FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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With whom can I check the availability of a specific product?
Please call Tile Source directly to check product availability. We have forged strong relationships with our vendors and will be able to provide you with accurate information regarding the product you desire.
How can I drill a hole through porcelain tile?
The only thing hard enough to drill through porcelain is a diamond drill bit.
How can you tell if the grout joints need to be resealed?
If you put a few drops of water on the grout and they bead up, the sealer is OK. If the water absorbs into the grout, it is time to reseal.
If I drop something on my kitchen floor, is it going to crack the tile?
It depends, ceramic tile is very durable, if you drop a glass or dish, the glass or dish will most likely break, depending on the angle and force of the contact, the tile may be susceptible to cracking.
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Is it difficult to replace a broken tile?
Something like this should be left to a professional. The grout around the broken tile is removed first, then the broken tile is carefully removed using a hammer and chisel. (Don't forget to wear goggles). Scrape up all the hard mortar or adhesive. Then replace the tile and regrout.
What do all these test results on-line mean? What's best?
Test results provide you with information on product performance. Tile Source products are intended to provide you the broadest array of colors, textures, sizes and styles. However, each individual is unique and each design style should allow the flexibility to conform to your preferences. As a result a manufacturers provide us with extensive product information to allow you to customize your look without having to sacrifice the practical needs of the application. Tile Source recommends that you request from us a detailed explanation of each test and the industry recommendations for performance given your unique application needs. Coefficient of Friction Coefficient of Friction (“COF) is the relative slip resistance of tile. The COF test provided by our manufacturers is a laboratory or field test established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to provide customers comparable slip resistance values for each of their floor tiles. The measurements disclosed are designed to be one important factor to consider in evaluating slip resistance. Other factors can affect slip resistance, such as the degree of wear on the shoe and flooring material; presence of foreign material, such as water, oil and dirt; the length of the human stride at the time of slip; type of floor finish; and the physical and mental condition of the person walking on the tile. The higher the COF, the more slip resistant the tile. OSHA requires a 0.50 COF for walkways and the A.D.A. recommends a 0.60 for accessible routes and 0.80 for ramps. Scratch hardness of a tile refers to the exterior surface of the tile and how easily it will mar. It is therefore not a big issue for wall tile but is for floors and countertops. The higher the number the better. A value of 7 or greater is normally recommended for commercial applications. Abrasion Resistance measures the hardness of the glaze and measures the overall durability of the tile. There are 4 categories (or classes) of differentiation. The classes range from Class 0 (not recommended for floors) to Class 4 (heavy commercial floor). Water Absorption measures the susceptibility of the body of the tile to absorb water. Tiles range from impervious (less than 0.5%) to Non-Vitreous (more than 7.0%). Exterior applications will require an impervious tile. The water absorption may impact the installation method, as well. Although this test is used primarily to evaluate glazed and unglazed product, it is sometimes used as a good indicator to predict the stain resistance of unglazed tiles. Generally, for unpolished, unglazed tile, the lower the water absorption the greater the stain resistance. Breaking Strength measures the expected load bearing capacity of various installations. The higher the breaking strength, the stronger and more durable the tile. Chemical Resistance measures the resistance of the tile to various chemicals. An application where there is exposure to staining chemicals and substances should require only tiles identified to be resistant.
I would like to check the price of a specific item.
Please call Tile Source or visit our showroom and provide us with the manufacturer, model number, color and size of the tile and we will be happy to give you pricing.
Does Tile Source sell recycled tile?
Tile Source uses manufacturers that incorporate an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that recycles scrap tile (both fired and unfired) into the manufacturing process. The recycled tile has become a necessary raw material in those products for which the recycling is incorporated. It is our manufacturers objective to minimize any waste relating to the manufacturing operations. Both water and material recycling is widely practiced throughout their manufacturing operations.
Can someone help me find a specific tile which has recently been discontinued?
Manufactures discontinue products on a regular annual cycle. Part of this process entails the sale and disposition of remaining inventory to distributors. On many occasions we can locate remaining inventory within the first 6 months after a product has been discontinued but there is no guarantee. Beyond six months, it becomes extremely difficult to locate discontinued products. We recommend purchasing additional tiles that you may store in the event you ever need to replace a damaged tile.