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Home » 2025 » January » 20 » MOISTURE RESISTANCE
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MOISTURE RESISTANCE

There are lots of benefits of tiles in a home but protecting against moisture is one the vital ones. Due to the non-porous nature of some tiles and some other materials that are usually added to enhance the product, tiles are very good at holding moisture back. When tiles is being installed properly it will create a barrier between moisture penetration and your walls and floors, which makes tiles very suitable for areas with high humidity and water exposure like kitchens, bathrooms, showers, ponds and so on. Tiles keep surface areas dry by preventing water filtration.
How to know if you have moisture buildup in your home

 Moisture builds up in your home from your wet rooms like toilets and bathrooms when they have damaged tiles work or if your roof's rain gutters are broken, causing rain drops to fall and splash on the exterior wall of your home resulting to a very wet base of the building and water seepage (you will learn more on how water filter through your faulty tiles as you read on). Damaged tiles are not the only source of moisture, faulty water system and water leaks from broken pipes can cause moisture too. Apart from the unpleasant looks from the result of moisture in your home, it can also cause some serious issues like;-
 


Damage to paint or wallpaper:
Moisture is very bad for your paint and wallpaper by causing it to lose adhesion to the surface it's applied to, leading to peeling, bubbling, cracking, and flaking, as excess water vapor gets trapped beneath the paint film, essentially lifting it away from the underlying material.
 


Wood rot:
Wood absorbs and releases moisture from its surrounding because it is hygroscopic in nature causing it to swell when wet and shrink when dry. If moisture gets to your wood it will allow fungi and bacteria to thrive within the wood fibers when it reaches its Fiber saturation point (FSP), which breaks down the cellulose structure of the wood, essentially "eating away" at it and causing the wood (like door, frame, cabinets) in your kitchen, bathroom, room and so on to deteriorate and become weak.

 


Metal rust:
Moisture acts as an electrolyte, facilitating a chemical reaction between the metal (like stainless steal, aluminum, copper, zinc, steel, cast iron) and oxygen in the air, which results in the formation of different oxides or hydroxide depending on the metal known as rust, corrosion, discoloration like green substance on copper . There are so many appliances in your bathroom, toilet, kitchen and other places in your home and office that can be affected by rust and corrosion from moisture.
 


Mold and mildew growth:
There are temperature difference between your wet room (like bathroom, toilet, kitchen) and your other rooms . When warm, moist air from your wet room comes into contact with a cold surface in your other rooms, condensation occurs which supports the growth of mold because mold spores, which are always present in the air, need water to germinate and begin growing; when they land on a damp surface affected by moisture, they can access the necessary moisture to develop into a mold colony, essentially "feeding" on the water to expand and reproduce. Mold also requires a food source, usually organic materials like wood, wallpaper, or even dust (which can be found everywhere in your home or office), to grow effectively.
Excess mold from moisture can also cause musty odor in your home or office too and is also food source for some pest.

 


Pest infestation:
Moisture creates Damp areas which provides the perfect conditions for insects (like cockroaches, bed bugs, termites, silverfish, mosquitoes, dust mites) to lay eggs and hatch their young, leading to rapid population growth. Moisture also creates shelter for the pest because it makes damp areas that often have crevices and cracks that provide shelter for pests to hide during the day, and also serve as food source for the pest by contributing to the growth of mold and mildew, which some pests feed on.
 


Foundation issues:
Amongst all issues this is one of the most serious once because it is most likely to lead to collapse of a building. Moisture can cause the soil around a building to expand when it absorbs water, putting pressure on the foundation walls and leading to cracks, leaks, and other structural damage. Moisture levels fluctuate significantly between wet and dry seasons, meanwhile regular use of your wet rooms which increases moisture particularly in wet seasons will create wet soil which becomes heavier and exerts uneven force on the foundation. It sometimes cause erosion from excess water that erodes the soil around the foundation, compromising its stability. We get a lot of calls every year from our customers complaining about the work tiles work done by other companies that are breaking and falling inside the foundation because their foundation seems to be sinking.

 


Health issues:
Unfortunately moisture in your home or office is very bad for your health. Health issues usually start from the creation of conducive environment for the growth of mold, dust mites, pest and bacterials which can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and respiratory illnesses like coughs and wheezing, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions; excessive moisture can also contribute to skin irritation and eye problems in some cases.

How to prevent moisture build up:
There are different ways of preventing moisture build-up in your home depending on the cause. There are so many causes of moisture in a home but we will treat the main one concerning tiles work. Moisture can build up in a home before and after tiles work in a home and these are the things to consider before tiles work in your home or office;-


Glazed surface tiles or non porous tiles:
Some tiles are coated with high gloss materials which adds additional layer of protection by sealing the tiles surface of some porous type. Meanwhile, porcelain tile is recommended because of its non porous nature. Some tiles are coated with silicone for water proofing, check LINK for more info.
 


Proper installation:
Generally, the installation of the tiles, the sealant and grout used plays a very crucial role in helping it hold back moisture. It is very important to have professionals do your tiles work. The installation should start from a very carefully prepared waterproofing system on the subfloor or wall followed by the right type of tiles for the right type of surface area and a very good sealant for the finishing. For more details about the above details and other waterproofing products click on this link ARMORSIL

 


Density:
Most tiles have very high density rate especially porcelain making them water resistant and little to almost no water penetration. The density of tile is also a very important factor to consider before choosing what tiles to use for your wet room. Porcelain tiles are always recommended for wet rooms.
 


Grout:
Grout line is also very important to preventing moisture. If the tiles are sealed with waterproof grout, it makes a totally sealed surface area. Epoxy or silicone grout is recommended for tiles work finishing especially in the corners and angles.

If your tiles work is old, damaged or not properly maintained it will give way for moisture. Which brings us to these questions, how do you know if moisture is going through your tiles? There are signs you need to watch out for In order to know.

What to do if you have moisture build-up after tiles work. It’s very simple, “call on us to help you tear down the tiles work and fix it”.

Category: BENEFITS OF TILES | Views: 16 | Added by: BTC | Tags: wallpaper, roof gutter, building, mold in a home, rotten wood, how to remove mold from your home, moisture, paint, rust meatal, what type of tiles is best for home, how to stop moisture growth, home, how to prevent moisture in a home | Rating: 5.0/1
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