Why are my Ceramic Tiles Developing Blisters

By Frederick M Hueston stoneforensics.com

Ceramic tiles are often used on floors, walls, and countertops in homes and businesses because they are durable, versatile, and easy to clean. Glazing is an important part of making ceramic tiles because it gives them a layer of protection that makes them resistant to stains, scratches, and water. But sometimes the glaze on ceramic tiles can get blisters or bubbles, which can look bad and make the tile less strong. In this article, we’ll look at some of the reasons why the glaze on your ceramic tiles may be blistering.

Moisture

Moisture is one of the most common things that causes the glaze on ceramic tiles to bubble and peel. When the glaze is put on ceramic tiles that haven’t been properly dried, moisture can get stuck between the tile and the glaze layer. This can cause bubbles or blisters in the glaze as the moisture tries to get out. Also, the glaze can bubble over time if it is exposed to too much moisture after it is put in, like in a bathroom or kitchen.

Poor quality glaze

The quality of the glaze on ceramic tiles can also affect how long they last and how likely they are to crack. If the glaze isn’t made right, it might not stick to the tile well, which could cause bubbles or peeling. Poor-quality glaze may also be more likely to get damaged by water or other things in the environment, which can cause it to bubble or crack over time.

Improper Firing

Firing is the process of heating ceramic tiles to a high temperature to harden the glaze layer. If the tiles aren’t fired at the right temperature or for the right amount of time, the glaze layer might not harden properly, which could cause blisters or other problems. Also, if the tiles aren’t all fired at the same time, some spots may be more likely to blister or break than others.

Exposure to chemicals

Different chemicals, like cleaning products or acidic substances, can damage the glaze layer of ceramic tiles over time. If the glaze layer is broken, the surface may be more likely to blister or be damaged in other ways.

Temperature shock

When the temperature of ceramic tiles changes quickly, like from hot to cold or vice versa, this is called thermal shock. This can cause the tile to grow or shrink quickly, which can cause the glaze layer to crack or blister. Thermal shock can happen in a number of ways, like when a hot pan is put on a ceramic tile countertop or when a cold drink is spilled on a tile floor.

The glaze on ceramic tiles may be blistering for more than one reason. Some of these things are moisture, bad glaze, improper firing, exposure to chemicals, and sudden changes in temperature. If you have problems with blistering or other kinds of damage to your ceramic tiles, you should talk to a professional to find out what’s going on and what the best way is to fix or replace them. With the right installation, maintenance, and care, you can keep your ceramic tiles from blistering and doing other kinds of damage. This will help them stay a beautiful and useful part of your home or business for many years to come.