Abrasion Resistance, ASTM C1027-99
The durability of a glazed tile is subjectively measured by observing the visible surface abrasion of the tile when subjected to the ASTM C1027-99 testing procedure.
Glazed tile used for floors is evaluated using this test method which includes the following classification system.
Class Zero
Not recommended for use on floors
Class One
(Light residential)
Light Traffic– Residential floor covering in areas subject to soft-soled footwear or normal footwear traffic, without scratching dirt (i.e. domestic bathroom and bedrooms without exterior access).
Class Two
(Residential)
Medium –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 accept kitchens, entrances and other areas that may be subject to high usage.
Class Three
(Heavy residential or light commercial)
Medium – Heavy Traffic – Residential or light commercial may withstand normal footwear and regular traffic, with some dirt and/or other abrasives resent in limited quantities. Tile in this class may be used in light commercial installations with limited foot traffic and no direct access to the outside. Examples may include residential kitchens and hallways with limited traffic from the outside.
Class Four
(Commercial)
Heavy Traffic– Residential and commercial floor coverings subjected to considerable traffic and scratching dirt (i.e. entrances, washrooms, inns, exhibition halls, and sales rooms as well as other room on 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)
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 ASNI establish an industrystandard identifying a minimum COF value whereby ceramic tile may be labelled “slip-resistant”.