Tiles are a lovely compliment to any indoor or structural changes, adding color and personality anywhere they are placed. A small chip in a tile, on the other hand, is a definite way to spoil that dazzling appearance, creating an unpleasant and obvious imperfection.
With many tiles in the market, given their popularity many a time a question presents itself “Do porcelain floor tiles chip easily? In short, the answer to this is No! It does not chip easily.
Why Porcelain Tiles Don't Chip Easily?
Fortunately, with porcelain tiles, such an event is not a concern. Porcelain is fundamentally harder and sturdier, while still being aesthetically appealing on any surface. Prior to getting fired in the furnace, porcelain undergoes the vitrification phase, which involves the use of a dye-infusion into the clay. This not only strengthens the tile's resilience to a range of requirements, but the pigment also lends every tile a uniform color all through the core.
As a result of the process, the tile is stronger and can resist a respectable blow while revealing any bad impacts. Nevertheless, the through-body coloring makes the effects significantly less obvious inside the odd case when the tile chips. So whenever the pertinent question is “Do porcelain floor tiles chip easily?” arises one can rest assured that they do not, and that is by design.
However, that does not mean the porcelain tiles do not chip at all, and when it happens you may be facing another question “how do I stop my porcelain tiles from chipping?”
Prevent Chipping of Porcelain Tiles
The tile will not chip until exposed to pressure, including slamming anything weighty or jagged on the floor. Even though it appears that the tile was mistreated in a certain way to induce chips, testing may be run on the tiles to assess how chip resilient it is. If the stiffness differential between the core of the tiles and the glazing is larger than two calibrations on the MOHs' firmness index, the tile is said to be highly prone to cracking.
If you have determined that your porcelain tile is prone to it you will have trouble with “how do I stop my porcelain tiles from chipping?” The answer is, by applying these simple prevention methods and techniques.
Ensure a Cleaner Cut Tiles
Since porcelain tile is so rigid, a strong diamond edge moist saw is essential. Although wet saws can damage the top of porcelain tiles, many tile contractors employ a handful of processes to ensure a smoother cut. Ensuring a smoother cut and in turn, prevents uneven edges and does not result in eventual chips and breakage.
Ensure Proper Grouting
Proper and stable grouting also makes sure that the porcelain tiles are in place and do not pop out of their installation. A stable base will ensure that the porcelain tiles are placed perfectly and do not make way for any chance of chips and cracks.
Keep Some Extra Tiles Handy
In the odd case that porcelain tiles chips away, it is wise to have a stock of tiles to replace them immediately, if not treated the cracks may spread to other tiles as well.
Avoid Extra Pressure on the Surface
Lastly, the porcelain tiles in your home should not be subjected to heavy objects for a long time or avoid dropping them on the surface (whenever you can help it). Porcelain tiles are one of the most practically designed tiles that are not strong but aesthetically perfect. They do not chip easily and the cases of such damage, if any, are very rare and most can be avoided with extra care.