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Choosing the right full body vitrified tiles for your home or commercial space is crucial for ensuring durability, aesthetics, and long-term satisfaction. Vitrified tiles are popular for their strength, low porosity, and elegant appearance, especially polished vitrified porcelain tiles. To make an informed decision, it's essential to understand how to test the quality of vitrified tiles before making a purchase. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating these tiles.
Vitrified tiles are ceramic tiles with very low porosity, making them water and stain-resistant. They are made by combining clay with silica, quartz, and feldspar, and then firing them at high temperatures. This process vitrifies the tile, giving it a glass-like texture and strength. Full body vitrified tiles have a uniform color and design throughout their thickness, making them ideal for high-traffic areas as they show less wear over time.
One of the primary qualities of vitrified tiles is their low water absorption rate. To test this:
Procedure: Weigh the tile and then submerge it in water for 24 hours. After soaking, weigh the tile again.
Result: The weight difference should be minimal. Vitrified tiles typically have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%.
The durability of vitrified tiles makes them resistant to scratches and wear.
Procedure: Use a sharp object, like a steel knife, to scratch the tile's surface.
Result: A high-quality vitrified tile will show minimal to no scratch marks, maintaining its polished finish.
Given their low porosity, vitrified tiles should resist stains effectively.
Procedure: Apply common staining agents like coffee, tea, or oil on the tile surface and leave them for a few hours.
Result: The stains should be easily wiped off without leaving any permanent marks.
The strength of vitrified tiles is a crucial factor, especially for flooring in high-traffic areas.
Procedure: This test is typically done using specialized equipment to apply force until the tile breaks.
Result: For vitrified tiles, the breaking strength should be above 700 N.
For full body vitrified tiles, color consistency throughout the tile is essential.
Procedure: Break a tile and observe the color and pattern inside.
Result: The tile should have a uniform color and pattern throughout its thickness.
Perfectly flat tiles ensure even flooring without uneven edges.
Procedure: Place the tile on a flat surface and press down on all corners.
Result: The tile should sit flat without any rocking or unevenness.
Tiles in kitchens and bathrooms often come into contact with various chemicals.
Procedure: Apply diluted acid or alkali solutions on the tile surface.
Result: The tile should show no reaction or damage, maintaining its finish.
Polished vitrified porcelain tiles have a glossy surface that enhances their aesthetic appeal. Ensure the polish is even and reflective without dull spots.
Check that the tiles have uniform edges. Uneven edges can lead to difficulties in installation and result in unsightly gaps.
Measure the thickness at different points on the tile to ensure uniformity, which is crucial for consistent flooring.
Choose tiles from reputable brands known for quality. Look for certifications and standards that the tiles adhere to, such as ISO or BIS.
Testing the quality of full body vitrified tiles before making a purchase ensures that you invest in a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting product. By conducting simple tests for water absorption, scratch resistance, stain resistance, breaking strength, color consistency, flatness, and chemical resistance, you can make an informed decision. Additional checks on surface finish, edge consistency, and thickness uniformity further guarantee that you choose the best vitrified tiles for your needs. Prioritizing quality will pay off in the longevity and beauty of your tiled spaces.