Tile that, due to its manufacturing methodology, does not retain water inside, and therefore, can be exposed to freezing temperatures of water without suffering breakage in its interior structure.
To determine this characteristic, the ISO 10545-12 anti-icing standard is followed and consists of subjecting a sample 100 times to temperature changes between -5ºC to +5ºC, previously immersed in water. If they do not show damage, it is assumed as 'anti-freeze'.
This is an exclusive feature for flooring and responds to the ability of ceramic tiles to resist slipping or slipping.
There are 4 classes of Slip Resistance (Rd) that determine the standards and that we explain in detail on this page.
It is important to know the area where it is going to be placed in order to adapt its resistance.
This characteristic is usually sought in the floors, so that the repetition effect does not occur, alternating variety in the designs. Manufacturers package them randomly, so in most cases, you can't choose a specific design.
They are designed so that their final appearance as pavement is alternating and not repetitive.
With this icon we indicate the thickness of the ceramic tile. In tiles from the same collection, the same thicknesses are usually maintained to make installation easier.
This detail is important if you want to combine tiles from different series or from different manufacturers.
Rectified ceramic tiles are those that have the edge cut at a 90-degree angle, that is, the edge is straight, perfectly cut and with the exact dimensions.
This cutting of the tile a posteriori makes the dimensions of all the tiles almost exact and allows much thinner and tighter installations in the joints.
For the installation of rectified tiles on floors, it is recommended to use ceramic levelling systems so that all the tiles are well aligned with each other.
Ceramic tiles with irregular edges are those whose edges are not completely straight.
Those ceramic tiles that have this icon can be installed both as flooring and cladding.
By definition, all ceramic tiles manufactured as flooring can be used for cladding.
Otherwise, no, ceramic tiles manufactured for cladding are not suitable as flooring.
This is because flooring has to meet more demands in terms of resistance to wear, abrasion and all possible inclement weather on a floor. A coating hardly has to meet technical characteristics to maintain its integrity for years.
Ceramic tile suitable for installation only as flooring.
Normally, it could be installed as a cladding, but it may have some characteristics why the manufacturer only recommends it as a flooring.
Ceramic tile suitable only as cladding. Its technical characteristics make it perfect as a cladding, but at the same time, exclude it from installation on the floor of any room.
It cannot be used on pavements.
Non-gloss ceramic tile. It does not produce reflections with the different inclinations of light.
Ceramic tile with shine, so it produces reflections with the different inclinations of light rays.
Ceramic tile whose repetition is marked by changes in the colour tones of some tiles with others.
Some tiles are lighter, others darker, others with halftones, thus achieving alternation in the final set.
Manufacturers usually detail the degree of shading, in low, medium and high.
What properties or characteristics should ceramics have?
In general, there will be 4 fundamental properties that you should know in a ceramic tile:
WATER ABSORPTION
The first and main one is water absorption. It is, together with the colour of the raw material, the quality that gives ceramic tiles their name. In addition, properties such as frost resistance directly depend on it as well. They are known by the following names:
- PORCELAIN STONEWARE: Ab < 0.5 - Interior and exterior walls and floors
- THICKNESS: 0.5 ≥ Ab > 3 - Interior and exterior walls and floors
- GLAZED GRES: 3 ≥ Ab > 6 - Interior floors and walls
- TERRACOTTA: 6 ≥ Ab > 15 - Interior and exterior walls and floors (Does not resist frost)
- TILES: Ab ≥ 10 - Interior Walls
FROST
It is essential to know whether or not the tile to be laid will be frost resistant. This property is necessary for outdoor installation.
To determine this characteristic, the ISO 10545-12 anti-icing standard is followed and consists of subjecting a sample 100 times to temperature changes between -5ºC to +5ºC, previously immersed in water. If they do not show damage, it is assumed as 'anti-freeze'.
SLIP RESISTANCE
This is an exclusive feature for flooring and responds to the ability of ceramic tiles to resist slipping or slipping.
There are 4 classes of Slip Resistance (Rd) that determine the standards:
- Rd ≤ 15 Class 0
- 15 < Rd ≤ 35 Class 1
- 35 < Rd ≤ 45 Class 2
- Rd > 45 Class 3
See the minimum classes required for soils according to their location.
Dry inland areas:
- Surfaces with a slope of less than 6% - Class 1
- Surfaces with a slope equal to or greater than 6% and stairs – Class 2
Wet indoor areas, such as entrances to buildings, covered terraces, changing rooms, showers, kitchens,...
- Surfaces with a slope of less than 6% - Class 2
- Surfaces with a slope equal to or greater than 6% and stairs – Class 3
Indoor areas where agents (greases, lubricants) may be present in addition to water, such as industrial kitchens, slaughterhouses, industrial use,... – Class 3
Outdoor areas. Swimming pools and showers (areas provided for barefoot users and at the bottom of pools when the depth is no more than 1.5m) – Class 3
RESISTANCE TO WEAR, ABRASION AND SURFACE HARDNESS
Wear and abrasion resistance: It is the method of measuring the concealment capacity of wear suffered by abrasion, such as that produced by footwear.
5 levels are established:
- Nivel 1 – Low
- Nivel 2 – Medium
- Nivel 3 – Medium High
- Nivel 4 – High
- Nivel 5 – Very High
Hardness or scratch resistance: To determine the hardness or scratch resistance, a test is carried out by scratching the surface with the 10 materials on the MOHS scale in increasing form. The minimum required for cladding is Mohs 3 and for flooring is Mohs 5.