S IN STANDARD EN 14411 European standard EN 14411 establishes a set of physico-chemical characteristics that need to be taken into account in ceramic tile as a function of the tile s intended use as flooring or wall cladding, and for interior or exterior applications. In this sense, standard EN 14411 does not differ from the one it replaces, except for the inclusion of some new characteristics or modification of the requirements, test method or classification of results envisaged in EN 67-087-85. Chart 1 presents these characteristics, the new characteristics or in-depth modifications being displayed in red. The physico-chemical characteristics of ceramic tile, the obligatory or voluntary nature of their consideration, and the minimum requirable values for each product group have been summarised in Chart 2 (parts I, II, and II). The dimensional tolerances envisaged for each product group are presented in Chart 3 (length and width) and in Chart 4 (thickness, straightness of sides, rectangularity, and flatness). reviews these characteristics and notes their effect on tile installation and durability. Another interpretation of the foregoing charts may be made in relation to the relative effect of the features they describe on tile installation and tiling durability. In Chart 5 (parts I, II, III, and IV), we have included a number of new charts, in which the last column notes the connection between these features and the tile installation mode and/or effect on durability. Physico-chemical characteristics 1
S ACCORDING TO APPLICATIONS IN STANDARD EN 14411 Dimensions and surface quality FLOORS APPLICATION WALLS INTERIOR EXTERIOR INTERIOR EXTERIOR TEST METHOD ISO 10.545 (3) Part Length and width 2 Thickness 2 Straightness of sides 2 Rectangularity 2 Surface flatness (curvature and warpage) 2 Surface quality 2 Physical properties Water absorption 3 Modulus of rupture 4 Breaking strength 4 Resistance to deep abrasion (unglazed tiles UGL) Resistance to surface abrasion (glazed tiles GL) 6 7 Slip resistance - (4) Crazing resistance (glazed tiles) 11 Frost resistance (1) 12 Resistance to thermal shock (2) 9 Moisture expansion (2) 10 Linear thermal expansion (2) 8 Small colour differences (2) 16 Impact resistance (2) 5 Chemical properties Resistance to low concentrations of acids and alkalis Resistance to high concentrations of acids and alkalis Resistance to household chemicals and swimming pool salts 13 13 13 Lead and cadmium release (2) (glazed tiles) 15 Stain resistance - Glazed tiles - Unglazed tiles (2) NOTE: For the characteristics in red, the test method in standard EN 14411 constitutes a modification or a new contribution compared with the previous European standards (1) For tiles to be used in exteriors subject to frost/thaw cycles (2) Test method available (3) The test methods shall be conducted by laboratories recognised by the national standardisation organisations (ISO members) and/or accredited organisations of the respective countries. Accreditation under ISO 9000 and/or ISO/IEC Guide 25 is preferred. (4) Slip resistance shall be measured according to the test method available in the tile country of destination, whenever this is required by the national regulations. In Spain, document SUA 1 of the Technical Building Code shall be applied in tiles intended for private flooring subject to common use or floorings in publicly trafficked architecture. Slip coefficient R d is measured by the friction pendulum method [UNE-ENV 12633]. Chart 1 14 14 Physico-chemical characteristics 2
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND TEST METHOD CLASS OR UNIT OF DIMENSIONS ISO 10545-2 mm or % MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF EACH PRODUCT GROUP ACCORDING TO EN 14411 PRODUCT GROUP MEASURE AI a AI b AII a-1 AII a-2 AII b-1 AII b-2 AIII BI a BI b BII a BII b BIII The maximum allowable tolerances are shown in Charts 3 and 4 The maximum length and width tolerances in modular tiles shall allow a tile-to-tile joint between 3 and 11 mm wide. Straightness of sides and rectangularity are not envisaged for tiles with curved sides. SURFACE QUALITY ISO 10545-2 WATER ABSORPTION (E) Average Individual max. value ISO 10545-3 BREAKING STRENGTH Thickness 7.5 mm Thickness < 7.5 mm MODULUS OF RUPTURE (0) ISO 10545-4 ABRASION RESISTANCE Deep for UGL tiles ISO 10545-6 Surface for GL tiles (1) ISO 10545-7 % 95% of the tiles shall be free of visible defects that might adversely affect the appearance of the ceramic tiling % by mass N N/mm 2 0,5 0,6 1300 28/21 3 3.3 1100 23/18 950 20/18 3<E 6 6.5 800 13/11 900 900 17,5/15 6<E 10 11 750 750 9/8 >10 0.5 0.6 8/7 1300 700 35/32 0.5<E 3 3.3 1100 700 30/27 3<E 6 6.5 1000 22/20 mm 3 (max.) 275 393 541 649 1062 2365 175 175 345 540 PEI class and no. of cycles STATE CLASS AND NUMBER OF CYCLES 6<E 10 11 800 500 18/16 STATE CLASS AND NUMBER OF CYCLES >10 (5) 200 15/12 (6) COEFFICIENT OF LINEAR THERMAL EXPANSION (2) ISO 10545-8 ºC -1 (K -1 ) Chart 2 (I) Physico-chemical characteristics 3
