Pierre De Lens

Porcelain tile can be suitable for most interior and exterior floor and wall applications when properly selected and installed over a suitable substrate using appropriate setting materials, grout, and waterproofing where required. Under ANSI A137.1, porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. In showers and other wet areas, porcelain tile is widely used, but the tile and grout alone do not create a waterproof installation. Proper substrates, setting materials, waterproofing systems, and grout should be selected according to the installation conditions and TCNA guidelines. When slipperiness is a concern, the tile’s intended-use classification and DCOF performance should be considered under ANSI A326.3. Slip resistance alone does not determine safety; water, slope, contaminants, walking speed, and intended use can also affect surface conditions. For exterior areas exposed to direct sunlight, tile color and heat absorption should be considered, along with manufacturer recommendations for exterior use. Movement joints should also be incorporated where required in accordance with TCNA EJ171. Grout-joint width should follow the tile manufacturer’s recommendations and ANSI A108.02 rather than relying on one universal joint size..