Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain Tiles in the Philippines are a solution of very dense clay soils that are baked at higher temperatures than traditional ceramic tile floors. They are made of clay and other natural materials that are mixed and baked in the oven. It is known for its very uniform and non-porous construction. This makes it better for rooms with fluctuating temperatures and a more reliable option for radiant heating solutions.
Porcelain was first developed in China and exported to Europe between the 17th and 18th centuries. Beautiful pots and other delicate ornaments were made of porcelain, but the discovery of the basic material, the soft paste with a hard past, made porcelain an important industrial object. The porcelain is resistant to high temperatures, abrasion-resistant and non-porous, which enables a very low water absorption. Porcelain is an important insulating material today and is often used for dentures and veneers. For this reason, porcelain tiles are ideal for residential and commercial purposes.
Porcelain Tiles for Sale
HIL 3005
Types of Porcelain Tiles
There are two types of porcelain tiles known as: Through bodied porcelain tiles and glazed porcelain tiles. These tiles are also available in three variants: enameled, polished or unglazed.
Full Body Porcelain Tile
The composition and texture of the tile color is not only uniform on the surface of the tile. The tiles are made of a mixture of clay, sand and minerals that are shaped and fired at high temperatures. The tiles are extremely strong, durable and frost resistant. Unless they are polished, these tiles are non-slip and scratch resistant.
The color does not fade because there is no glaze and if a tile clamp is used, the color at the bottom is the same. These type of porcelain tiles can be installed in homes as well as on walls or countertops, and in damp locations such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Glazed Porcelain Tile
This is made of porcelain (a mixture of clay, sand and minerals), baked in the oven and is enameled. The enamel is usually tinted and consists of a layer of glass wear (liquid glass), which is fired on the surface and gives the tile its final color. If the polish is then polished, the tile should be sealed after installation to make it pore-free. The glossy finish makes this tile dirt-repellent and offers more color and texture options.
Glazed porcelain tiles are the most common variety chosen by homeowners for their durability and the variety of colors and textures available in tile shops. Glazed tiles can look shiny or dull and are extremely durable and very dirt-repellent. These tiles can mimic the appearance of natural stones such as granite, limestone and slate, as well as metals such as aluminum and brass. Some varieties even imitate hardwood. These machine-made tiles are available in all shapes and sizes and can be used on walls, floors or countertops.
All types of tiles are more durable and dense than ceramic tiles and require less maintenance. Glazed porcelain is more difficult to scratch, stain and also resists moisture and frost.
PROs
- They are considered hard and dense when compared to other available tiles. Also considered in the market as quality tiles.
- Porcelain is known for its frost resistance and can easily resist stains, scratches and moisture. And if the tiles are spotty, the cleaning and maintenance of these tiles are easy.
- These tiles are abrasion resistant and due to its construction it is ideal for heavy loads. Porcelain tiles are used for long and heavy applications.
- When it comes to variety, the consumer cannot go wrong with these tiles. These products are available in a number of variants. Porcelain is also aesthetic and the way the tiles are designed and constructed depends on the artistic talent of the manufacturers and designers. For example, for more adventurous custom porcelain tiles can be created and recreated. The appearance of natural stone, slate and even marble can be reproduced by the manufacturer.
- Porcelain is also known for its durability due to the content of the material. These tiles are made of more feldspar than clay and are therefore more durable than ordinary clay tiles.
- Laying these tiles is easy. Even home improvement can easily lay these tiles.
- They are characterized by a very low water absorption, which facilitates the cleaning and care of porcelain laid and finished floors.
- They are easy-to-maintain products.
CONs
Heavy weight:
As with all hard tile options, these materials are usually quite heavy. This can make the installation process a difficult and time-consuming task. This also limits the use of these products in most second and third tier environments, unless the building has been specifically designed to withstand the extra loads.
High price:
Porcelain tiles are expensive and these materials often exceed the expensive options of standard ceramics. These costs are increased by the installation costs, which can be 25 to 50% of the total cost, depending on the location and particularities of the project. However, these soils can last for decades and pay back the initial investment over time.
Lack of a standard identifier:
No clear rule requires products marked as porcelain to have certain properties. Although ASTM and PTCA have certification procedures, they are voluntary and retailers are free to describe their tiles at will. This can make it difficult to determine what you actually buy and what properties the material has.
Grout maintenance:
While porcelain is almost impervious to stains, damage and water intrusion, the lines between these tiles are still vulnerable. Joint mortar is a porous material, even when it is secured, and must be sealed to prevent damage through regular use. Even with proper maintenance, these features can sometimes be altered by moisture and insidious moisture, discoloring them with mold.