Bud Cline
03-30-2002, 10:33 AM
Picky, picky, picky......most consumers of today shopping in the world of the Big Box Home Centers are not given the opportunity to know of the different tile classifications that do exist.
Here's just an introduction so that you may be made aware that there are professionals out there that are paying attention to what tile goes where and which tile is suitable for what application. If you really want to be picky, here's what you'll need to know.
SELECTING A CERAMIC TILE
Tile selection should be based upon service requirements with particular attention to anticipated type of traffic and soiling. The Porcelain Enamel Institute developed a wear abrasion testing procedure in 1940. The PEI rating of tile is used extensively to indicate the appropriate and intended area of use for each tile. It is important to emphasize that unlike most other tests of tile quality, this test does not result in a limiting value to be used as the criterion of acceptability of the tile, but rather the results should allow the tile to be assigned to one class, all of which are quality tile and "acceptable". This test was recently updated by the ISO to include new classifications that represent current technological advances in ceramic tile manufacturing.
PEI Classifications
CLASS 0 - Tiles technically unsuitable for floors
CLASS 1 - Residential and Commercial wall and bare foot traffic
CLASS 2 - Wall and Residential bath floor, soft soled traffic
CLASS 3 - All residential floors and Light Commercial
CLASS 4 - Medium Commercial, Light Industrial and Institutional, moderate soiling
CLASS 5 - Extra heavy traffic, abrasive dirt, chemically more resistant
Selecting a PEI rating scale higher than required may limit aesthetic choices, increase costs and deny the user of certain advantages inherent in a different classification. The PEI test defines the difference in visual aspect between worn and non-worn areas, seen from a defined distance and with a standard level of lighting. It is important to stress the fact that, with the same abrasion, wear is more obvious on dark surfaces. The additional MOHS test or scratch test evaluates the capacity of the surface to withstand scratching. It is a valuable tool and should be used in conjunction with PEI ratings. A technical ceramic representative can provide all test data in order to fully evaluate a tiles quality and performance.
Here's just an introduction so that you may be made aware that there are professionals out there that are paying attention to what tile goes where and which tile is suitable for what application. If you really want to be picky, here's what you'll need to know.
SELECTING A CERAMIC TILE
Tile selection should be based upon service requirements with particular attention to anticipated type of traffic and soiling. The Porcelain Enamel Institute developed a wear abrasion testing procedure in 1940. The PEI rating of tile is used extensively to indicate the appropriate and intended area of use for each tile. It is important to emphasize that unlike most other tests of tile quality, this test does not result in a limiting value to be used as the criterion of acceptability of the tile, but rather the results should allow the tile to be assigned to one class, all of which are quality tile and "acceptable". This test was recently updated by the ISO to include new classifications that represent current technological advances in ceramic tile manufacturing.
PEI Classifications
CLASS 0 - Tiles technically unsuitable for floors
CLASS 1 - Residential and Commercial wall and bare foot traffic
CLASS 2 - Wall and Residential bath floor, soft soled traffic
CLASS 3 - All residential floors and Light Commercial
CLASS 4 - Medium Commercial, Light Industrial and Institutional, moderate soiling
CLASS 5 - Extra heavy traffic, abrasive dirt, chemically more resistant
Selecting a PEI rating scale higher than required may limit aesthetic choices, increase costs and deny the user of certain advantages inherent in a different classification. The PEI test defines the difference in visual aspect between worn and non-worn areas, seen from a defined distance and with a standard level of lighting. It is important to stress the fact that, with the same abrasion, wear is more obvious on dark surfaces. The additional MOHS test or scratch test evaluates the capacity of the surface to withstand scratching. It is a valuable tool and should be used in conjunction with PEI ratings. A technical ceramic representative can provide all test data in order to fully evaluate a tiles quality and performance.