Technical Info/Specs
PEI RATING SCALE
Source: The Porcelain Enamel Institute
The PEI Rating of I, II, III, IV or V defines the wear and durability of a tile's glazed surface.
PEI I or Class 0:
Decorative
PEI I or Class I:
Residential and commercial wall and bare foot traffic
PEI II or Class 2:
Wall and residential bath floor, soft-soled traffic
PEI III or Class 3:
All residential and light commercial floors
PEI IV or Class 4:
Medium commercial and light industrial, institutional, moderate soiling
PEI V or Class 5:
Heavy and extra-heavy traffic, abrasive dirt
FROST RESISTANCE
Yes/No
Defines whether the tile is frost resistant. Product manufactured for use where freeze and thaw conditions exist.
CTDA SHADE VARIATION
Source: Ceramic Tile Distributors Association
The color shade or shades of all tile varies in some degree from piece to piece, from each production run to run. At least several pieces from the same production should be reviewed whenever possible to determine acceptable color shade variations. Any questions or concerns about your tile selection should be clarified prior to installation.
V1, Uniform: Minimal to no differences among pieces from the same production run.
V2, Slight: Distinguishable differences in texture and/or pattern within similar colors.
V3, Moderate: While the colors present in a single piece of tile will be indicative of the colors to be expected on other tiles, the amount of colors on each piece may vary significantly.
V4, Random: Random color variation from tile to tile, so that one tile may have totally different colors from that on other tiles. Thus, the final installation will be totally unique.
GLAZE HARDNESS/METHOD OF HARDNESS SCALE (MOHS)
Testing of tile for surface resistance to scratching by using different materials.
A tile that would scratch by applying talc powder to the surface would receive a rating of 1, while a rating of 10 would be given if the surface could not be scratched by a diamond. A rating of 5 would be suitable for residential. A rating of 7 or higher would be suitable for commercial use.
PORCELAIN TILE
Dust-pressed ceramic tiles with water absorption <0.5% and high mechanical and chemical characteristics. The surface of these tiles may be glazed or unglazed.
SKID RESISTANCE SCALE
Coefficient of Friction: Wet/Dry
This measurement is used to determine the aspects of slippage on a tiled surface. This includes wet and dry conditions, as well as the speed of the subject, the required force to move that subject and the angle of the tiled plane.
The Ceramic Tile Institute identifies tile in the following three categories:
(Where required, consult your dealer for product test results)
1, Slip Resistant: Coefficient of friction .60 or greater (wet) [Meets or exceeds ADA and OSHA requirements.]
2, Conditionally Slip Resistant: Coefficient of friction is .50 to .59 (wet) [Meets or exceeds OSHA requirements.]
3, Questionable: Coefficient of friction less than .50
WATER ABSORPTION SCALE
This measurement represents the quantity of water that a single tile can absorb expressed as a percentage of the dry weight of the tile. High water aborption corresponds to a highly porous structure. Compact, or vitrified structures will feature low water absorption.
Percentage: 0-0.5%
Classification: Impervious - Porcelain tiles, frost proof
Percentage: 0.5-3%
Classification: Vitreous - Red and white body floor tiles, frost proof
Percentage: 3-7%
Classification: Semi-Vitreous - Non-frost proof red and white body wall and floor tiles
Percentage: > 7%
Classification: Non-Vitreous - Monoporosa floor and wall tiles, double fire wall tiles
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