Everything You Need to Know About Vitrified Tiles
Tiles have become an integral component of contemporary homes, offices, and public buildings. Walk into any newly constructed building today, and there's a high likelihood of seeing vitrified tiles playing the central role. But why are they so popular, and why do architects and homeowners use them more than other tiles? In this blog, we'll divide everything you need to know, ranging from what is vitrified tiles to the varieties that are popular and even what is the difference between vitrified tiles and ceramic tiles.
What are Vitrified Tiles?
Let us first answer the question: what is vitrified tile?
Vitrified tiles are a form of ceramic tiles, but with a difference. They are produced through a process called vitrification, whereby a combination of clay, silica, quartz, and feldspar is subjected to very high temperatures. This process provides a glass-like finish on the surface while also rendering the tile very strong and less prone to porosity. In other words, vitrified tiles are not very absorbent of water, hence resistant to stains, scratches, and even long-term wear and tear.
Due to these characteristics, vitrified tiles can fit into nearly every area: kitchen, bathroom, living room, and even outdoor spaces. They can endure heavy foot traffic due to their durability, and their glossy or matt finishes provide owners with the freedom to design a look that is appropriate for their interiors.
Why Vitrified Tiles are Popular Today
The largest reason they are so popular is their ease of maintenance and longevity. Spilled coffee or dropped food? Simply wipe clean. Unlike natural stone, vitrified tiles don't require periodic polishing or sealing. They are also available in a vast variety of colors and patterns, making them suitable for both traditional and modern designs.
Another benefit is their homogeneity. Since they are manufactured by machines, all the tiles appear similar, which results in an even finish over large areas. This makes them a favorite among individuals who desire functionality as well as aesthetics with less maintenance.
Types of Vitrified Tiles
Since you now know what vitrified tiles are, let's proceed with the various types that exist. Each of them has its own characteristics, and it all depends on where and how you are going to apply them.
1. Full Body Vitrified Tiles
Here, the design and color run throughout the thickness of the tile. Even when the tile is chipped, chipping is hardly noticeable. For this reason, they are ideal for areas of heavy traffic such as commercial establishments, outside environments, and areas where durability is more important than diversity in design.
2. Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT)
These come with a glazed surface that provides more design versatility. Wood grain textures to marble patterns, GVT tiles introduce diversity to the interiors and yet maintain robustness. They're also heavily used on living room floors, bedrooms, and ornamental walls.
3. Polished Vitrified Tiles (PVT)
These are smoothened and polished vitrified tiles that provide a smooth, glossy look. They're ideal for producing a sense of spaciousness indoors but can be slippery under wet conditions.
4. Double Charged Vitrified Tiles
You can ask, what are double charged vitrified tiles? They are produced by embedding two layers of pigments within the production process so that the design becomes thicker and also more resistant. The patterns tend to be simpler than GVT, but their wear resistance makes them a popular option for heavy usage areas such as offices, malls, and big families.
Benefits of Vitrified Tiles
- Longevity: Scratch, stain, and moisture resistant.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple to clean with no special maintenance needed.
- Flexibility: Can be found in a vast array of finishes, colors, and sizes.
- Weather Resistant: Indoor and outdoor use possible.
- Value for Money: Although pricier than ceramic at first, their lifespan tends to make them a wiser choice in the long run.
What is the Difference Between Vitrified Tiles and Ceramic Tile?
One of the most frequent questions asked when it comes to selecting flooring is: how is vitrified tile different from ceramic tile? The response is both in composition and function.
Ceramic tiles are produced using a mixture of clay and water, high-temperature baking, and glazing. Ceramic tiles are inexpensive and popular but more porous in nature, allowing them to soak up water and stains more readily. Ceramic tiles are therefore not as ideal for outdoor areas or areas with exposure to moisture.
Vitrified tiles, however, are subjected to vitrification, making them much denser and less porous. They are much more resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture than ceramic tiles. Ceramic is wonderful for walls or in areas that are used lightly, whereas vitrified tiles are more suited to floors and heavy-traffic areas. When it comes to appearance, vitrified tiles tend to have a smoother finish and have a longer lifespan, while ceramic tiles will need greater maintenance in the long run.
Where to Install Vitrified Tiles
The versatility of vitrified tiles makes them fit for nearly every corner of a house or business building. In the kitchen, they endure oil stains and are simple to clean. In the bathroom, their waterproof nature averts the growth of mold. For the living room, their high-gloss finishes can make the area shine. Outside, their toughness makes them resist rain, dust, and temperature fluctuations. It's this "single solution for multiple problems" quality that makes them so popular in contemporary construction.
How to Maintain Vitrified Tiles
Though they are so tough, regular maintenance has the vitrified tiles appearing brand new after decades. Sweeping every day and occasional mopping using gentle cleaners should do. Avoid the use of abrasive chemicals that might remove the tile's shine after prolonged use. For those with a more glossy appearance, matting the entrance can abate dust and sand that could dull the shine. Frequent cleaning of grout joints is also necessary, as unclean grout stains even the cleanest of tiles to give the appearance of age.
The Future of Vitrified Tiles
With technology improving, vitrified tiles are likely to have even greater diversity in terms of designs and finishes. Digital printing enables tiles mimicking natural wood, marble, or granite without the associated high maintenance for these materials. All this, while enhanced slip-resistant surfaces make them more suitable for wet spaces. It's certain that vitrified tiles will be ruling residential as well as commercial areas for many years to come.
Conclusion
From knowing about what is vitrified tiles to learning about what is double charged vitrified tiles, and lastly finding out about what is the difference between vitrified tiles and ceramic tile, it's apparent that vitrified tiles have marked a firm space in contemporary construction. Their durability and ability to adapt make them an extremely practical option for residents. When building from scratch or redeveloping a pre-existing area, vitrified tiles offer a strong and chic alternative that is specifically designed to stand the test of time.