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Vitrified Tiles | Vitrified Floor Tiles | Types of Vitrified Floor Tiles | Pros and Cons of Vitrified Tiles | Installation of Vitrified Tiles

What Are Vitrified Tiles?

Vitrified Flooring tiles are a type of ceramic tiles that have very low porosity. These tiles have undergone the vitrification process which makes them less porous and hence their water absorption rate is low too.

All about Vitrified Tiles It can be used alternatively for marble and granite flooring. Its water and frost resistance is high because of which they are extensively used in outdoor construction. And due to this and many other reasons, Vitrified Tiles are becoming more and more popular nowadays. Read More: Types of flooring and Tiles for Your Perfect Home

Properties of Vitrified Tiles

When you are planning to go for a particular type of tile, along with the color, size, and look, pay attention to the technical properties of the tiles too for they can define the quality of the tile instead of just appearance.

Properties of Vitrified Tiles Some of the Technical Properties are enlisted below: - Durability: Durability of vitrified tiles is more than the other type of tiles and hence they last longer. - Porosity: These tiles are less porous, hence absorb less water. The porosity rate of these tiles is less than 3%. This prevents moisture and dampness. -  Water resistance: These tiles are less porous and hence water-resistant. This makes these tiles a suitable choice for wet areas like kitchen, bathrooms, etc - Scratch resistance: These tiles have scratch-resisting property. The colour of these tiles remains intact even after they are scratched. Only the sheen of the polished tiles is lost over time due to scratching. - Frost resistance: As water absorption is less, these tiles are resistant to frost too. Hence, its usage for outdoor areas is preferred. - Brightness: The polished vitrified tiles reflect a considerable amount of light. Hence, its usage as flooring especially in the kitchen is preferred. Read More: Resilient Flooring & its Types with Benefits

Types of Vitrified Tiles

There are different types of vitrified flooring tiles available in the market. A particular type is designed for a particular purpose, hence choosing the suitable one that fits with your needs is necessary. This can be done only by getting familiar with all of the available types. The classification can help in this. Vitrified tiles are classified on the basis of the manufacturing process as follows: 1. Soluble Salt Vitrified Tiles

Soluble Salt Vitrified Tiles These tiles are screen printed as well as polished. The tiles are first printed through screen printing technology. Afterwards, they are polished. The design of these tiles may fae away in a few years. These tiles are not much in use in present time. 2. Double Charge Vitrified Tiles Double Charge Vitrified Tiles Double charge vitrified tiles serve as the most popular tiles amongst the users. These tiles find great usage in commercial and residential projects. These tiles are such pressed that the pattern with a double layer of pigment is printed. For printing a double layer of pigment through the press, two types of colour are fed into the pressing machine. Hence, the thickness of the upper layer of these tiles is 3-4 mm more as compared to other types of vitrified tiles.  However, complex patterns cannot be printed through this process owing to the limitations in technology. The thickness of the design layer is at most 4 mm. Else the strength of the tiles is compromised. Glossy and matt finish is available in these tiles. These tiles produce a long-wearing surface which is pretty much suitable for heavy traffic commercial projects. These tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic without much wear and tear. These tiles are widely used commercially and residentially as they require much less maintenance as compared to other types of vitrified tiles. Double charge vitrified tiles find application in hospitals, libraries, malls, museums, restaurants, and even in educational institutions. To increase the durability of the double charge vitrified tiles, an extra layer of nano-coating may be applied, then these tiles are known as PGVT tiles. Application of this coating also enhances its quality. Advantages: - Maintenance required is low - Dirt and dust accumulation on the surface is prevented - Durability is high as compared to other vitrified tiles - More options are available to select the design and shades as these tiles exhibit huge variety. The reason for the variety is that design is to be printed on the surface only. - The surface of these tiles is resistant to scratches and stains - Installation is comparatively easy - Shine of these tiles si retained for a long period Disadvantages: - Double charged vitrified tiles are not available in complex design patterns - Extra coating of needs to be applied Check for examining the quality of double charged vitrified tiles - Water test: Pour water on the surface of the tiles. If the water forms droplets and rolls off from the surface then after, the quality is good. - Permanent Marker test: Use a permanent marker to mark on the surface of the tile. Leave it for some time to dry. Try removing the stain afterwards. If it is erased without ample efforts, then it is surely a genuine double charged vitrified tile. Size: Size depends on the manufacturer. Commonly available sizes are: - 600 mm * 600 mm - 800 mm * 800 mm - 600 mm * 1200 mm - 800 mm * 1600 mm, etc Cost: The initial cost of double charge vitrified tiles is more as compared to ceramic tiles but it is worth it in the long run. The cost is more than that of the glazed vitrified tiles but less than that of full body vitrified tiles. 3. Full Body Vitrified Tiles

