Ceramic tiles, as we all know, are made of clay and are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where there is a lot of moisture. This type of tile is resistant to water damage. But like with other materials, there are advantages and disadvantages of opting for ceramic floor tile.

Are Ceramic Tiles as Good as a Waterproof Material?

Ceramic tiles can be considered “as good as” waterproof in many ways. If you splash water on tiles, the water will land on the surface and remain in a puddle until you wipe it up. Meaning, you won’t have to worry about a large amount of water being absorbed, as well as stains or other issues in the kitchen. Ceramic tiles, for the most part, can be treated as if they were waterproof.

Ceramic Tile Issues

While ceramic tile is durable enough to withstand everyday spills and drip, it is slightly porous. This property prevents it from chipping, cracking, or breaking while also allowing some water to enter. Though normally not a problem, the porous nature of ceramic can be a problem during the colder months if the water freezes. The ice has the potential to break the tile. This type of issue requires an immediate solution for countries with cold weather, such as Australia.

Mold and mildew are another potential issue. If the water seeps all the way through, it can sit behind the tiles, slowly degrading the adhesive and causing them to come away from the walls. Similarly, moisture can create a dark and moist environment that mold spores thrive in. This can result in a musty odor as well as health problems caused by mold inhalation. And because tiles are cold, moisture is more likely to accumulate on them. This is due to the fact that water droplets in the air condense once they attach themselves to the wall, causing it to become moldy.

Other problems can arise if water gets behind tiles. For example, it can seep down and get behind your bath. If you have a bathroom upstairs on the top floor, this can even result in a leak through the ceiling.

Is it still safe to use ceramic tiles?

The answer is yes. In fact, when compared to other materials, ceramic tiles have numerous advantages. These benefits include their technical performance, safety, environmental friendliness, and ease of maintenance. You just need to think carefully about how you use ceramic tiles. There is no reason not to enjoy the beautiful appearance and numerous practical benefits of ceramic tiles. Just make sure you take proper care of them and don’t assume they’re waterproof!

Also, if you want to ensure that the ceramic tile installation is done correctly, hire iTileNT. We have been in business for over 20 years. You can always rely on us to deliver the best results possible. Please contact us right away for a quote.