What Is Porcelain Tile Pei Rating
The pei rating class begins with a 0 rating which is best suited for light duty applications in homes.
What is porcelain tile pei rating. The best type of tile would be a full body darker porcelain tile with a pei rating of 4 or 5. Pei is the abbreviation for porcelain enamel institute. This hardness is determined by the manufacturer using a standardized test. This is crucial because not all tile can be used in all areas.
Pei porcelain enamel institute ratings help you determine the hardness and durability of tile. The pei rating can help you determine exactly where certain types of tile should be installed. It is measured by the use of a machine known as a rotary abrasion resistance testing machine in which steel ball bearings are pressed down and rolled over the surface of the tile while an observer watches the effect. Full body is when the tile is the same color throughout and it s better to go with a darker tile in case there are any leaks.
It is commonly used on walls and shower surrounds on counter tops and on floors. The pei rating is essentially a measurement of the surface enamel s resistance to abrasion. Porcelain tile can be used in residential and commercial properties on a variety of surfaces. A pei rating is given to a tile product based the hardness of its glaze.
The pei or porcelain enamel institute has established a rating scale that helps consumers determine the durability and hardness of different types of tile. Tile that experiences much foot traffic should be harder and denser than than that receives no foot traffic.