Tiles

[Rich]

Hello, time for my random (but hopefully useful) friday post. Little bit of info I found in a note pad from many years ago about different types of tile, couldnt tell you where I copied it from but still I hope somebody finds it useful...

Nonvitreous tile
Nonvitreous tile readily absorbs water, about 7% of its weight, meaning that air pockets make up about 7% of this tile's bisque. Because this type of tile is fired at relativly low tempratures for a comparativly short time, it requires less energy to manufacture and is usually less expensive than vitreous tile.
Since nonvitreous tile absorb so much water, its not a good choice for tiling wet areas or for exterior installations. In wet areas, this tiles porous bisque may not dry out completely between uses and may, in time, harbour bacteria. And because nonvitreous tile lacks what is termed freeze/thaw stability, when its installed outdoors in cold climates, the water it absorbs in winter will expand as it freezes, causing the tile to crack.

• Fired at around 1150c for up to 21 hours. Absorbs 7% water or more

Semi-vitreous tile
Semi-vitreous tile is fired at about the same temprature as nonvireous tiles but usually for a little longer, which produces a somewhat less porous bisque. This tile has an absorption rate of of from 3% to 7% of its weight. With proper waterproofing semi-vitreous tiles can be used in wet areas but are not suitable for exterior installations.

• Fired at around 1150c for up to 22 hours. Absorbs between 3% and 7% water

Vitreous tile
Vitreous tile is fired at higher temratures than non/semi-vitreous tiles for up to 30 hours, which causes the ingredients in the bisque to fuse together like glass. Because of its very dense body, vitreous tiles absorbs only from 0.5% to 3% water and is therefore an exellent choice for any installation, including those that will get wet or that will freeze. This tiles dense bisque also acounts for its high compressive strength. Vitreous tiles are generally more suitable for floors than soft-bodied, nonvitreous tile.

• Fired at around 1200c for up to 30 hours. Absorbs between 0.5% and 3% water

Impervious tile
Impervious tile, as its name suggests, is almost waterproof. This tile absobs less than 0.5% water and for this reason is frequently used for sanitary installations. Impervious tile is easily sterilized and can withstand repeated cleaning and disinfecting. And since this tile absorbs practically no water, germs have little chance of finding a home in an impervious installation.

• Fired at around 1350c for up to 60 hours. Absorbs less than 0.5% water