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The Basics of Ceramic Tiles: Density of Tile
In order to measure the density of tile, you need to
determine the amount of water the tile absorbs. This measurement will
establish a tile is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. A stronger floor
tile will have fewer air pockets, and therefore, a higher density
bisque. This type of tile would be appropriate for the outdoors since it
will absorbed less moisture and be less likely to crack in freezing
temperatures than the lower density tiles that absorb more than 3%
moisture.
There are four categories of tile density classifications. There are
non-vitreous, semi-vitreous, vitreous and impervious tiles.
The non-vitreous tiles are appropriate only for indoor use since they
absorb at least 7% of their weight in water.
Semi-vitreous tiles are also suitable for only indoor use because they
absorb 3% to 7% of their weight in water.
Vitreous tiles are frost-resistant and can be used indoors or outdoors;
they absorbed 0.5% to 3% moisture.
Impervious tiles are the most durable tiles you can buy. They absorb 0
to 0.5% of their weight in water, and they are also resistant to frost.
Thus, they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Ceramic tiles are offered in glazed and unglazed types. Glazed and
unglazed tiles are made the same, but glazed tiles go one step further.
A glass layer is applied then heated in a kiln at an extremely high
temperature, which causes the glass to liquefy and become fused to the
bisque. There are many different colors and designs of glazes. The
surface created from this process is almost stain-resistant.
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