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Tile Guidelines

Important Information on how to purchase Tile


SHADE & TEXTURE VARIATION


Variations in size, color, texture, and pattern are to expected in ceramic flooring. In fact, they should be enjoyed.
These variations are part of what makes ceramic tile such a unique and beautiful choice for your home.
Each Shaw Ceramic flooring product is labeled for shade and color variation with one of the following ratings:

• Low – Consistent shade and texture

• Moderate – Moderate shade and texture variation

• High – High shade and texture variation

• Random – Very high shade and texture variation

For a neat, contemporary-looking tile floor, choose a tile with a low shade and texture rating. A tile with a high or random shade and texture rating will achieve a more casual, rustic effect.

P.E.I. (Porcelain Enamel Institute) Wear Rating

P.E.I Wear Rating System rate the durability of each tile. The ratings range from Group I to Group V, with Group V being the most durable. Below is a general description of each category.

• Group I - Tiles suitable only for residential bathrooms where softer footwear is worn.

• Group II - Tiles suited to general residential traffic, except kitchens, entrance halls, and other areas subjected to continuous heavy use. For all residential and light commercial interiors such as offices, reception areas and boutiques.

• Group III - Tiles suited for all residential and light commercial interiors such as offices, reception areas and boutiques.

• Group IV - Tiles suited for all residential interior and moderate traffic commercial applications.

• Group V - Recommended for all interior residential and commercial uses.

Important Note: The wear rating of the tile rates only its durability, not its quality or price.


Glaze Hardness

The relative hardness of glazed tile is an important issue that should be addressed when selecting a tile.
The test is performed by scratching the surface of the tile with different minerals and subjectively assigning a Method of Hardness "MOH's" number to the glaze.
The softest mineral used is talc (a #1 rating if no scratch), the hardest is a diamond (a #10 rating if no scratch).
Other minerals of varying hardness that provide MOH's values of five or greater are suitable for most residential floor applications while a value of seven or greater is normally recommended for commercial applications.
Both abrasion resistance and glaze hardness should be addressed when considering using glazed tiles as floor products.

Frost Resistant

The density of the clay aslo determines whether the tile is suitable for outdoor use. Tiles that are too porous, absorbing more than 3% moisture, will freeze and crack if installed outdoors in cold climates.

The density of the tile is measured by the amount of water it absorbs. There are four types:

1. Non-vitreous tiles absorb 7% or more of their weight in water and are suited for indoor use only.

2. Semi-vitreous tiles absorb setween 3-7% water and are suited for indoor use only.

3. Vitreous Tiles absorb between 0.5-3% water and are suited for both interior and exterior use because they are frost-resistant.

4. Impervious tiles the strongest, absorb between 0-0.5% of their weight in water and are suited for both interior and exterior use because they are frost-resistant.




Importent Links abut our Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic Installation Guidelines - Ceramic Tile Care and Maintenance - Ceramic Tile Warrenty

 
 
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