Fioranese Nu Travertine . Cream Natural Crosscut

Technical Definitions

Coefficient of Friction (COF) Slip Resistance:

Coefficient of Friction refers to the slip resistance of a tile or stone surface typically under both wet and dry conditions. The expressed results provide a gauge for suitability of use of a proposed tile or stone in an installation. This measurement is more important in public areas like an office lobby or mall, exterior decks and walkways, and wet areas like the deck of a pool or floor of a shower. The test method used in North America is referred to as ASTM C1028. This test method can not easily be compared to other European test methods. Acceptable results for slip resistance are minimum 0.5 dry and 0.6 wet. The higher the number the better.

Frost Resistance:

The tile's ability to resist damage after freezing and thawing environmental conditions.

PEI Rating:

The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) developed this test standard for abrasion resistance for glazed tile. The ratings are as follows:

Variation:

The tone rating is an indication of how much variation there is in the colour and shade of the tile. The range of ratings on this scale is V1 to V4 as follows:

Rating			Definition
V1			Low visible shade and texture variation from tile to tile.
V2			Tiles show distinguishable differences in texture and pattern within similar colours.
V3			High shade and texture variation from tile to tile.
V4			Random variations of shade and texture where one tile may have completely different shade or texture from another tile in the same collection.

Water Absorption:

The measure to determine the level of water a tile absorbs which ranges from Non-vitreous (absorbs more than 7% water) to Impervious (absorbs less than 0.5% water). This measure is important for tiles or stone used in areas with wet environments or with consistent freeze/thaw cycles.

Abrasion Resistance:

A measure for a tile's surface abrasive hardness. The higher the rating number, the harder the tiles surface.

Types of Stone

Marble:

Decorative stone that is typically supplied in a polished or honed surface. Marble is somewhat softer and is susceptible to scratching and damage from acids or staining agents. Marble is defined as a 'metamorphic', or 'changed-in-form' stone resulting from millions of years of pressure and heat acting on the structure and chemistry of the rock. Because natural stones have differing chemistry and characteristics, it's always wise to consider the application when choosing a natural stone.

Limestone:

Limestone is another decorative stone typically supplied in a polished or honed surface, although other textures are readily available. Like marble, Limestone can be susceptible to surface scratching and should be protected from attack by acids. Limestone is a sedimentary stone and may have a grained look. Because natural stones have differing chemistry and characteristics, it's always wise to consider the application when choosing a natural stone.

Travertine:

Travertine has holes in it which may be filled with grout on the jobsite or may be supplied prefilled from the manufacturer. Travertine also tends to have a grain to it, being closely related to limestone. Although the surface of a travertine tile may appear solid, or filled, there always is a chance a new hole might appear either because the fill popped out of a hole or a void was present immediately under the surface and opened up as a result of wear and tear. In this case the holes are easily refilled. Because natural stones have differing chemistry and characteristics, it's always wise to consider the application when choosing a natural stone.

Slate:

Slate is another metamorphic stone like marble. It's usually quite earthy or muddy in colour and has a natural cleft face. Slate can also be worked to produce a polished or smooth surface. However, slate can vary in characteristics to a large degree and care when specifying is urged. Be aware of potential limitations for exterior or wet area use, and ways of installation to minimize risk.

Granite:

Whereas all natural stones are works of art produced by Mother Nature, granite is generally the strongest, most dense, and resistant stone. There are many decorative granites available today suitable for residential, commercial, exterior, and wet applications. Granite gets it's strong characteristics because it is 'Igneous'. Its Latin origin means 'Fire'. Granite is formed when lava and molten rock cools and solidifies. Because natural stones have differing chemistry and characteristics, it's always wise to consider the application when choosing a natural stone.

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