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Technical Information
  
Tile
Council of America (TCA) conducted Product Testing on our SAND glazed
tiles in April, 2000.
SUMMARY
Chase Tiles are rated for high-traffic commercial use on floors. Our ceramic tiles have a non-viterous clay body. However, our glazes are waterproof and glazed on the top and sides. If you are using our tiles in areas that are likely to have considerable exposure to water (shower floors, fountains, etc.) use an epoxy mortar, epoxy grout and a deep-penetrating silicone sealer on both sides of the tile.
Water Absorption
Test Procedure: ASTM
C373: "Standard Test Method for
Water Absorption, Bulk Density, Apparent Porosity, and Apparent Specific
Gravity of Fired Whiteware Products."
-Five
specimens were tested.
-The
specimens were cut from the center of individual tiles to provide four "freshly fractured" surfaces
-The
specimens were subjected to a five-hour boil and 24-hour soak to room
temperature.
Test Results: The
average water absorption of five specimens was: 18.43%. This value classifies the subject material
as non-vitreous.
[The ANSI A137.1 Specification for Glazed Wall Tile states: "the tile may be non-vitreous, but shall not exceed 20% average water absorption."
NOTE: Our glazes are waterproof and glazed on
the top and sides. If you are using
our tiles in areas that are likely to have considerable exposure to water
(shower floors, fountains, etc.) you must know that the tile body is
non-vitreous. If the application
is in a very wet area, using an epoxy mortar, epoxy grout and a
deep-penetrating silicone sealer on both sides of the tile is
recommended. We offer no
guarantees.
Abrasion
Test Procedure: ASTM
C1027: "Standard Test Method for
Determining Visible Abrasion Resistance of Glazed Ceramic Tile."
-4x4
inch specimens were cut from individual tiles
-A
Gabbrielli Abrasimeter W1 was used to abrade the tile
-10%
Hydrochloric acid was used to remove any metal oxide staining.
Test Results: There was no apparent visual
difference in gloss or color after 12000 revolutions when viewed in
the viewing box by more than one technician.
The specimen also passed staining per Section 7.3 of the test
method. Thus, in accordance with the
test procedure, the subject tile is rated Class 5 (extra-heavy
commercial [interior/exterior]).
Applications
Our tiles are Grade #2,
suitable for most applications, but with minor
glaze or size imperfections..
Slip Resistance We have not had our tiles tested for Coefficient
of Friction for resistance to slip.
Our tiles have a matte glaze finish with considerable texture and high
and low relief. Therefore, in
informal conversations with Noah Chitty, Senior Lab Technician for TCA, Noah
said he felt that all of our tiles would be resistant to slip. We offer no guarantees.
Frost Resistance We have not had our tiles tested for Frost Resistance. Because the
tiles do absorb water, they are likely not frost resistant and should not
be used where the temperature dips below freezing. With that said, much of the success in
frost-area applications is a function of the
adhesive and the conditions when
set. Using
one of the new mats for exterior or shower applications, using
an epoxy mortar, epoxy
grout and a
deep-penetrating silicone sealer on both sides of the tile may make the
tiles suitable
for a frost area. We offer no guarantees.
NOTES The other 7 glaze colors (ochre, slate, umber,
sepia, leaf green, white travertine, and russet) have not been
tested. In informal discussions with Noah
Chitty, TCA lab technician, the darkest colors should be of greatest
concern. Debbie and Dick installed
the slate tiles on their kitchen floor three years ago. This is a high-traffic residential area
(considered the same as medium commercial traffic interiors). There has been no wear or abrasion
over the past three years. All of our
tile glazes are likely about a #3 on abrasion (all residential/medium
commercial interiors), but we offer no guarantees for the glazes not
formally rated. All tiles should be
sealed with a deep-penetrating silicone sealer prior to grouting.
We recommend that masking be used when grouting
darker tiles with a lighter grout.
Clean the grout off rough textured tiles quickly with a mild acidic
solution such as vinegar and water and a toothbrush.
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