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF EACH PRODUCT GROUP ACCORDING TO EN 14411 PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND TEST METHOD THERMAL SHOCK RESISTANCE (2) ISO 10545-9 CRAZING RESISTANCE (3) GL TILES ISO 10545-11 FROST RESISTANCE (2) ISO 10545-12 SLIP RESISTANCE MOISTURE EXPANSION (2) ISO 10545-10 CLASS OR UNIT OF PRODUCT GROUP MEASURE AI a AI b AII a-1 AII a-2 AII b-1 AII b-2 AIII BI a BI b BII a BII b BIII Yes/No Yes/No YES YES Yes/No STATE RESULT YES YES THE TEST METHOD SHALL BE APPLIED AND THE RESULTS SHALL BE SPECIFIED WHEN THIS IS REQUIRED BY THE NATIONAL STANDARD OF THE TILE COUNTRY OF DESTINATION THE TEST METHOD SHALL BE APPLIED AND THE RESULTS SHALL BE SPECIFIED WHEN THIS IS REQUIRED BY THE NATIONAL STANDARD OF THE TILE COUNTRY OF DESTINATION mm/m SMALL COLOUR DIFFERENCES (2) ISO 10545-16 IMPACT RESISTANCE (2) ISO 10545-5 Coefficient of restitution STAIN RESISTANCE GL tiles UGL tiles (2) ISO 10545-14 Classes 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 MINIMUM CLASS 3 MINIMUM CLASS 3 Chart 2 (II) Physico-chemical characteristics 4
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF EACH PRODUCT GROUP ACCORDING TO EN 14411 PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND TEST METHOD PRODUCT GROUP CLASS OR UNIT OF MEASURE AI a AI b AII a-1 AII a-2 AII b-1 AII b-2 AIII BI a BI b BII a BII b BIII CHEMICAL RESISTANCE To low concentrations of acids and alkalis THE MANUFACTURER SHALL STATE THE CLASSIFICATION OBTAINED THE MANUFACTURER SHALL STATE THE CLASSIFICATION OBTAINED To high concentrations Classes A, B, and C To household chemicals and swimming pool salts In GL tiles In UGL tiles (4) ISO 10545-13 MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) GB MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) UB MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) GB MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) UB LEAD AND CADMIUM RELEASE ISO 10545-15 mg/dm 2 (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) This is not applied to tiles with breaking load F 3000 N For GL tiles intended for flooring, EN 14411 refers the user to Annex N (of an informative character) to suggest the surface abrasion resistance class according to level of traffic and abrasive material involved [The section on resistance to surface abrasion, tile classification according to Annex N of EN 14411, may be consulted] EN 14411 refers the user to Annex P (of an informative character) on the recommendation of levels according to intended tile use, with a view to clarifying the lack of definition involved in this table by the indication Test method available as sole requirement for the corresponding product group EN 14411 warns that some decorative effects trend to craze. If the manufacturer states this effect, the tile need not pass the test If the colour, understood as shade or hue, differs slightly, chemical attack has not occurred If the average water absorption capacity exceeds 20%, the manufacturer shall state the value. The minimum individual value of each tile shall not be below 9% For BIII tiles, the standard proposes certain minimum values for the modulus of rupture according to nominal tile thickness: 12 N/mm 2 for tiles with e 7.5 mm and 15 N/mm 2 for e<7.5 mm Chart 2 (III) Physico-chemical characteristics 5
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE DEVIATIONS FROM LENGTH AND WIDTH ACCORDING TO EN 14411 TYPE OF PRODUCT DIMENSION M DIMENSION W AVERAGE MEASUREMENT OF 10 TILES COMMENTS AI a P, AI b P 3 11 mm joint ±1%/max. ±2 mm ± 1 % W-N ± 3 MM AI a N, AI b N ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % AII a-1 P ±1.25%/max. ±2 mm ± 1 % AII a-1 N ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % AII a-2 P ±1.5%/max. ±2 mm ± 1.5 % AII a-2 N ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % AII b-1 P AII b-2 P AIII P AII b-1 N AII b-2 N AIII N BI a BI b BII a BII b ±2%/max. ±2 mm ± 1.5 % ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % S 90 2-5 mm joint ± 1.2 % ± 0.75 % W-N 2% max. ± 5 mm 90<S 190 ± 1 % ± 0.5 % 190<S 410 ± 0.75 % ± 0.5 % S>410 ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % S: tile surface in cm 2 BIII WITHOUT SPACER LUGS BIII WITH SPACER LUGS L 12 cm ± 0.75 % ± 0.5 % W-N 2 mm L > 12 cm ± 0.50 % ± 0.3 % L 12 cm --- --- L > 12 cm + 0.6 % // - 0.3 % ± 0.25 % Only for GL tiles M refers to the modular size (multiples and divisors of 100). It is not used in Europe W is the work size, expressed as length x width x thickness, expressed in millimetres P: we have introduced this to designate precision tiles N: we have introduced this to designate natural tiles P and N are not identified by codes in the standard N also designates tile nominal size, in centimetres Chart 3 Physico-chemical characteristics 6
