Perm ratings for ceramic and porcelain tiles

Everything concerning the adequate application of WUFI in the USA and Canada depending on local conditions e.g. architecture, building codes, standardization, laws et cetera.
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Michael Hurd
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Perm ratings for ceramic and porcelain tiles

Post by Michael Hurd »

I've been trying to track down information on the perm ratings for ceramic and porcelain tiles, anyone have a general range or any information at all? I'm trying to run a wall that in certain rooms has a shower against the exterior wall.
Respectfully,

Michael Hurd
Thomas
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Re: Perm ratings for ceramic and porcelain tiles

Post by Thomas »

Hi Michael,

WUFI's drop-down list for sd-values at the surfaces suggests sd = 2 m for tiles, but I'm not sure where precisely this number comes from.

Glazed tiles will be virtually impermeable to vapor, so the vapor exchange will almost exclusively happen through the "joints" (what's the word?) between the tiles. The overall perm rating for the wall surface will then be determined by the diffusion properties of the "mortar" between the tiles and the fractional surface area covered by the mortar joints. I suspect that this is what the 2 m quoted above refer to.

Kind regards,
Thomas
Michael Hurd
WUFI User
WUFI User
Posts: 103
Joined: Thu Oct 19, 2006 5:27 am -1100

Re: Perm ratings for ceramic and porcelain tiles

Post by Michael Hurd »

Thanks Thomas. In addition, when I think about this more clearly, for the condition I have, there will be a waterproofing behind the tiles that is virtually impermeable also, so the tile and its joints are really not a factor in my mind.
Respectfully,

Michael Hurd
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