CHARACTERISTIC OF TILES
WATER ABSORPTION & MECHANICAL STRENGTH
Ceramic Tiles with low water absorption possess correspondingly higher mechanical strength. This means that ceramic tiles with low water absorption have higher mechanical strength and durability as compared with tiles with higher water absorption.
The mechanical strength is indicated by the breaking strength with measures the maximum force needed to break the tile. The breaking strength value gives an indication of the compactness of the ceramic tile. The higher the breaking strength is, the denser the microstructure of the tile.
Both of these properties water absorption and the breaking strength provide a good guide when selecting the durability of the tiles for the intended application.
SLIP RESISTANCE
Slip resistance is a very important performance characteristic as it determines how safe it is to walk across a riled area without slipping. Slip resistance is a particularly important consideration for areas susceptible to water and oil, e.g. bathroom, kitchen, swimming pool and industrial floors.
Based on local law or preferences any of the 3 methodology for measurement can be used to indicate the slip resistance of a ceramic tile.
RAMP TEST SLIP RATING
The Ramp Test involves an operator wearing standard footwear walking on the test surface placed on an inclinable ramp. The inclination of the ramp is then progressively increased until the operator slips. The angle at which slipping occurs is used to establish a classification “R” value.
The R values are expressed as a number from 9 to 13. R9 indicates the lowest slip resistance level and R13 is the highest.
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In general unglazed mosaics (due to the grout joints) and rough surfaced tiles may be less slippery as compared with smooth and gloosy glazed tiles. Polished tiles are suited in dry areas but may be extremely slippery when the floor is wet.
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In general unglazed mosaics (due to the grout joints) and rough surfaced tiles may be less slippery as compared with smooth and gloosy glazed tiles. Polished tiles are suited in dry areas but may be extremely slippery when the floor is wet.
Pendulum Test Value Reading
The Pendulum Test provides a test value reading associated with the potential for slip. A ceramic tile with rough surface texture would give a higher Pendulum Test Value which indicates a lower potential for slip.
Coefficient of Friction
The Tortus Test measures the Coefficient of Friction (COF) of the tile surface. The classification of the slipperiness is determined by its COF value.
SURFACE ABRASION RESISTANCE
This mechanical characteristic represents the resistance of glaze to wear caused by the intentional or unintentional movement of surface or materials in contract with the tile surface. The PEI Wearing Rating System offers a practical approach in the selection. According to the ISO standard, the PEI rating is tabulated as follows:
For heavy traffic applications, glazes with higher PEI rating should be chosen. Glazes with rougher surface textures generally display higher abrasive resistance as compared to glazes with glossy finish.
LABELLING
Qualitiy tiles are clearly labelled on the carton packaging, some manufactures identity as "First Grade", "A Grade", "Superior Grade" or "Premium Grade". It is best to confirm the actual grade with the manufacturer or supplier to ensure you are getting the right type of tiles for your intended application.
Others information stated on the carton will include:
It is important to always check the information on the cartons, and to confirm that the tiles purchased are the required specifications.
VARIATION IN COLOUR SHADE
Shade or tonal variation is an inherent characteristic of all clay-based and kiln fired products. Always check at least one carton of tiles (rather than just one piece of tile) at a distance of about 1 meter to verify a harmonious colour shade.
