What effect can vitrification have on clay tiles in cold climates?

Vitrification significantly influences the properties of clay tiles, particularly in cold climates. When clay tiles undergo vitrification, a process where they are heated to a point that causes partial melting, they develop a glass-like quality. This transformation greatly reduces the porosity of the tiles, leading to lower water absorption rates.

In climates where freezing and thawing cycles are prevalent, water trapped within porous materials can freeze and expand, causing damage such as cracking or spalling. By reducing the water absorption in vitrified clay tiles, the risk of such damaging effects is diminished. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity and longevity of the tiles in environments subjected to extreme temperature variations. Therefore, recognizing that reduced water absorption is a direct benefit of vitrification helps understand its importance in the durability of clay tiles in cold climates.