It is an Italian nomenclature associated to porcelain that has a high hardness. Porcelain tile consists of a ceramic coating classified as ISO rule 13006, meaning this is a pressed material with an absorption lesser than or equal to 0.5 %
It is obtained from very strong raw materials subjected to thermal treatments and compression pressures higher than the ones used in the production of conventional ceramic plates.
Existing types of porcelain tile
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Polished
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Coarse
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Soluble salts
Thermal characteristics of porcelain tile
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Water absorption.
Porcelain tile presents a very low water absorption (0.1%), the lesser the extent of water absorption (porosity), the greater the resistance to flexion (rupture load) of the ceramic plate.
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Mechanic resistance to flexion and rupture load.
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Resistance to deep abrasion.
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Resistance to abrasion (PEI) and scratching. Our porcelain tile is classified as PEI4 and PEI5, which is more resistant to scratches than conventional ceramic.
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Resistance to thermal shock.
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Resistance to freezing
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Expansion due to hydration is very low for porcelain tile.
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Resistance to thermal attack.
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Resistance to friction.
Porcelain tile settlement
It is of utmost importance to plan all details for the correct settlement of porcelain tile.
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Qualifying labor.
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Use of settlement and cover mortar (gluer) together.
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Having the correct specification taking into account the technical characteristics mentioned.
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The base floor must be very well built and settlement has to be done 14 days before its realization.
Maintenance
All coating requires constant cleaning in order to maintain its aesthetic aspect.
Daily cleaning of porcelain tile must be done with water and a loose cleaning product, such as a neuter detergent.
Avoid using products without being aware of their chemical composition and never use products based on strong acids (sulphuric, hydrochloric, etc) or from their families and by products.
Use
Due to its technical characteristics, porcelain tile is a pretty versatile product that can be used for residential and commercial projects as well as very high traffic locations such as: airports, hospitals, malls, etc.
Main characteristics at the time of purchase of porcelain tile
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Crack resistance
It measures resistance to fissures and cracks on the enamel surface. All products have warranty against cracks.
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Rupture module
The rupture module and the rupture load of these floors are very superior to the ones demanded by the rules. That is also why our products are recommended.
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Resistance to abrasion
It is the resistance to the wear of the enamel surface, caused by the circulation of people and equipment. This is very important when it comes to recommending a type of floor in areas exposed to greater motion and that need materials that are more resistant to abrasion.
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PEI
This is the ratio measuring wear resistance (abrasion resistance) caused by the movement of objects and people traffic. PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) indicates where ceramic can be used and it is rated 5 (see chart).
PEI
TRAFFIC
PLACES TO BE USED
1
Low
Residential bathrooms and bedrooms with no street access
2
Low
Living room, TV room, bathrooms and bedrooms with no street access
3
Medium
Kitchens, halls, attics, balconies and terraces with no street access
4
Medium - High
Residencies, garages, stores, bars, Banks, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and offices with no street access
5
High
All of the above and public places, airports, bakeries and industrial areas
Durability
According to the use given, perfectly installed and maintained porcelain tile may maintain its appearance unaltered for a long time. The higher the PEI, the greater the resistance to wear and tear.
Porcelain Tile and Ceramic Floors
What is porcelain tile