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Characteristics
Glaze is "liquid glass" that has been sprayed or poured onto the surface of the tile. Extreme heat causes the tile to be fused together and harden. Glazed tile must meet the same criteria as unglazed tiles, with two additional tests: thermal shock and crazing.
Common sizes
1"x 1", 12"x 12" and larger.
Qualities
First quality tiles are manufactured with up to 5% visible facial defects. However, the installer is allowed 0% defects. It's important for the installer to discard the defective product or use the tile for cuts.
- Standards: Glazed tiles have ANSI standards for determining facial defects, sizing, warping, wedging, etc.
- Function: The following factors may affect the hardness, strength and wear resistance of glazed ceramic tile:
- Temperature: Higher kiln (oven) temperatures typically produce a harder glaze.
- Color: Dark colors (such as blacks or blues) are typically more prone to scratch than lighter colors.
- Gloss levels: Shiny glazes are not usually as abrasive resistant as matte finish glazes. When specifying or installing glazed floor tile, consider these characteristics
- Slip resistance
- Wear resistance
- Maintenance requirements
- Chemical and stain resistance Limitations
Be sure to determine the function, limitations, and suitability of the product. Do not make your selection based solely on color, style or appearance.
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