Use and Care Manual

606
DESIGN WITH CONFIDENCE
DALTILE.COM
Daltile has always been proud to support solutions that better our industry. That’s why
we’re among the first to join the Tile Council of North America in testing our products
with DCOF AcuTestՓ, a new industry standard used to measure dynamic coefficient
of friction (DCOF). DCOF AcuTestՓ assesses products’ suitability for the commercial
environment and the specific usability needs of the application.
A MEASURE OF FRICTION
Friction is the force that resists the sliding motion of one surface against another.
Contaminants, such as liquids, can alter the measurement of friction. There are two
types of friction: static (SCOF) and dynamic (DCOF). SCOF is the ratio of forces
necessary to start two surfaces sliding. This is what the former ASTM C1028 static test
measured. DCOF is the ratio of forces necessary to keep two surfaces sliding.
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW.
Daltile, in partnership with the TCNA, is proud to endorse the DCOF AcuTestՓ
because it’s the most accurate method for determining whether or not a product is
suitable for a commercial environment. And we want the best. For you.
• Similar to measuring the speed of a car in both mph and kph, friction can also be
measured on two scales (DCOF and SCOF). The new .42 wet (DCOF) is replacing
the old reference of .60 COF wet, which has long been the benchmark for friction in
commercial applications.
• The new, more stringent DCOF AcuTestՓ uses a portable robot that, unlike ASTM
C1028, gives realistic values on very smooth surfaces.
• As our industry transitions, you’ll have access to both the SCOF and DCOF scores for
all Daltile flooring products.
While the industry standard is changing, the quality you can count on from us remains
the same. Visit www.daltile.com/DCOF to learn more.
WATER ABSORPTION, ASTM C373-88
Water absorption is measured using ASTM C373-88. Individual tiles are weighed,
saturated with water, then weighed again. The percent difference between the two
conditions is referred to as the water absorption value. Tiles are classified according to
water absorption percentages as follows:
Impervious Tiles exhibiting 0.5% or less.
Vitreous Tiles exhibiting more than 0.5%, but not more than 3.0%.
Semi-Vitreous Tiles exhibiting more than 3.0%, but not more than 7.0%.
Non-Vitreous Tiles exhibiting more than 7.0%.
SCRATCH HARDNESS (MOH’S SCALE RATINGS)
The relative hardness of glazed tile is an important issue that should be addressed when
selecting a tile. The test is performed by scratching the surface of the tile with different
minerals and subjectively assigning a “MOH’s Scale Hardness” number to the glaze. The
softest mineral used is talc (“1” rating) - the hardest is a diamond (“10” rating). Other
minerals of varying hardness providing MOH’s Scale Hardness values of 5 or more
are suitable for most residential floor applications. A value of 7 or greater is normally
recommended for commercial applications.
BREAKING STRENGTH CERAMIC TILE, ASTM C648-04
Ceramic tiles used on floors and walls must be able to withstand the expected load bearing
capacity of various installations. The tile industry uses ASTM C648-04 to determine the
strength and durability of the tile. A force is applied to an unsupported portion of the
tile specimen until breakage occurs. The ultimate breaking strength is then recorded
in pounds. Final selection of the tile should be based upon the breaking strength and
the appropriate installation method. Tile integrity is critically dependent upon proper
installation. Dal-Tile recommends strict adherence to industry installation guidelines set
forth in ANSI A108, A118 and A136.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE, ASTM C650-04
Chemical resistance is measured using ASTM C650-04. A tile sample is placed in
continuous contact with a variety of chemicals for 24 hours, rinsing the surface and then
examining the surface for visible variation.
SHADE VARIATIONS
Tiles range from complete consistency to a more random appearance.
Here’s an overview of color and shading of individual tile selections.
Monochromatic (V0) - Very uniform, monochromatic color
Low (V1) - Consistent color within each tile and from tile to tile
Medium (V2) - Color variation within each tile
High (V3) - Some variation from tile to tile, and within each tile
Random (V4) - Considerable variation from tile to tile
ABRASION RESISTANCE, ASTM C1027-99
The durability of glazed tile is measured subjectively by observing the visible surface
abrasion of the tile when subjected to the ASTM C 1027-99 testing procedure. Dal-Tile
evaluates glazed tile recommended for floor applications using this test method which
includes the following classification system:
Class Zero Not recommended for use on floors.
Class One
(Light Residential)
1
Light Traffic - Residential floor coverings in areas subject to soft-
soled footwear or normal footwear traffic, without scratching
dirt (i.e. domestic bathrooms and bedrooms without exterior
access).
Class Two
(Residential)
2
Medium to Light Traffic - Residential floor coverings in areas subject
to soft-soled footwear or normal footwear traffic with small
amounts of scratching dirt (i.e. rooms in the living areas of homes
except kitchens, entrances and other areas that may be subjected
to high usage).
Class Three
(Heavy Residential
or Light Commercial)
3
Medium to Heavy Traffic - Residential or light commercial may
withstand normal footwear and regular traffic, with some dirt
and/or other abrasives present in limited quantities. Tile in this
class may be used in light commercial installations with limited
foot traffic and with no direct access to the outside. Examples
may include residential kitchens and hallways with limited traffic
from the outside.
Class Four
(Commercial)
4
Heavy Traffic - Residential and commercial floor coverings
subjected to considerable traffic and scratching dirt (i.e.
entrances, workrooms, inns, exhibition halls, and sales rooms, as
well as other rooms in public and private buildings). Floors should
be adequately protected against scratching dirt at the entrances
to buildings by either floor mats or some other footwear cleaning
device.
Class Five
(Heavy Commercial)
5
Heavy Traffic - Heavy commercial floor coverings subject to
heavy traffic with very abrasive soil.
INDUSTRY STANDARDS
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) are nationally recognized organizations, which identify and
develop industry test methods and technical standards.
*Neither ASTM nor ANSI establish an industry standard identifying a minimum COF
value whereby ceramic tile may be labeled “slip resistant”.
All Standard Grade ceramic tile products manufactured by or for Daltile meet or exceed
the requirements of ANSI A137.1. See product pages for series-specific technical data.
PORCELAIN/CERAMIC TEST RESULTS