Low-Porosity and Vitrified Ceramic Surfaces

The Ultimate Guide to Low-Porosity Terra Cotta Clay Tiles: Installation, Usage, Cleaning, and Maintenance

For over three decades, our low-porosity terra cotta tiles have been a popular choice for clients looking to blend hand-crafted beauty and durability. One key factor that sets them apart is their unique level of porosity, which is balanced between full vitrification and traditional terra cotta. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these tiles: from their characteristics and installation to their ideal use, care, and maintenance.

Understanding Low-Porosity Terra Cotta Tiles

Low-porosity terra cotta tiles are kiln-fired at high temperatures to reduce their porosity without becoming fully vitrified. Vitrification is the process of firing tiles until they become almost glass-like and entirely non-porous. However, fully vitrified tiles can be too brittle, leading to cracking, particularly in situations where tiles are exposed to extreme temperature changes. Our low-porosity tiles avoid this issue by maintaining some flexibility and breathability, while still offering excellent resistance to water absorption.

What does this mean for you?
Low-porosity tiles strike the perfect balance between durability and aesthetic appeal. They are durable enough for a wide range of environments, yet flexible enough to avoid cracking under pressure or when exposed to freeze-thaw cycles, a major concern for fully vitrified tiles. In fact, over our 37 years of experience, we’ve never encountered issues with frost affecting the performance of our tiles.

Benefits of Low-Porosity Terra Cotta Tiles

1. Moisture Resistance with Breathability: While not completely impervious like vitrified tiles, low-porosity terra cotta absorbs far less water than traditional terra cotta, making it more suitable for areas exposed to moisture. At the same time, it allows for minor natural movements, which is important in fluctuating climates.
2. Durability Without Brittleness: Fully vitrified tiles may be harder, but they are also more brittle. Low-porosity tiles are durable enough to resist everyday wear and tear, while being flexible enough to avoid cracking in demanding environments, including those with freezing temperatures.
3. Natural, Warm Aesthetic: Low-porosity terra cotta tiles maintain the classic, rustic beauty of traditional terra cotta. They offer rich, earthy tones and natural variations that enhance the aesthetic of any space, indoors or outdoors.
4. Proven Performance in Cold Climates: After 37 years of installations in frost-prone environments, our low-porosity tiles have proven their resilience, making them a safe and stylish choice for outdoor applications in colder regions.

Best Places to Use Low-Porosity Terra Cotta Tiles

Thanks to their durability and moisture resistance, low-porosity terra cotta tiles are versatile and can be used in many different environments:

• Indoor Living Areas: Ideal for living rooms, hallways, and dining rooms where the warm, rustic look of terra cotta can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Bathrooms and Kitchens: Our tiles are an excellent choice for moderately wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. When properly sealed, they can handle occasional spills or splashes without staining or absorbing moisture.
• Outdoor Patios and Terraces: With a history of success in frost-prone environments, these tiles can be installed in outdoor areas such as patios and terraces, even in regions with cold winters. They offer resistance to freeze-thaw cycles when sealed and maintained properly.
• Moderate-Traffic Commercial Spaces: Low-porosity tiles are suitable for moderate foot-traffic areas like boutique stores, cafés, or hotel lobbies, providing durability with the natural charm of clay.

Installation of Low-Porosity Terra Cotta Tiles

A successful installation ensures that your low-porosity terra cotta tiles perform at their best. Here’s what you need to know for proper installation:

1. Surface Preparation

• Clean and level the subfloor before installation to ensure a strong bond.
• Apply a waterproofing membrane if installing in moisture-prone or outdoor areas to prevent water penetration underneath the tiles.

2. Adhesive Selection

• Use a high-quality, polymer-modified thin-set mortar to adhere the tiles to the surface. This type of adhesive provides the right flexibility and bonding strength for low-porosity tiles.

3. Grouting

• For standard indoor applications, use a cement-based grout. In areas with high moisture or outdoor installations, consider epoxy grout, which provides superior water and stain resistance.
• Don’t forget to allow for expansion joints, particularly in outdoor installations, to accommodate natural movement due to temperature changes.

4. Sealing

• Proper sealing is essential to protect the tiles from moisture and stains. Even though low-porosity tiles absorb less water, sealing creates a protective barrier that enhances their longevity.

Sealing Low-Porosity Terra Cotta Tiles

Sealing is critical for maintaining the beauty and functionality of low-porosity terra cotta tiles. Although these tiles absorb much less water than traditional terra cotta, they still require sealing to protect against stains, moisture, and general wear and tear.

1. Types of Sealers

• Penetrating Sealers: These sealers soak into the tile and grout, providing protection without altering the appearance. They are ideal for low-porosity tiles, offering a subtle, natural finish.
• Topical Sealers: These form a protective layer on the surface and can give a slight sheen. They are useful in interior spaces where a more polished look is desired but may not be suitable for high-moisture or outdoor areas.

2. How Often to Reseal

• Low-porosity tiles should be resealed every 1-2 years, depending on their exposure to moisture and traffic. Outdoor tiles or those in wet areas may need more frequent resealing to maintain their protective barrier.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper care is essential to keep low-porosity terra cotta tiles looking beautiful and performing well over time.

1. Regular Cleaning

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and dust.
• Clean with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner mixed with warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners that can damage the tile surface or wear down the sealer.

2. Stain Removal

• For spills, clean immediately with a soft cloth and a neutral cleaner. Low-porosity tiles are less prone to staining than traditional terra cotta, but prompt cleaning ensures their longevity.
• For tougher stains, use a tile-specific cleaner that is safe for sealed surfaces.

3. Long-Term Maintenance

• Inspect the tiles periodically for signs of wear, especially in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas.
• Reseal the tiles as needed to maintain their water resistance and stain protection.

Why Not Fully Vitrified Tiles?

While fully vitrified tiles are extremely dense and non-porous, they can become too brittle, making them prone to cracking under pressure or temperature changes. This makes them less ideal for areas exposed to the elements, such as outdoor spaces or regions with freeze-thaw cycles.

In contrast, our low-porosity terra cotta tiles are flexible enough to handle temperature fluctuations and the freeze-thaw cycle, making them more practical and reliable for outdoor and cold-climate installations. Their slight breathability allows them to expand and contract naturally without breaking, unlike fully vitrified tiles.

Conclusion

Low-porosity terra cotta tiles provide the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and practicality. They offer the warmth and charm of traditional terra cotta, combined with reduced porosity for greater moisture resistance and durability. With over 37 years of successful installations in frost-prone environments, our low-porosity tiles are proven to perform even in the most challenging climates.

By following best practices for installation, sealing, cleaning, and maintenance, you can ensure your low-porosity terra cotta tiles continue to provide timeless beauty and reliable performance for years to come. Whether you're enhancing your indoor spaces, designing a stylish outdoor patio, or creating a durable surface in a commercial setting, our low-porosity tiles are the ideal choice for your next project.