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 tiles are relatively water-resistant, but they're not 100% waterproof. Small splashes of water will be ok, but porcelain tiles will get weaker over time, which is when the damage can happen.
Impervious porcelain tile has less than 0.5% water absorption rate, vitreous porcelain being 0.5-3% and ceramic being 3-7%.
Porcelain tile is water-resistant, which makes it ideal for areas exposed to lots of water—AKA, your shower.
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.
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.
The standard strength test for porcelain dinnerware should yield an impact strength of about 0.36 foot-pounds of force. The flexural strength for these materials is about 60-70 megapascals (MPa), about 8700-10,200 pounds per square inch (psi), at best, with earlier examples being significantly weaker.
On the other hand, porcelain tile is virtually impervious to moisture as it hardly has any pores available for moisture to infiltrate.
Porcelain tiles are among the most hygienic building materials, completely free of moisture and inhospitable for the growth of bacteria of all kinds.
While porcelain is resistant to scratches, etching and stains, these surfaces are not damage proof. Take care to avoid exposing porcelain to permanent inks or dyes, as these might not be removable.
Cons to consider:
Although porcelain tile is extremely durable, it does occasionally chip, particularly around the edges. This may not be noticeable with through-body composition, but it is a concern. Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic and other popular flooring materials.
Hard, dense, and solid, porcelain is resistant to most heavy stresses and can even be used in commercial environments. Be aware, though, that the hardness of porcelain can make it slightly more brittle than standard tiles, which means they can be more susceptible to cracking.
The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it's made. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that's fired in a kiln, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it's fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable than ceramic tile.
Left untreated, they're more susceptible to absorbing water and trapping dust, which will quickly make them look stained and dirty. Naturally, no-one wants their new wall or floor tiles to look like this, which is why porous tiles must always be sealed.
Many homes have drywall behind the shower tiles. So when water gets behind the tiles, the drywall sucks it up. This causes the drywall to expand, which can put pressure on your shower tiles. Over time, cracks can form in the shower tiles.
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.
For an item like porcelain to break down, it does not require the presence of moisture, microorganisms, oxygen, and a suitable environment. Instead, it needs harsh weather conditions because that is the only thing that can wear it out. And get this – the process can take thousands of years, if not more.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are inhospitable to the growth of bacteria hygienic benefits. There are options available with antimicrobial properties that can suppress and even destroy harmful microorganisms, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Because toilets are made of glazed porcelain, removing mold from them is usually pretty easy. A word of caution – NEVER use bleach to clean mold. Please read that post if you are considering a bleach cleaner in your toilet. Also, never use a pumice stone to scrub the inside of your toilet.
The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, the grout joint between the tiles is usually very porous and generally made of a cement-based material.
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.
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.
Porcelain is more costly than ceramic, but more affordable than natural stone. While its durability can be beneficial, it can also make the tile trickier to install.
– Simply put: no! Among tile options, porcelain stands out as a very strong and durable choice.