One thing that sets porcelain tile apart from other flooring materials is its water resistance — in fact, it is completely waterproof. That makes it an exceptional flooring for areas that are prone to getting wet, such as bathroom tile and kitchen tile.
More specifically, porcelain tiles are what is often referred to as “moisture proof.” As you might imagine, this means that they are impervious to moisture, which means that they aren't likely to get easily damaged simply by being in bathrooms or even wet rooms.
Porcelain tile is water-resistant, which makes it ideal for areas exposed to lots of water—AKA, your shower.
Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile. According to the ASTM standards, porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0.5-percent or lower. Ceramic tiles are more porous and often have a higher water absorption rate.
As porcelain is nearly waterproof, porcelain tiles are the best material to use when installing a wet room due to the levels of moisture. Ceramic is perfect to use all over in a standard bathroom especially with the wide choice of designs available including some with anti-slip properties.
Porcelain tile has a 60+ year life expectancy, so you definitely get your money's worth. It's perfect for walls, floors and indoor/outdoor installations.
In addition to being budget-friendly and durable, porcelain's low moisture absorption rate and its density make it perfect for use as outdoor tile. If you want your outdoor space to be inspired by nature, there are a number of porcelain tiles made to look like natural stone, making them ideal for the look.
Porcelain tiles for outdoor use should have a rating greater than 0.6 COF (R11 or higher). This additional slip resistance makes them ideal for outdoor installations, such as around swimming pools, a hot tub, or for walkways.
But what about winter weather? Porcelain pavers are designed to withstand freezing temperatures. They will not crack or chip if they freeze solid. Their density proves impossible for moisture to seep through and cause any internal damage.
Rainy weather will not harm the porcelain because no matter where or how it gets wet, it will not absorb water or degrade. Imagine an outdoor patio after a flood.
And it can grow on any surface — porcelain, plastic, copper, silicone — as long as that surface is coated with organic matter. "Mold doesn't live on your shower walls or the grout or caulk; it actually lives on the deposited skin cells and soap residues (which have your skin cells in them)," Duncanson says.
Porcelain tiles are among the most hygienic building materials, completely free of moisture and inhospitable for the growth of bacteria of all kinds.
Things to Avoid
Stay away from products with bleach or ammonia because they can change the tile or grout coloring. If you need to scrub your floors, make sure not to use any brushes with hard bristles since they can scratch the porcelain surface.
Porcelain tiles tend to be harder, more resilient and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. They are one of the easiest types of tile to maintain but their surface can eventually be eroded by the regular use of corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or acids that can also damage the grout and loosen the tiles.
The surface of porcelain and ceramic tile do not require sealing, however, it's important to note that even though your porcelain or ceramic tile does not need to be sealed, the grout used during installation will need to be sealed and maintained.
It is also possible to crack a porcelain tile, however due to their strength this is less likely than with a lot of other types of paving.
Extremely hot water in a cold sink
In the case of less durable materials such as porcelain, fiberglass, wood and glass, these materials will eventually break down and erode if exposed to drastic temperature shifts over long periods of time. These usually will manifest as cracks, material stripping or warping.
The clays used for ceramic tile are less dense than porcelain clays, which means ceramic tiles are somewhat more prone to cracking and breaking. Unglazed ceramic tiles may also need to have sealers applied to the entire tile, not just the grout lines.
Over-reduction of the incisal edge is one of the most common causes of porcelain fracture.
Porcelain veneers have excellent durability. The porcelain veneer lifespan is an average of 10 years, but they can easily last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Simply put, outdoor porcelain tiles do not need sealing. These tiles present a wide array of benefits. On top of that list is being imporous or low porosity. Similar to ceramic, porcelain paving is fired in a kiln.
Due to the low moisture absorption rate of 0.5% or lower, porcelain is less likely to crack which makes it frost-proof. The porcelain tile will survive even the harshest of winters when used for patios, driveways, balconies and conservatories.
To avoid water pooling on the surface of your porcelain paving it is recommended that you have a fall between 1:60 – 1:80, it is essential to run the water off the surface over the shortest distance. Porcelain is impermeable and water tension will be apparent even with a patio with a suitable fall.
So, can porcelain tile withstand heat? Porcelain tiles can withstand extended heat for long periods without altering their appearance or chemical properties. These tiles will remain uninterrupted in temperatures between 1200 and 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Porcelain is suitable for use around swimming pools and for general outdoor paving, it has the highest slip rating P5 which is above what is required for wet environments like around a pool.