Why Is Water Absorption Rate Of Tile So Important?

Water absorption rate is the amount of water that the tile can absorb. Each type of tile has a different water or moisture absorption value. Whether it absorbs more or less will affect the strength and durability of the tile. That means that when we choose to buy tiles We don't just focus on beautiful patterns or cheap prices. But the water absorption value is also an important checklist when considering tiles.

Understand water absorption rates

The water absorption rate indicates which type of use the tile is suitable for because if the tile has a high water absorption rate, it will be very fragile. This means that the tiles should not be used outside the building because they will be exposed to the sun, wind, and rain all the time or may not be suitable for flooring. This is because floor tiles must bear more weight. Each brand has graded strength and appropriate use according to the water absorption rate as follows.

Water absorption rate 0% – Tiles do not absorb water. No problem with humidity. Strong and highly durable, can be used to cover surfaces both inside and outside buildings. They are mostly found in mosaic tiles.
≤ 3% – Tiles have very low absorption. Suitable for swimming pool paving or work that is always exposed to water and humidity. They are mostly found in granite, granito, marble, homogenous tiles, swimming pool tiles, porcelain tiles, etc.
≥ 3-6% – Tiles have little absorption. Suitable for general flooring work. Can be used for both interior and exterior laying work such as general ceramic tiles, wall tiles, and terracotta tiles.
≥ 6-10% – Ceramic tiles have moderate absorption or normal water absorption. Suitable for interior or exterior paving work where there is not a lot of humidity. But it is recommended that paving inside would be more work. Because you don't have to face the sun and rain.
≥ 10-22% – Ceramic tiles have high water absorption. Not suitable for laying in areas with high humidity. For example, outside of a building that is regularly exposed to sun and rain. But it is more suitable for covering walls inside buildings.

We saw that "The lower the water absorption rate, the stronger it will be." But it's not a bad idea to just buy tiles with low water absorption. But we should choose tiles that are appropriate for the installation area. For example, if we are going to buy flooring outside the house, we should choose tiles that have a high water absorption value to reduce the problem of tiles falling off, corroding, deteriorating easily and not having their lifespan too short. But if you want to cover the walls in your house, you don't need to buy tiles that are that durable so as not to waste your budget.

Test the water absorption rate yourself by simply dropping a drop of water on the back of the tile.

If a drop of water falls on the back of the tile, the water does not penetrate. Or as water droplets cling to the surface. It is considered a tile that does not absorb water.
If water drops fall on the back of the tile, the water is absorbed very slowly. It is considered that the tile is low water absorption tiles.
If water drops fall on the back of the tile. Then the water is absorbed quite quickly. It is considered that the tile is a normal water absorption tile.

However, we recommend checking or viewing “Water absorption rate” that is specified on the side of the tile product box is the main principle. For confidence and the correct purchase, suitable for the area where you will install it. Because if it is not up to standard or if you choose to buy tiles that do not meet the needs of the area, it may cause problems with tiles peeling off later and there may be dangers.

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