Water absorption rates are a measurement of how much moisture a specific type of porcelain tile is likely to absorb on an ongoing basis.
Some types of tiles may crack if the moisture penetration is too high. The four different ratings for tile moisture absorption are:
- Non-vitreous(Low density) – Tile with water absorption of more than 7.0 percent
- Semi-vitreous (Medium density) – Tile with water absorption of more than 3.0 percent, but not more than 7.0 percent
- Vitreous(High Density) – Tile with water absorption of more than 0.5 percent, but not more than 3.0 percent
- Impervious(Extremely dense) – Tile with water absorption of 0.5 percent or less. This is where porcelain tile is generally categorized
Tiles which are installed outdoors which are exposed to direct sunlight and moisture, should have ideally low water absorption rates.
A low water absorption rate also enables a tile to absorb food or beverage stains on a lesser percentage. This is usually a porcelain tile, which has a moisture absorption rating of less than 0.5 %.
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