Ceramic tiles are tiles that have been made from clay, and that often find use in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where there is a lot of moisture. The reason for this, is of course that tiles stand up well to water damage.
Standing water does not directly damage ceramic tiles. However, the grout between tiles is not entirely waterproof and allows moisture to seep through, collecting moisture under the tiles. If you have a plywood base or particleboard under the tiles, it will start to swell and warp, pushing the tile to lift even harder.
One of the best floor cleaning products, though, is one that is readily available in your home. Water is effective in keeping your tile floor looking great. You can also mix a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water for a wonderfully effective, odor-eliminating cleanser.
Even though ceramic tile will not be damaged by water, they might have some water absorption. For indoor installations, porcelain and ceramic tiles will be great for any normal wet environment, like a bathroom or shower wall.
Bathrooms are damp environments; glazed ceramic wall tiles have a protective layer that prevents them from swelling or deforming when exposed to high levels of moisture. This is an amazing benefit when it comes to wet shower walls or a steamy bathroom after taking a shower.
You may be wondering how long does a ceramic or porcelain tiled shower last. Ideally, it should last around 60-80 years with yearly maintenance. You may need to reseal the tiles once a year and replace the grouting every ten years or more if you use the shower too frequently.
Porcelain tile has the same color throughout the material. A broken or chipped piece of unglazed porcelain will have a uniform color throughout its thickness. Ceramic tile often has a glazed surface coloring, so chips may reveal a different color underneath. The finish of porcelain is smoother than that of ceramic.
If tile absorbs too much moisture over time, it can lead to major issues, such as cracking or warping. A tile's water absorption rate specifies how much moisture it is likely to hold on a continual basis, and provides insight into how reliably the surface will resist water and other liquids.
While all the water may dry up within 72 hours, it can take several weeks to repair all the damage caused. To help you deal with the water damage affecting your property the right way, we will give you a detailed guide on the entire process below.
If the water seeps all the way through, then it can sit behind the tiles where it might gradually degrade the adhesive and cause them to come away from the walls. Likewise, that moisture can create a dark and wet environment that is ideal for mold spores to set in.
For cleaning and sanitizing, the CDC recommends a dilution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Diluting bleach decreases the alkalinity and is safe for regular use on all types of porcelain and ceramic tile surfaces.
Baking Soda
Hard water stains on ceramic tile can be frustrating. The minerals leave behind residue that makes even the most expensive tiles and grout look cheap. To fix the problem, apply a baking soda and water paste to the affected areas. Allow this natural cleaner to penetrate the stain for a few minutes.
To care for the tiles properly, always avoid: harsh chemicals, such as bleach and acid, including lemon and vinegar, for routine cleaning; these can cause damage to the tiles and grout if used regularly and are also health hazards as well as posing danger to other property near the tiles.
For safety and prevent serious tile damage, try to avoid using oil-based, abrasive, and ammonia or bleach-based cleaners. If you have been using these harmful cleaners on your tile floors and have caused damage, call a tile cleaning Orlando company like us to see how we can help you.
Unsealed grout will make your tile floor vulnerable to water damage. Standing water underneath the floor will stain the grout, thus allowing bacteria and fungi to grow. They will soon develop mold spores and you will notice black stains on the corners of the tiles.
If there is dampness present under your tiles, there is a very high probability that mold spores will begin to colonize and grow. The mold spores will happily feed off of the organic surface in that area, which is usually wood.
An even bigger problem with water damage to tile floors is that it can lead to mold, mildew and bacteria growing and spreading underneath the damaged, floating tile.
Replacing Flood Damaged Tile Flooring
If your home was underwater for more than 3 days water can soak below the tiles. The best course of action, in this case, is replacing the tiles. If you have to keep the tile due to budget restrictions we suggest using epoxy grout stain to seal the grout joint.
Impervious porcelain tile has less than 0.5% water absorption rate, vitreous porcelain being 0.5-3% and ceramic being 3-7%. This is tested by first, weighing fired tile. Then it is boiled for 5 hours and let to sit in water for 24 hours.
Hard water can cause severe problems like blockage and water damage. It is also bad for tile and grout the hard water stains are very hard to remove if you ignore them for a long time. Unfortunately, we can not stop using the water. But you can keep your tile and grout clean.
If your grout is visibly cracked or crumbling, it's likely going to be letting water behind your tiles. Even if your grout doesn't appear to be damaged, if it's not water-resistant it could potentially be the source of the leak.
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.
Cost of Porcelain vs. Ceramic. While both ceramic and porcelain are less expensive than most renovation materials, their price differences are due to their density differences. Porcelain tiles are therefore more expensive than ceramic tiles.
Ceramic tiles are extremely hard. While the hardness of ceramic is considered to be an added value, as it makes them easier to clean and maintain, there is also a downside. The hardness makes it uncomfortable to stand on them, while the kitchen is an area where the user has to stand for a prolonged period.