Boston Water Damage Cleanup: Tile Floor Hazards

One of the benefits of tile flooring is that it is water resistant. This is great when it comes to water damage, but even the most water resistant tile can still be affected by standing water. Since there are different types of tiles and all tile floors use grout and adhesive to seal the floor together, they can still be susceptible to water damage. We are going to explain a little more about tile floors and what water damage cleanup for them might entail. 

Water Damage Cleanup In Boston, MA

When it comes to water resistance, the amount of water tile retains is directly related to how dense it is. There are four main categories of tile manufactured for flooring, and each is affected by water damage a little differently. Let’s look at each one a little closer to get a better understanding on how water might affect them.

1. Non-vitreous tiles absorb 7%  or more of their body weight of water, and are commonly used as backsplashes. Because they can absorb more water than other types of tile, this type is only used indoors. 
2. Semi-vitreous tiles are also only used indoors because, though less than non-vitreous, can absorb between 3% and 7% of their weight in water. 
3. Vitreous tiles are made up of materials that allow it to only absorb between 0.5% and 3% of its weight in water, making it a good option for both interior and exterior use. 
4. Impervious tile is made of the most dense materials, such as porcelain tiles, and (hence the name) are virtually impervious to water. They only absorb between 0.001% and 0.5% of their weight in water. 

Understanding the density can help you determine which type of tile you want in your home and where. This is one of the most important factors when determining how it will respond to water damage. But even impervious tile can require significant water damage cleanup if the grout becomes damaged.

Grout is the binding element between tiles, and acts as a water sealant for your subflooring. If grout is unsealed, it becomes very susceptible to water damage and can lead to serious problems. When water is able to soak or seep through grout, it can work its way under the tiles and ruin the adhesive that bonds the tile to your subfloors. This damage to the surface of your floors can require extensive cleanup, repairs, and restoration. Floor tiles can become loose as they detach from the adhesive, and the floors underneath can begin to wrap, swell, deteriorate, and rot. This means the very structural integrity of your floors can be compromised if water damages your tile floors, and the best way to prevent that is to respond to water damage as soon as possible. That is where we come in. At Bostonian Cleaning, we have experience dealing with water damage cleanup of all types, sources, and from all surfaces including tile flooring. To ensure the best water damage cleanup outcome for your tile floors, be sure to call Bostonian Cleaning.