Full Body Vitrified Tiles These tiles have a pigment distributed in its entire thickness (cross-section). Hence, these tiles are called full body vitrified tiles. Cost also depends on the size and manufacturer. Due to this reason, the scratches are not much visible in this type of vitrified tiles. Hence, these tiles serve as an ideal choice for high traffic zones. Advantages: - When the tile is cut while fixing at the junction of two walls at a right angle, the border of the tile also has the same colour. - Scratches are not much visible in these tiles owing to the similar colour in its entire thickness. - Design, colour and pattern of full body vitrified tiles remain intact throughout its lifetime. - Cleaning of these tiles is much easier. - Maintenance cost is very less. Disadvantages: - Expensive as colour printing technology is to be utilised. - Limited options are available for selecting the design in full body vitrified tiles. Size: Size depends on the manufacturer. Commonly available sizes are: - 600 mm * 600 mm - 800 mm * 800 mm - 600 mm * 1200 mm, etc Cost: The cost of manufacturing these tiles is on the higher side. Cost is more than that of the double charged vitrified tiles. Cost also depends on the size and manufacturer. 4. Glazed Vitrified Tiles

Glazed Vitrified Tiles Glazed vitrified tiles are popularly known as GVT too. The name of these tiles is kept owing to its glazed surface. These tiles come in a variety of designs and artwork. Many surface textures are also available like wood, grain, bamboo, slate or stone. These tiles are available in finishes like glossy, matt, rustic, and many others. The process of glazing is also costly. But, with the introduction of digital printing techniques, the cost is reducing. Therefore, these tiles are also called digital vitrified tiles. Advantages: - Any type of design can be printed on top of these tiles as there is glaze on the surface. This allows a variety of designs. Disadvantages: - Unsuitable for high traffic areas - Durability of GVT tiles is less than that of the full body or even double charge vitrified tiles - Glazing layer may fade away with time - Scratch resistance is less Size: Size depends on the manufacturer. Commonly available sizes are: - 300 mm * 300 mm - 600 mm * 600 mm - 800 mm * 800 mm - 600 mm * 1200 mm - 800 mm * 1200 mm, etc. Cost: The cost of glazed vitrified tiles is less than that of double charged vitrified tiles. Cost also depends on the size and manufacturer. 5. Polished Glazed Vitrified Tiles

Polished Glazed Vitrified Tiles These tiles are abbreviated as PGVT tiles. These tiles are manufactured in a similar manner as the glazed vitrified tiles. To enhance the shine, an additional layer of polish is applied on the top in PGCT tiles. The water absorption capacity of PGVT tiles is less as compared to GVT tiles. Advantages: - Application of an additional layer of polish adds to the shine of the top layer Disadvantages: - Durability of PGVT tiles is less than that of double charge vitrified  tiles Size: Size depends on the manufacturer. Commonly available sizes are: - 300 mm * 300 mm - 600 mm * 600 mm - 800 mm * 800 mm - 600 mm * 1200 mm - 800 mm * 1200 mm, etc Cost: The cost of PGVT tiles is more than that of GVT tiles. Cost also depends on the size and manufacturer. 6. Nano Polished Vitrified Tiles Another name of these tiles is nanotechnology vitrified tiles or just nano tiles too. Chemical nanotechnology is applied in the manufacture of these tiles. A layer of liquid silica is applied to the vitrified tiles. After that, micropores existing on the surface of the tiles are filled. Due to this process, the tiles become smooth and shiny. The nano components of these tiles are self-setting and they form an invisible layer on the surface of the vitrified tiles. This layer provides water and dust resistance. It also provides antimicrobial properties to these tiles. Advantages: - Nano coating enhances the resistance to ink, stains, or any liquids - The water-resistant property of these tiles is also enhanced - Ease in cleaning - These tiles also have antibacterial properties - Scratch-resistant - Ease in maintenance

