Q.

What is the difference between a ceramic and a porcelain tile?

A.

A ceramic tile is made of clay and other raw materials such as minerals and talc. After the tiles are formed, they go through a drying kiln are often finished with a durable glaze. This glaze gives the tile its colour and pattern. They can be used in both wall and floor applications and are softer and easier to cut than porcelain. Ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to high traffic areas. They generally have a higher water absorption rating making them less frost resistant and they are more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are ceramic products whose main characteristic is their low rate of water absorption, allowing them to offer superior performance not offered by traditional ceramic tiles. We can distinguish between unglazed porcelain tiles and glazed porcelain tiles. In both of these cases, fired tiles can undergo alternative treatments such as polishing, semi-polishing and rectification of the sides. A distinction can also be made between through-body porcelain tiles and coloured-body porcelain tiles. With through-body (commonly called salt and pepper) the tile appears as a uniform mass that results from the mixture of different coloured powders. Coloured-bodied tiles undergo alternative decorations with shades similar to that of the body of the tile. With porcelain tiles, surface wear is even as the tile is made up of a similar looking compact mass.

Q.	Where can I use tiles?
A.	Tiles can be used in absolutely any space – what you can do is limited only to your imagination. Tiles can be used in bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, living spaces, outdoor areas including pools and cladding of buildings. Be sure to ask your Earp Bros Consultant or Representative which types of tiles are suitable for each area.

Q.

Are some tiles more hard wearing than others?

A.

Yes, there are tiles that are more hard wearing than others. A scale that clearly indicates areas for use is the Porcelain Enamel Institute rating scale (PEI). Keep it mind that this is not a measure of quality, just an indicator for the hardness or scratch resistance of a tile. Tile classes range from 0 to 5 and are as follows: Class 0 – No foot traffic (wall tile only) Class 1 – Very low foot traffic where there are bare/stocking feet only (i.e. Bathroom) Class 2 – Light traffic for soft-soled shoes (bedrooms and some bathroom areas) Class 3 – Light to moderate traffic (residential areas except those where heavy/abrasive traffic is expected) Class 4 – Moderate to heavy traffic areas where abrasive materials can be tracked (i.e. Balcony, kitchen and entry areas Class 5 – Heavy traffic tiles for residential, institutional and commercial floors where there is significant foot traffic Earp Bros and Porcelanosa believe that the measure of the floor tiles resistance to the abrasion of its surface is the factor that will determinate durability. Porcelanosa have developed their own internal assessment method to assess the various models in respect to wear. A test is carried out by a 'Real Abrasion Simulator machine', or shoe-meter, that reproduces the weight of a man (80 kg) dragging his leather shoes along the surface of the tile for a period of ten minutes, using an abrasive agent between the shoe and the tile. Final classification of Porcelanosa floor tiles comes after assessment by quality and product control specialists who assess the tiles against the above parameters and label them from group one to seven. The aim of this is to ascertain the best area of use for all floor tile ranges and link them to specific buildings or environments. Descriptions of the groups are as follows: Level 1 Group 1: Suitable for wall coverings Group 2: Suitable for private bathroom floors Level 2 Group 3: Suitable for indoor private home floors Group 4: Suitable for public use floors with LOW pedestrian transit Level 3 Group 5: Suitable for public use floors with MEDIUM pedestrian transit Group 6: Suitable for public use floors with INTENSE pedestrian transit Group 7: Suitable for high transit floors with transit of both people and goods

Q.	Do tiles stain?
A.	Glazed ceramic tiles will not stain. Porcelain tiles vary depending on the manufacturer. Terracotta and natural stones should be sealed prior to use.

Q.	Are tiles slippery?
A.	Glossy or polished tiles are more slippery than others and extra care must be taken if water is lying on such tiles. There is an Australian Standard of Slip Resistance for surfaces and Earp Bros team consultants can help you to select the right tiles for your space. Ask us about the Ramp, Pendulum and Accelerated wear ratings.

