How Tile is Rated in Atlanta

Article Written By: mjorgenson14

There are many ratings for tile products. Tiles are used in many different settings, so many factors come into play when deciding which tile is best. For example, tiles are used in bathrooms around showers where water is likely present and slip and falls are very possible. Tile is used outdoors, where a product such as clay might freeze, or be broken down by water. Tile is also used in every application from the completely decorative (wall accent tiles for example) to high traffic and high abuse (e.g. a commercial building).

The major ratings are as follows:

Grade: This speaks to the structural and overall quality of the product

and#8226; #1 Standard - this is a tile that could be used for most applications

and#8226; #2 Second - this tile will be structurally adequate but may have some visual imperfections

and#8226; #3 Decorative - this tile is not structurally acceptable for applications other than in low stress areas. A decorated wall tile would fall into this group.

PEI Wear Rating: A PEI wear rating of:

and#8226; 1 or 2 indicates that the product will not stand up to traffic. It is not designed to be a floor tile.

and#8226; 3 indicates that the product will stand up to residential wall or floor use.

and#8226; A 4 is indicative of a product that can be used in residential or light commercial (lower capacity stores/restaurants etc.)

and#8226; A 5 will stand up to heavy-duty commercial use.

Water Absorption: Measured as a percentage of the total tile weight, the amount of water that a tile can absorb.

and#8226; No vitreous - More than 7%, this tile would not be well suited for an outdoor or overly damp environment

and#8226; Semi vitreous - 3% to 7%, this tile should only be used indoors

and#8226; Vitreous - 0.5% to 3%, this is considered to be resistant to frost and could be used outdoors.

and#8226; Impervious - 0% to 0.5%, this tile will be frost resistant and will perform well indoors or out.

Coefficient of Friction: Coefficient of friction testing involves testing the amount of force required to slide a weight (50 pounds for example) across the tile floor. Were it to take 25 pounds of force to start the 50 pound weight moving, the coefficient of friction for that tile floor would be 50/25=.50. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires a minimum of .60 for most public applications, and most residential settings follow that guideline as well.

Frost Resistance: the manufacturer will generally indicate if the product is frost resistant. Whether or not a tile is frost resistant is generally linked to its water absorption rate. Semi vitreous and No vitreous will absorb too much water and be likely to have problems in sub-freezing conditions.

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