Pros of Vitrified Tiles

Higher quality vitrified flooring tiles may also be compared with granite or marble tiles. Let's see some of the advantages of these vitrified tiles. 1. Durability The durability of vitrified tiles is more than marble, granite, or ceramic tiles. As feldspar and quartz are added to clay, additional strength is acquired by the tiles. Besides strength, the three elements after undergoing the heat treatment give shine too. 2. Consistency in Dimensions The quality of vitrified tiles is also considered better owing to their consistency in size and thickness. Consistency is observed even in shades of these tiles. 3. Early Usage Vitrified tiles can be used within 48 hours of their installation. This is because they do not require setting time after laying. Even polishing is not required. 4. Ease in Cleaning The cleaning of these tiles is easier owing to their shiny surface. Higher quality tiles allow the stains from even permanent marker to be easily removed. Periodically, bicarbonate soda and water can be used to clean the intense stains from these tiles. Soapless detergent can also be used to remove clean these tiles. Avoid using acid-based cleaners as they make the tiles dull in due course of time. 5. Bright Surface The surface of vitrified tiles is sparkling and glossy which results in these tiles appearing brighter. 6. Non-Porous These tiles are non-porous as their water absorption rate is very low due to the vitrification process. This is also one of the reasons that these tiles are resistant to stains. 7. Lesser Thickness Vitrified flooring tiles have half the thickness as compared to granite, marble, or other such tiles.  Less thickness makes these tiles look aesthetically appealing. 8. Water and Stain Resistant These tiles are non-porous as well as resistant to stain. 9. Resistant to Microbial Growth As known from above, these tiles resist moisture. Hence, bacterial and fungal growth are not found on these tiles. 10. Retains its Quality in Sunlight These tiles do not suffer damage under the effect of sunlight. The color of these tiles does not alter or fade away when exposed to sunlight. 11. Cost-Effectiveness The vitrified tiles can compare to natural stone flooring like marble or granite in appearance. However, the cost of vitrified tiles is much low as compared to these natural tiles. The approximate cost of vitrified tiles is around 35-350 Rs while the cost of marble and granite ranges between 150-2500 Rs.

Cons of Vitrified Tiles

There is no material that does not have any shortcomings. You just got familiar with the pros of these tiles. Now let us have a look at the disadvantages of these tiles which are mentioned below: 1. Slippery Surface

Slippery Surface of Vitrified Tiles The glossy surface of vitrified flooring tiles is extremely slippery, especially if it is wet. Anti-slip vitrified tiles are also available in the market. However, the design options are further reduced 2. Expensive Installation The installation requires an expert person, and this makes the installation expensive. Care should be taken that the tiles are installed uniformly. The joints between the tiles should be thin, even and neat too- this really requires an expert. 3. Difficult Repair

Crack in Vitrified Tiles Though these tiles do not require much maintenance, however, its repair is not an easy job. The grouting lines are to be cut and the damaged tile is removed. In the process of removing the grout, surrounding tiles may also be affected and they also need to be removed then. Moreover, there is a high possibility that the newly fit tile may not be able to form a bond with the old grout and the same tile may suffer damage in a few years. 4. Periodic Joint Resealing The grout applied in joints of these tiles requires resealing within a year or at most two years. Or else, the grout will start appearing dirty. 5. Not Environment-Friendly The manufacturing of vitrified tiles consumes a huge extent of energy. In the manufacturing process, a large quantity of carbon dioxide is also released. Thus, these tiles are not eco-friendly. 6. Ill-Effects on Health Vitrified tiles are hard tiles that are known to not yield much. Hence, some of the doctors do not recommend the usage of vitrified tiles for the flooring. Vitrified tiles are supposed to be causing unnecessary stress on joints. This results in joint pain and stuck knees.

Comparison of Vitrified Flooring Tiles with Other Types of Tiles

To decide which tiles should you use for your home, a comparison between different types is necessary. Here, vitrified tiles are compared with a few types as follows: 1. Vitrified Tiles v/s Ceramic Tiles: Read the full article