Q.	Will tiles chip or crack?
A.	Tiles vary in their hardness. Any flooring material will chip or crack if mistreated, i.e. dropping a hammer from a ladder. Tiles vary in their ability to resist impact so always consult with your Earp Bros Representative to choose the correct product. It is always a good idea to keep a spare box of tiles in case of any damage so that you have an identical product for any repairs.

Q.

Do tiles absorb water?

A.

Industry standards classify tiles into 9 groups according to their level of water absorption and forming method. There is a specific standard that contains all these requirements, which vary for each group. Water absorption indicates the level of porosity of a tile, or it's ability to absorb moisture. BIII tiles have high water absorption (+ 10%) Bllb tiles have average to high water absorption (6% - 10%) Blla tiles have low to average water absorption (3% - 6%) BIb is a vitrified tile, which has relatively low water absorption (0.5% - 3%) BIa is a fully vitrified tile, which has extremely low water absorption (less than 0.5%) Vitrification is the progressive reduction of porosity of a ceramic composition. It has not more than 3% water absorption. A vitrified tile has a moisture absorption of 0.5% „_ 3% where as a fully vitrified tile has less than 0.5% absorption.

Q.	Are tiles easy to keep clean?
A.	Yes. Daily sweeping and a weekly wash with a neutral cleaner is all the maintenance required. Please consult with your Earp Bros Representative for a detailed cleaning procedure.

Q.

How do I keep my grout from getting dirty?

A.

Grout is usually a cementitious material, which by its nature will absorb dirt, grime and chemicals. Ardex Australia recommends that a grout booster is used during the installation process. For commercial areas, or residential areas where additional protection from particles and chemicals is required, epoxy grout can be used. 100% solids and chemical resistant, it is designed for situations requiring strict hygiene standards. When you are making your initial decisions regarding tiles, it is a good idea to select large format tiles and have small joints where grout exposure will be kept to a minimum.

Q.

What is a recified tile?

A.

Most ceramic and porcelain tiles are manufactured in a pressed version and as a consequence they have a varying amount of cushioned edge to them. A rectified tile goes through an additional manufacturing process to trim the edges. This process makes each tile exactly the same size and with a very square edge. Rectification allows tiles to be laid with a closer joint and gives a much smoother finish to the floor or wall.

Q.	Do rectified tiles cost more to install?
A.	In most instances yes. The substrate upon which rectified tiles are to be laid needs to be much flatter and uniform than is required for regular tiles. Always consult with your tile fixer and show them the tile you are considering before assuming any costs.

Q.

Why do tiles vary so much in price?

A.

Tiles can be made for many purposes and the raw materials used will be adjusted according to this purpose. For example a tile produced for domestic use has different performance levels and technical ability than a tile produced for a high traffic shopping centre. Raw material costs can vary significantly and the same can be said for technology. Some companies have spent huge amounts of money developing their own technologies, while others have only been able to create something 'similar'. Those companies that invest in their own superior technologies have also often developed systems and procedures enable them to manufacture products that are more accountable. Today, there are some companies who are investing heavily in Research and Development (R&D) to become more environmentally and socially responsible. While we are unable to comment on all products, we are able to promote the Earp Bros range with the knowledge that they will perform both technically and aesthetically. They are manufactured in an ISO certified facility which has become the most environmentally friendly manufacturer in the world. This comes at a price, but at Earp Bros we believe they are worth every cent.

Q.

Are tiles an environmentally sustainable product?

A.

As a member of the Green Building Council of Australia, Earp Bros have addressed health, sustainability and safety issues against our products. As a product with a low replacement frequency with no reliance on solvent based maintenance and sealing, ceramic tiles are a far more sustainable option. Furthermore, unlike natural flooring products such as timber, no trees are felled to create the end product and no harsh chemicals or sealers are required for maintenance. As a manufacturer of Earp Bros products, the Porcelanosa Grupo is committed to sustainable development and has selected a group of products called ecoTech, which aim to minimise environmental impact and improve the quality of life for consumers. Porcelanosa have also achieved ISO certification for their commitment to the environment. Some of the innovative policies they have implemented include installation of vacuum systems to prevent particles being dispersed into the atmosphere, use of recylable and reusable packaging products, secure storage of toxic and waste materials and the promotion of energy saving methods.