While you might be using ceramic tiles in your bathroom under the belief that they are waterproof, the truth is that they actually aren't fully waterproof.
It's a common assumption among homeowners that tiles are waterproof and water can't pass through tiles and into the substrate once grout has set. Unfortunately, that's only partly true. While tiles themselves are largely water resistant, tiled areas are fairly porous thanks to the surrounding grout.
Standing water can seep through the tile and reduce the adhesive bond over time. The adhesive seal that cements the tile to the floor slowly deteriorates and you may notice that a few tiles are wobbling when you step on them.
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.
In general, water shouldn't get under your tiles, but it does happen. Grouting protects the areas around the tiles, and when used correctly, it should stop any moisture from penetrating your tiles.
Tiles can become loose, detaching from the surface below, and potentially crack. Mold, mildew, and bacteria can accumulate underneath the damaged, floating tile.
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.
And cement isn't waterproof. Every time you turn on the shower, the grout gets wet. If you don't dry it off right away (and let's be honest, we aren't exactly wiping our showers down with a towel), the grout absorbs that water. That water then works its way behind the tiles and into the wall.
For the most part, the main reason why cracked tiles in a bathroom are a problem, is because water can seep into the cracks, reduce the lifespan of the in-built waterproofing system, and eventually penetrate the subfloor.
Water Absorption (W.A.) – Very Important for Bathroom Tile
As a general rule Ceramic tiles absorb more water than porcelain tiles but both can be used in wet areas. For bathroom tile make sure the absorption rating is less than 3% (aka Vitreous or Impervious tiles). Another term for Impervious tile is Porcelain tile.
Porcelain tiles are the go-to choice because they boast the best water resistance since they feature the lowest absorption rate.
Stone tiles often are waterproof, and porcelain tiles are far more waterproof. Porcelain tiles have a very similar look to ceramic tiles, being also made from clay. However, they go through a different heating process which makes them less porous. This also makes them harder and less prone to chipping.
ANSWER. ANSWER - If the ceramic tile is already installed there is no way to fully waterproof the floor after the fact, unless you replace the tile and install a legitimate waterproof membrane during the replacement process. Some people will try to put a sealer on the grout joints, but that doesn't waterproof it.
How Do I Find Out if My Shower Tiles Are Waterproof? If your shower has a funky smell that won't go away no matter how many times you clean, it's probably because your tile isn't actually waterproof. Wet areas or noticeable molding—whether on the shower walls or floor—are other signs this might be your problem.
When a toilet leaks at the base, with water pooling on your bathroom floor, it's typically due to the failure of the wax gasket that seals the toilet to the floor. This seal should make a watertight connection between the toilet and floor. A leak often means that the wax seal may need to be replaced.
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.
Can shower water leak through grout? Yes, certainly. Grout isn't a waterproof material, and lets water through.
The tiles of you shower stall might feel muddy and the area where you take a shower might be slimy and damp. This can be a sign of black molds growing behind the shower tiles. Keep an eye on the walls of the bathroom. If there is a growth of black mold then the walls will show signs of damage.
For a leak-proof shower, a waterproofing system must be installed prior to the tile. This is the most critical step for a tile shower and when this step is done incorrectly, failure will occur and the shower will leak. There are many products designed to waterproof the shower, the shower floor being the most critical.
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.
What Makes Porcelain Tile Better than Ceramic Tile for Showers? One of the greatest features of porcelain tile is its water absorption rate. Porcelain tile is made from a finer clay and fired at higher temperatures than standard ceramic tile.
Ceramic tiles are porous, meaning they have very small “holes” (pores) along the surface. These pores can absorb small amounts of liquid. So, it's more accurate to say that ceramic tiles are water resistant. As long as spills aren't left to sit around regularly, the tiles should be just fine.
Soap scum and dirt are bound to accumulate as long as shower tiles are exposed to moisture (all the time). Drying the tiles off after each shower will slow this buildup. Use a rubber squeegee or microfiber towel to get rid of remaining water spots and leave the tile looking sparkling clean.
Remove the moisture: Squeegee shower walls, floors and doors after every shower to remove mildew-causing moisture. Then, wipe these areas again with a dry towel to get rid of any last bit of water.