITY OF VITRIFIED TILES:
Because they are cost effective, easy to clean, water-resistant and very durable, vitrified tiles are suitable in houses and public spaces as flooring, wall covering, back-splash, benchtops and showers. However vitrified tiles look artificial. In comparison other man-made options like concrete which has a more earthy feel and terrazzo which looks elegant are available. A very cost-effective flooring option is resilient flooring.
For information on other types of floors, go to
There are lots of tiles available for the decoration of home but vitrified tiles are the best option for floor tiles
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