Glazed tiles Glazed tiles are available in many different colors and dimensions.

Basically, two types can be distinguished: Wall tiles, which in technical language are called stoneware tiles, and floor tiles, which may be manufactured from stoneware or porcelain stoneware. What they all have in common is a glazed, closed surface,which is very durable and easy to clean. Some instructions for care of these coverings:

First cleaning of new areas

In case of remains of grout on the surface, the covering should be wiped once with a standard sanitary cleaning agent under observance of the manufacturers instructions for use.

Cleaning of heavily soiled areas

Persistent dirt, remains of caring products, oily and greasy residues etc. can be easily removed with a basic cleaning agent. It is recommended to clean sanitary areas such as bathrooms, showers, toilets with a sanitary cleaning agent to avoid lime scale and to dispose of incrustations.

Protection and care

Glazed tiles can be impregnated but dont have to and they dont have to be protected in another way. Products containing wax and acrylic are not suitable as they may form layers. These layers bind soil and make maintenance cleaning more difficult. Cement joints are porous and soil easily. By impregnating them with a joint protection, soiling can be reduced and cleaning will be easier. Please note: Always follow the manufacturers instructions of use.' Vitrified Tile is a tile is created by the Vitrification process. It is processed in ways that it has very low porosity (and water absorption) making it stain-resistant and strong.[1] Vitrified tile is an alternative to marble and granite flooring. Vitrified Tiles have far superior properties compared to marble or natural granite. Being a manufactured product, their quality is controlled, whereas in naturally occurring marble and granite good quality is just a coincidence. Vitrified tiles possess much better mechanical strength, scratch resistance, resistance to acids, alkalis and chemicals, resistance to staining etc compared to marble or natural granite. Marble has a relatively lower abrasion resistance compared to vitrified tiles. It is composed of calcium carbonate, a compound that is readily attacked by Hydrochloric acid, which is commonly used in toilet & floor cleaning. It can yellow within a span of a few years, whereas vitrified tiles retain their colour for decades.

Polished natural granite shows several surface defects, and good quality is just a matter of chance, whereas vitrified tiles are guaranteed for consistent good quality. Marble laying is very cumbersome and time consuming whereas vitrified tiles may be laid in a matter of hours and put to use after 48 hours. Roof tiles are designed mainly to keep out rain, and are traditionally made from locally available materials such as clay or slate. Modern materials such as concrete and plastic are also used and some clay tiles have a waterproof glaze. A large number of shapes (or "profiles") of roof tiles have evolved. These include:

Flat tiles - the simplest type, which are laid in regular overlapping rows. An example of this is the clay-made "beaver-tail" tile (German Biberschwanz), common in Southern Germany. Flat roof tiles are usually made of clay but also may be made of stone, wood, plastic, concrete, or solar cells.

Difference Between Ceramic Tiles & Vitrified Tiles

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Ceramic tiles are more absorbent than vitrified versions.

When considering tile, there is usually a choice between ceramic, plastic and stone. If you choose ceramic tile, you may narrow the choice down to either original ceramic or porcelain, depending on your preference. However, there is another type of ceramic tile available, commonly called vitrified or glass tile. These tiles are similar to traditional ceramic versions, but are much less porous and are suitable for a wider range of projects.

1. Ceramic Tiles
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Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay that is mixed with water and molded. Creators apply a glaze to the tile to help protect it from water and scratches, then fire the clay in a kiln to harden it. Ceramic tiles can come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, but they must always be glazed for protection.

Vitrified Tiles
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Vitrified tiles are very similar to ceramic tiles, but are made with slightly different elements. The clay is mixed with quartz and feldspar before it is heated in the kiln. These extra ingredients melt, creating a glass element inside the tile. This glass component makes the vitrified files very hard and resistant to any type of absorption.

Applications
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Inside, homeowners can use ceramic tiles and vitrified tiles for the same applications, such as floors and countertops. Outside, however, water becomes a very important factor in cold climates, since only a small amount of moisture can freeze in winter months and crack the tile. Vitrified tile has an absorption rate of 0.50 percent, which is nearly-frost proof, while ceramic tile ranges from 7 to 3 percent, making it unsuitable for outdoor applications.

Prices
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Ceramic tile prices range considerably, depending on custom work and size.

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Vitrified tiles cost a couple of dollars more per square foot because of their extra qualities. Vitrified tiles also need a stronger adhesive than ceramic tiles, which can cost more in installation.

Glazes
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Vitrified tiles, unlike ceramic tiles, are rarely glazed. Instead, a dye is mixed in with the clay before it is fired. This dye makes the clay a uniform color, so even if the vitrified tile is scratched, the color will stay the same. Instead of being glazed, vitrified tiles are either polished or unpolished. Polished tiles have a bright sheen, while unpolished versions are rougher and have a more natural look.

References

Naveentiles: Frequently Asked Questions ICCTAS: Ceramic Tiles Industry