Do Ceramic tiles chip easily?
09 January 2024
Ceramic tiles are a fantastic option for any kitchen or bathroom because they are efficient and straightforward to keep, look eye-catching thanks to the large selection of colors and styles available, and can even be changed individually should something happen to them.
But no solution is complete without flaws, and ceramic tiles have a few shortcomings that you need to be aware of. One is that ceramic tiles chip very quickly, which increases the likelihood that they may leave a mark if you drop something on them or hit them with something.
This blog will discuss why this is the scenario and how to maintain the great appearance of your tiles.
How Quickly Do Ceramic Tiles Chip?
Clay that has been fired is used to make ceramic tiles. This indicates that they are made of the same ceramic as any crockery or ceramic bowl you may own. Everyone knows how simple it is to chip a bowl or cup, and your tiles are no exception.
There are some differences, of course. To start with, tiles are constructed of thicker ceramic than guts. Because of their sturdy square shape, they are also highly durable. In addition to being frequently strengthened on the back with another substance (which also facilitates easy adhesion), ceramic tiles are commonly covered by the wall, which gives them additional stability.
Ceramic tiles are less prone to breaking than your china while being made of a material that is relatively brittle.
Using bathroom tiles means there won't be much chance of them getting chipped, which is fantastic news! You frequently use water, soft bottles, shampoos, and conditioners in the bathroom. None of these things have the potential to harm your tiles quickly! Although dropping a glass beaker or something similar is conceivable, it is undoubtedly the exception rather than the rule.
The tiles in your porch, utility room, or conservatory are slightly more exposed due to this, though.
What could result in tile chipping?
The millions of tiles set annually have a strong reputation for strength and longevity, and relatively few ceramic tiles chip crack or have manufacturing flaws. When a tile cracks, it is typically not a manufacturing defect but rather the result of one of the following mishaps:
- Dropping a big or tough thing on the porcelain or ceramic tile. The surface could crack or ceramic tiles chip as a result of this.
- Hammering nails into the tile or walking with metal heels.
- Causing furniture with metal-tipped feet to be dragged across the tile. This includes chairs and other home accessories with steel or metal feet without rubber protection.
Bluecera gives all details you need to avoid chipping tiles.
Taking Care of Your Ceramic Tiles
How can you safeguard ceramic tiles and stop them from getting harmed now that you know their possible weaknesses? You could do many things before and after the injury, which is good news. First, think about the grouting.
When attaching them to a wall or floor, you must ensure the grout is filled precisely to the top, at the height of the tile's surface. This indicates that there shouldn't be any discernible "dip" in the tiles. Since there won't be any canals for water to accumulate in, this has many additional advantages.
But in this instance, it will safeguard the tile's edge, which is its most exposed area. It will also provide support around the tile, strengthening it against impact. For the same reason, keeping your tiles close together is excellent. Additionally, this gives your décor a more contemporary and fashionable appearance.
While grouting can aid in protecting the tile's margins, it won't always be the answer. For instance, grouting might not be advantageous for the tops and bottoms of your tiles. This is why it's crucial to constantly tile down to the ground and up to the coving or ceiling.
Consider the trim that surrounds your tiles as well. If you examine the tiling in a display home, you'll see that there is frequently a frame around discrete tiled areas or a line separating various tile types. This trim's purpose is to surround your tiles with an attractive border and safeguard their fragile edges.
You can obtain many kinds of trim. For instance, wood or tile trim might look fantastic in a kitchen. You will use trim tiles—smaller tiles—along the edge of the more prominent main pattern.
Although trim tiles are somewhat old-fashioned, they can still be attractive while protecting your primary tiles from harm.
BLUECERA takes care of your need and provides quality tiles.
Preventing damage to your tiles
Using these suggestions, your tiles are much less likely to be damaged. Yet it's still possible!
Because of this, it can also be helpful to know what to do to lessen the harm that a chipped tile does and how to prepare for it.
First, always purchase more tiles than you will require. Aim to spend an additional 10–20% on your bathroom renovation. In this manner, there won't be any harm done because you'll have extras that you may immediately replace your broken tile.
Similarly, consider the tile and how probable it is to exhibit this damage. For instance, if your tile has a beautiful glaze (a shiny gloss) over it, this glaze will undoubtedly also fall off when the tile is damaged. Therefore, even a minor ceramic tiles chip can have a negative aesthetic impact and jeopardize the tile's structural integrity.
A matte tile, on the other hand, will be significantly less impacted by a little ceramic tiles chip. This is even more true if the tile is patterned!
Alternatives
Finally, think about the ceramic tile substitutes. Of course, you can spend money on stone tiles in any place that will see a lot of traffic. Although they are more expensive and less adaptable, granite or limestone are less likely to chip. Consider the correct tile for the task!
And think about porcelain if you want something highly comparable to ceramic. Porcelain tiles are more challenging than ceramic tiles, making them less likely to chip even if they are slightly more brittle and, therefore, more prone to cracking. There are ups and downs! The correct answer for your home is what matters most.
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