Vitrified Tiles
Vitrified tiles has changed the business scenario of Morbi. There are currently 35 companies in Morbi manufacturing vitrified tiles and another same number of companies are about to come soon. So one can imagine the demand of this type of tiles in Indian market.
This word ‘Vitrified Tiles’ may seem to be a jargon to you but it is simply a type tile with very low water absorption.
Less water absorption property makes vitrified tiles acid/alkali/chemical resistant, impairs a greater strength & makes it stain resistant.
Vitrified tiles are made with dust compression method that is harder, denser & less porous than normal ceramic tiles. It is then fired at very high temperatures exceeding 1250 degree centigrade resulting in an extremely hard, dense, homogenous tile. Vitrified tiles are then polished to a very high finish using exactly the same equipment as is used to polish the Granite and Marble. Since vitrified tiles are less porous then ceramic tiles, they are also easy to clean.
Industry standard water absorption rating for vitrified tiles is <0.5%
As with all ceramic tiles shade variation will occur with different production batches of vitrified tiles. It is important to ensure that sufficient tiles are ordered to complete the project.
Soluble salt: Vitrified tiles that are printed with screen printing technology and then polished are called soluble salt. The design of soluble salt tiles is subject to fade away after wear & tear of few years.
Full body vitrified tiles: This type of vitrified tiles has color all the way throughout the body (thickness) of the tile. Because of this scratches are less noticeable in this type of tiles. Full body vitrified tiles are formed with the paint mixture pre-added while making the body.
Nano polished Vitrified tiles: If we apply a layer of liquid silica on vitrified tiles then it fills the micro (nano) pores on the tiles surface and makes it smoother in feel. This type of tiles is called nano polished vitrified tiles.
Glazed Vitrified tiles (GVT): Some companies in Morbi (like Italica) manufacturers vitrified tiles with glazed surface; it is called Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT). Main advantage with GVT is it offers option of making any type of design/art work that is only possible in this type of vitrified tiles. Many type of textures (like wooden, bamboo, slate or stone) are possible in GVT.
Sizes of vitrified tiles that are manufactured in Morbi:
600 mm x 600 mm
800 mm x 800 mm
Some companies like Vrundavan ceramics also makes 300 mm x300 mm heavy duty vitrified tiles (for parking areas)
Colors available: Ivory, beige, soft white, pure white, milky white, jesalmer, teracotta, salt & pepper.
Prices:
The ex-factory prices of vitrified tiles ranges from Rs.33/Square Feet to Rs.65/Square Feet or higher
Vitrified tiles is a prefered flooring solution in metros of India and now a days craze of using it is shifing to smaller towns as well.
Vitrified tiles
Vitrified tiles are made with clay and silica. Materials are heated at high temperatures so that the non-porous tiles and glass textures are formed as seen in the vitrified tiles.
Similarly, ceramic tile made from clay. While on vitrified tiles do not need extra glaze in the process of making them.
The composition of the vitrified tiles are homogenous in nature. To reach for a shiny polished manually and resistance to glaze applied on top, while the ceramic tile has only democratic glaze over the clay layer.
In fact most are not durable glaze so it does not scratch resistant so that it changes color like yellow and even crack.
Because ceramic tile does not have pores cause is difficult to avoid a stain, grout is only a little help.
Maintenance of vitrified tiles is no different from other tiles. Cleaning of tiles vitrified tiles are also the same as usual after installed.
So maintenance is not too difficult. You can just clean it with a damp cloth. If the tiles are simply dirty or oily you can clean it with detergent and a little bleach. The surface of vitrified tiles also lead to fungal growth. So this type of tile is also suitable for bathrooms, swimming pool and also a kitchen.
Price from more expensive tile verification of ceramic tile, but it also depends on the size, colors, and patterns. But the more common types of tile ceramic tile is used from verification especially in terms of price.
Judging from the resilience of vitrified tiles are more resistant than ordinary tiles. Compared with natural granite tile vitrified even stronger. Selection of vitrified tiles is commonly used in buildings more modern houses, with consideration of more durable, resistant to scratches and can withstand the chemicals such as acids, alkalis without experiencing damage.
You can create separate consideration in the selection of tiles especially currently in building a house or going to renovate your home. Likewise, popular choose for counter tops, walls or floors. Selection of vitrified tiles as an alternative tile looks like glass.