Floor Tile Water Absorption

Tiles can be differentiated according to their water absorption into 3 types as follow.

Floor tile water absorption.

For exterior applications the selected tiles should have a low water absorption rate especially in climates subjected to heavy rainfall and freezing and thawing cycles. Water absorption astm c373 this is the measurement of density porosity and specific gravity as a tool for determining the degree of maturation of a tile or for determining structural properties that may be required for a given application. Objective determination of water absorption and bulk density of all ceramic tiles apparatus oven capable of maintaining temp of about 1100c balance accurate to 0 01 of the mass of test specimen water bath desiccators chamois leather wire basket preparation of test sample a test sample consists of 10 numbers of whole tiles. Absorbent value less than 0 5 e g.

Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of 0 5 percent or lower as defined by the american society for testing and materials astm section c373. Glazed tiles are resistant to water at the tile surface but susceptible at the edges. The water absorption rate is directly related with the suitability of the various types of tile for interior or exterior applications. Rustic tile glass mosaics resin mosaic.

Dense practically impervious tiles are highly unlikely to bend they are also highly resistant to liquid impregnation and subsequent staining consequently they are relatively easy to clean and. Lowest absorption less than 0 5 water absorbed. In fact it tells us that the ceramic. Homogeneous tile granite tile.

Water absorption en 99 iso 10545 3 astm c373 88 a tile s water absorption rate wa will tell you if the tile you re considering is the right tile to use in an outdoor or wet area. The wa is determined by measuring the degree of internal porosity of the tile body and consists of boiling the tile in water and measuring its gain in weight. For exterior applications the selected tiles must have a very low water absorption rate as close to an impervious rating as possible especially in climates subjected to rainfall freezing and thawing cycles. This may seem like just another characteristic on the list of specifications but it is more than this.

To test this the fired tile is first weighed then it is boiled for five hours and left to sit in water for 24 hours. Water absorption is also directly related to the suitability for interior or exterior applications. Absorbent value between 0 5 3 e g. Only vitreous and impervious tiles should be used outdoors or in.

All grouts except epoxies will allow some moisture absorption. Suitable for all interior and exterior uses. Low water absorption enhances durability especially in circumstances where tiles may be subjected to heavy loads and or high levels of foot traffic. Absorbent value more than 3 e g.

The water absorption percentage reflects the density of the tile body.