Most people consider porcelain tiles due to their stunning appearance, versatility, and overall durability. These tiles offer all of those benefits plus something equally important: resistance to challenging environments and persistent stains. Their unique qualities offer enhanced protection against spills, mold, and mildew. It also helps prevent the damaging expansion from Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles. These are great reasons to enhance your project with porcelain tiles in Traverse City, Michigan.
Porcelain Tiles: Durability, Stain Resistance & Glazed Excellence
The low porosity of porcelain tiles is the biggest reason for their stain resistance. The term “low porosity” refers to their density, which limits their ability to absorb less than 0.5% of water. This means that liquids struggle to penetrate the body of the tile itself, which prevents stains from setting in. It also makes these tiles resistant to damage from moisture, even in freezing conditions.
You might be aware that porcelain tiles are made using a high-temperature firing. During the manufacturing process, these tiles are fired at temperatures between 1200 and 1400°C. This process imbues them with their characteristic dense, vitrified (glass-like) body and low porosity. This process adds to the strength and durability that gives porcelain tiles their dependable reputation.
Glazed porcelain tiles might be your best choice for stain and weather resistance. These tiles earn their name from the liquid glass coating or “glaze” applied to their surface. This fuses to the tile to create its non-porous, hard, and decorative layer. It’s an excellent protective layer against stains and moisture that also makes the tiles easy to clean. Keep in mind that the glaze on these porcelain tiles in high-traffic areas might show wear and scratches over time.
Vitrified Tiles: Important Things to Know About These Coverings
The most important thing you need to know about porcelain tiles is that not all of them are glazed. Consider through-body porcelain tiles, also known as full-body porcelain. Homeowners typically choose these unglazed tiles for their natural, earthy, and uniform appearance. These tiles tend to be durable and resistant to impact and abrasion, but are more prone to surface staining. A treatment with a penetrating sealant makes through-body porcelain tiles more stain resistant.
Unglazed polished porcelain tiles feature a mechanically polished surface. This results in the tiles featuring a glossy, mirror-like surface that resembles polished stone, marble, or granite. These tiles are durable, but the polishing process often opens microscopic pores on the surface. Because of this, these porcelain tiles are slightly more susceptible to absorbing liquids and stains. Some people get these tiles sealed and even resealed as needed.
While porcelain tiles are known for being stain-resistant, it’s always best to clean spills right away. This vigilance helps maintain the appearance of your tiles and prevents potential issues. Although liquids struggle to penetrate the tiles’ surfaces, your immediate attention prevents residue from seeping into the porous grout lines. When moisture and stains invade these channels, it can lead to discoloration, stubborn mold growth, and compromise the grout’s integrity. This is why tile experts recommend cleaning spills on and around your porcelain tiles promptly to maintain a healthy environment in the home.
Discover a Huge Selection of Porcelain Tiles at Beaver Tile & Store
Are you looking for the biggest selection of porcelain tiles in Traverse City, Michigan, Grosse Point, Michigan, or Holland, Michigan? At Beaver Tile & Stone, we carry the largest selection of these and other tiles in Michigan. We’re more than a tile dealer; we’re a trusted resource for professional designers and do-it-yourself homeowners. Are you ready to stop at our nearest location to meet our tile experts? Contact us online with your questions about porcelain tiles.