Advantages and disadvantages of vitrified and ceramic tiles

Introduction

Vitrified tiles (GVT) has a glazed surface. They offer a wide variety of designs, artwork and surface textures like wood grain, bamboo, slate or stone. This is also an expensive process, but the cost is dropping as digital printing techniques are introduced.

Ceramic tile is versatile and can be used as flooring, a backsplash, or countertops in almost all the rooms of a house. There are certain pros and cons that should be taken into consideration. It has been a popular material for finishing walls and floors. It is durable and comes in a wide range of colors and styles.

Summary

Advantages of Vitrified tiles

• They are more durable and scratch-resistant.
• Vitrified tiles are consistent in sizes, shades, and thickness.
• Vitrified tiles are easier to install and need practically no set time or polishing after laying. Therefore they can be used within 48 hours after laying.
• Vitrified Floor tiles have very less water absorption and are stain-resistant.
• Due to moisture resistant, vitrified tiles prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.
• It is easy to clean as it has a shiny surface.
• These tiles will best option the flooring in wet areas as they are moisture resistant.
• The sheen is not lost very soon.
• The effect of sunlight neither alters the color of the tiles nor causes them to fade.

Disadvantages of Vitrified Tiles

• Tiles need to be installed by an expert tile layer to ensure thin, even and neat joints between the tiles.
• The major disadvantage of vitrified tiles is that they are more expensive.
• The tile with the defect must be cut away along the grout lines and surrounding material could be damaged in the process.
• Moreover, it is quite unlikely that you will find the same tile after some years and hence when you buy tiles, always buy a few extra pieces and serve it for public future use.
• In order to ensure stability, high-quality adhesives are used.
• Every year or after two years, the grout must be resealed or it will begin to look dirty. The sealant will create a hazy finish on the tiles if allowed to dry.
• It is difficult to install.
• Vitrified tiles are slippery when wet.
• Vitrified tiles are not environment-friendly as the process of making them cause a significant cost of energy and carbon dioxide.

Advantages of Ceramic Tiles:

• ceramic tile can withstand heavy foot traffic.
• It will not deform or break in extreme temperature conditions.
• The maintenance of ceramic tile is easier.
• Ceramic tile is highly water-resistant, which helps in stain protection and cleanup.
• Ceramic tile is a very good insulator of heat.
• Ceramic tile flooring is highly resistant to chemicals agents.
• Being moisture resistant, it will prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.
• It is extremely hard, which makes it easy to clean and maintain. Easy to mop. Need less mopping effort.
• Ceramic tile can also help to reduce your energy use (and bills) by keeping your house cooler in the summer. They also add some insulating qualities to your home in the winter.
• It is cost-effective.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Tiles:

• The tiles are hard which is less comfortable for standing and walking.
• This material does not hold on to heat very well. Ceramic tile flooring gets very cold in the winter, which can be a shock to your toes. On the other hand, ceramic can be quite comfortable underfoot on a hot summer day.
• Ceramic tile installation needs a skilled person.
• The tiles with a defect must be cut away along with grout lines, but in the process, the surrounding material could be damaged.
• They are unable to take heavy loads on their surface. Hence if by accident there is any material dropped in it, and then crack is likely to develop.

Conclusion

Both the tiles are equally durable and they are good anti-skid tiles. They both come in a large collection of designs and in different sizes. It's all each individual to decide which one to opt for and it depends on their requirements.