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.
Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile.
According to NAHB, when you buy quality ceramic tile and have it professionally installed, it'll last a lifetime. That doesn't mean 30 or 40 years but rather, anywhere from 75 to 100 years. So, when you invest in this type of flooring, you can enjoy it your entire life.
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.
In kitchens, especially, where heavy objects such as cans, pots, and pans get dropped, ceramic tiles frequently break. Building standards do not regulate sharp blows to tile, only heavy dead loads. 1 Doorways are another common spot for impact-related tile cracks because items may be dropped while opening the door.
Anti-fracture membranes are designed to absorb any cracking energy and disperse it across a larger area of the floors. This keeps all that pressure off of a single tile and prevents cracking.
Porcelain floor tile is hard and dense enough that it can even be used outdoors, though it's mostly recommended for mild climates. Porcelain is even more heat-resistant than other types of ceramic, and it's also less likely to chip or crack over time.
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.
Vinegar is a multi-purpose cleaner you can use on many types of flooring such as carpet and tile. While vinegar is safe to use on laminate, vinyl, porcelain, and ceramic tile, it is best to use it sparingly since the acid in the vinegar can dissolve the finish on your floor.
Floor tiles usually become loose if your home was flooded due to rainwater. Although ceramic tiles can withstand water for a long period, the adhesive and grout may become loose after a few months.
Reapply the tile sealer every few years to keep your tiles protected. Floor tile sealing is especially important due to the amount of foot traffic. You'll know it's time to reseal when water no longer beads up on the surface of the tile, or the colour has begun to fade.
Dry-cleaning your floors about once a week is a good practice to get into. Not only does it keep grit and debris from building up and being tracked around the house, but it's also good for the tile as well. As you walk around, built-up debris can grind into the tile, damaging finishing and dulling the shine.
Porcelain Tiles
Of all the tile types available, porcelain is the strongest, beating wood and even cement, so it's easy to see why so many households choose it.
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.
Traditional subway tile is glazed ceramic. But you can get subway tile in porcelain, many kinds of natural stone, glass, and more.
Unlike other types of tile, ceramic wall tiles are highly durable and very unlikely to crack due to everyday wear and tear. With the proper installation and maintenance, ceramic wall tiles can last up to twenty years; it is no surprise ceramic tiles are such a popular option when it comes to shower walls.
All your ceramic floor tiles really need to stay clean is regular washing with a gentle soap. Avoid bleach or ammonia based cleaners, or anything that's oil-based. All these ingredients can damage the color or finish of the tiles.
Tile cleaner
If you'd like one product that cleans everything in your bathroom, the famous blue bottle of window cleaner might just be it. Windex can also be used to clean tiles and grout, without causing any damage.
Windex can be used on more than glass surfaces. There are many ways to clean your tile floor: a mop and bucket of soapy water, a premoistened cleaning pad attached to a handle, and cleaning fluid, such as Windex, used with paper towels.
If you always have Lysol® Dual Action Wipes handy, you can wipe down sinks, tiles, toilet seats, bath tubs and trash cans as well as the bathroom floor easily – and kill 99% of bacteria.
Ceramic tile
Generally, ceramic tile cleaning is straightforward. You can use most cleaning sprays to clean the surface. Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm soapy water in a bucket, then mop up the grime. Make sure to change the water frequently as to prevent dirty water re-soiling the clean tile.
Among tile options, porcelain stands out as a very strong and durable choice. It's denser than its ceramic and vinyl counterparts, although not quite as hard as some natural stones (such as quartzite).
Although tiled floors are incredibly durable, heavy items being dropped or placed on the tiles can lead to cracks. This is a common issue when ceramic wall tiles are used within floor tile applications, as they are often not suitable for supporting items such as fridges, dishwashers and washing machines.