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“PEI” is the abbreviation for Porcelain Enamel Institute. A PEI Rating is given to a tile product based the hardness of its glaze. This hardness is determined by the manufacturer using a standardized test. The results of this test will determine the proper usage of a product.
What is the highest PEI rating for tile?
Group 5 are the strongest, highest rated tiles you can find. They’re fine for any level of heavy foot traffic and they can handle a significant amount of both moisture and dirt. As a result, these are popular commercial tiles, and are often used in swimming pools and shopping malls.
What is grade 5 porcelain tile?
Grade 5. The toughest porcelain tile available on the market, Grade 5 tiles are used in areas that receive very high foot traffic and are prone to a lot of wear and tear. They are popular for installation in schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and industrial buildings.
Does ceramic tile have a PEI rating?
Most reputable lines of porcelain tiles are rated for use by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) abrasion test. This test is recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
What is a good PEI rating?
Revolutions to determine PEI Ratings: PEI 1: Up to 154 revolutions. For use on very light-wear areas, using soft footwear. PEI 2: 300, 450, 600 revolutions Light traffic. Countertops, walls, and floors for normal foot traffic.
Do porcelain floor tiles crack easily?
Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are incredibly strong, but if subject to hard impacts like a heavy item being dropped on them, you may find they crack – particularly if there are other installation issues.
What is the best grade of tile?
Grade is the numerical ranking that reflects tile quality. Grade 1: Highest quality. Recommended for walls or floors. Grade 2: Similar to Grade 1, but with slight imperfections.
How can you tell the quality of porcelain tile?
Look closely at the glaze: if it’s chipped, you will be able to see the tile’s white or tan base. This is a sure sign that the tile is ceramic. Porcelain tiles are sometimes, but not always, glazed. Most high-quality porcelain tiles will have a consistent color that goes through the top, body, and bottom of the tile.
What is MOHs rating for tile?
The most commonly used original MOHs scale has ratings ranging 1-10, with 10 being diamond, the highest rating. The higher the rating, the more scratch-resistant the tile. A rating of 7 or better is preferable – 7 being quartz, which is a primary raw material in ceramic tiles.
What is a COF rating for tile?
Coefficient of friction, or COF, is an objective standard of rating how slippery an item is. Zero COF means that two items have no friction. Slippery items can be rated as low as COF 0.04. Terracotta tile, quarry tile, and brick have high COF ratings, so they are very slip resistant.
What can damage porcelain tile?
Cleaning Products That Can Damage Your Tile Abrasives. Any cleaning product or tool that has a gritty, abrasive texture is going to be damaging to your tile. Bleach or Ammonia-based Cleaners. Some of the most commonly used tile and grout cleaners use bleach and ammonia as a base. Oil-based Cleaner.
What is the best way to clean porcelain tile floors?
For polished or glazed porcelain tile, wipe with hot water and scrub stains with a bristle brush. Wash with vinegar solution or a commercial tile cleaner diluted to half strength. Wash one more time with hot water to rinse off the cleaner, then dry with a clean towel.
Does porcelain tile need to be sealed?
The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, the grout joint between the tiles is usually very porous and generally made of a cement-based material.
What is a good price for porcelain tile?
The average cost range for porcelain tiles is $2 to $30 a square foot for the material, with most people spending between $3 and $10 a square foot. Including installation, this makes the total average range $9 to $40 a square foot, with most people paying $10 to $20 a square foot.
How can I tell if my tile is ceramic or porcelain?
The easiest and fastest way to tell a ceramic tile from a porcelain tile is to take a look at its edge. A ceramic tile, whether for floor or wall use, has a glaze on top of the surface, giving it its color and finish. Porcelain tiles may be glazed but are frequently not.
How can you tell if porcelain tile is glazed?
Visual Inspection. If you are working with new tiles, you can easily tell if a porcelain tile is glazed or not by looking at the side of the tile, or the underside. Glazing only partially covers the edge of a tile, and the bottom of the tile is a completely different color than the glaze on top.
Which is better glazed or unglazed porcelain tile?
Unglazed tiles are thicker than glazed tiles, and due to their density, chemical-resistance, and lack of porosity, they are better suited to areas with lots of moisture, such as washrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. In terms of safety, they are the better option.
What is a good slip resistance rating for tile?
There is also the Pendulum Skid Resistance Test, which gives the following ratings for tiles: Rating <25 – Very slippery. Rating 26-35 – Average. Rating 35-65 – Good skid resistance.
What is better porcelain or ceramic tile?
Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, and therefore less porous. Meaning they’re harder, therefore more durable and absorb less water. This makes them more suited to high footfall areas which will see heavy use.
Can you use Swiffer wet on porcelain tile?
Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl. porcelain tiles. ceramic tiles.
Can you use a steam mop on porcelain tile?
Yes! Go crazy with your steam mop on your ceramic and porcelain tile floors. The mop will clean the tile surfaces and the grout, leaving a streak-free surface that’s simultaneously disinfected.
Is Pine Sol safe for porcelain tile?
You can also use Pine-Sol® Original Squirt ‘N Mop®. It’s safe for wood and hard nonporous surfaces like ceramic and porcelain tiles, and also sealed granite. You can apply this product directly from the bottle over a 3′ x 3’ area and start mopping.
