The Suitability Of Tiles For Heavy Traffic Areas
Monday, February 8th, 2010The hardness and the scratch resistance determines the durability that the tiles have. This is tested and rated according to a value system that depicts the strength of the tiles to hold different kinds of traffic.
Ceramic and Porcelain tiles are generally tested for density and scratch resistance via the MOHS Test along with a rating system that marks a tile on a scale of 1 to 10, thereby putting them into different categories according to their quality. Tiles falling in the number 1 scale are said to be of softest quality while those lying in the scale of 10 are supposedly the hardest and the finest quality tiles. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) scale will tell you which tile rating is the most suitable for your application, so you should refer to this before purchasing.
The certification of the tiles quality is stated elsewhere; do not be mislead by the scales as they only describe the areas where the tiles should be used. The scale rating and the areas which the tiles have been designed for are given by the manufacturer. The scale is marked from a class of 0 to 5 with tiles falling in Class 0 being for delicate use while those in Class 5 are suitable for heavy traffic areas. The six classes are described as:
Class 0 – No foot traffic. You will not find these tiles on floors as they are only suitable for interior walls.
Class 1 – Very Light Traffic. Interior walls and residence bathroom walls are normally tiled with tiles in this catergory as they are only suitable for barefoot traffic.
Traffic that is light – Class 2. These tiles can be used for second level bathroom and bedroom floors and can stand the pressure of slipper and soft-soled shoes only.
Class 3 – Light to Moderate Traffic. Such tiles can be used for both residential walls as well as floors that can include bedrooms, bathroom tile designs, foyers, family rooms, dining rooms and kitchens. Good service is the advantage of these tiles.
Moderate to heavy traffic – Class 4. Tiles in this category can stand abrasions and outside dirt and are suitable for residential entrances, balconies, countertops and kitchens. They can also be used for semi-commercial, light industrial wall and floor applications that can include offices, showrooms, shopping malls, hallways and restaurant dining areas.
Class 5 – Heavy Traffic. Such Tiles can be used practically everywhere such as airports, commercial as well as industrial areas, subways and supermarkets. Floor or wall tiling can use these kind of tiles.
Taking this rating system into consideration, you can easily locate the type of tile that is suitable for the area where you plan to use it.The markings on the tiles are extremely important; be careful to look at these as they will show you whether you are choosing the right tiles for the right kind of area. Before you regard the aesthetic beauty of the tiles make sure you consider the abrasion resistance; this is extremely important. Otherwise, you might end up with tiles that look gorgeous in your kitchen, but not quite as suitable for decorating the bathroom.