MAXIMUM DEVIATIONS FROM THICKNESS, STRAIGHTNESS OF SIDES, RECTANGULARITY, AND SURFACE FLATNESS ACCORDING TO EN 14411 Type of product Thickness Surface flatness Curvature of sides Rectangularity Centre Side Warpage Straightness AI a P, AI b P ± 10 % ± 0.5 % ± 1 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.8 % AI a N, AI b N ± 10 % ± 0.6 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % AII a-1 P ± 10 % ± 0.5 % ± 1 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.8 % AII a-1 N ± 10 % ± 0.6 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % AII a-2 P ± 10 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % AII a-2 N ± 10 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % AII b-1 P AII b-2 P AIII P AII b-1 N AII b-2 N AIII N ± 10 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % ± 10 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % S 90 (1) ± 10 % ± 0.75 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % BI a BI b BII a BII b 90<S 190 ± 10 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0,5 % 190<S 410 ± 5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0,5 % S>410 ± 5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0,5 % BIII (2) WITHOUT SPACER LUGS ± 10 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.5 % + 0.5 % - 0.3 % + 0.5 % - 0.3 % ± 0.5 % BIII (2) S 250 WITH SPACER LUGS ± 10 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.3 % + 0.8 % - 0.2 % + 0.8 mm - 0.2 mm ± 0.5 mm BIII (2) S > 250 WITH SPACER LUGS ± 10 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.3 % + 0.8 % - 0.2 % + 0.8 mm - 0.2 mm ± 0.75 mm (1) (2) S: tile surface in cm 2 Only for GL tiles Chart 4 Physico-chemical characteristics 7
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL S ENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411 TEST METHOD REFERENCE IN EN 14411 EXPRESSION OF RESULTS EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY DIMENSIONS Length and width Thickness Straightness of sides Rectangularity Flatness ISO 10545-2 Compulsory For all tile types For all service applications Tolerances in % or mm Fundamental to the tile installation process because they condition the selection of the materials and the technique, as well as the quality of the tiling finish (alignment of the joint pattern and flatness). They condition the tile installation mode (joint width, joint layout, etc.) SURFACE QUALITY ISO 10545-2 Idem dimensions First quality max. 5% defective This affects the quality of the tiling finish in regard to uniform appearance and absence of surface defects WATER ABSORPTION CAPACITY ISO 10545-3 Boiling method is compulsory Defines the product Group E in % DEFINES THE PRODUCT GROUPS Fundamental to foreseeing the type of adhesion and, hence, selection of the materials and tile installation technique Directly related to other characteristics and to durability (frost resistance) LINEAR THERMAL EXPANSION ISO 10545-8 Voluntary characteristic for the manufacturer C -1 or K -1 (e.g.: 4.8x10-6 K -1 ) The maximum temperature swings in a tiling and this coefficient allow the maximum lengthening and shortening per linear metre to be established. Together with moisture expansion, this characteristic helps plan the position of the movement joints MOISTURE EXPANSION ISO 10545-10 Voluntary characteristic for the manufacturer % or mm/m Essential coefficient for establishing the position and width of the movement joints, in some cases with an influence 10 times greater than that of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion BENDING STRENGTH ISO 10545-4 Idem dimensions Expression of force (S) and modulus of rupture (R) CЄ mark [1] S in newton (N) R in N/mm 2 Allows the ceramic tiles intended for wall tiling to be distinguished from those intended for flooring A high value of S (e.g. S>2000 N) will assure good performance in flooring intended for not exclusively pedestrian traffic [1] The CЄ mark requires statement of the breaking strength for all tiles intended for flooring or roofing, whatever their commercial class Chart 5 (I) Physico-chemical characteristics 8
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL S ENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411 RESISTANCE TO DEEP ABRASION (UGL tiles) RESISTANCE TO SURFACE ABRASION (GL tiles) TEST METHOD ISO 10545-6 ISO 10545-7 REFERENCE IN EN 14411 Compulsory for all types of UGL tiles intended for flooring Compulsory for all types of GL tiles intended for flooring SCRATCH RESISTANCE EN 67-101-92 Not envisaged LOSS OF GLOSS ISO 2813 Not envisaged IMPACT RESISTANCE ISO 10545-5 Voluntary for the manufacturer EXPRESSION OF RESULTS mm 3 To be stated: Class: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Number of cycles: 100, 150, 600,... 6000, 12000 Mohs scale from 1 to 10 Adimensional number Adimensional number from 0 to 1 (Coefficient of restitution) Chart 5 (II) EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY Linked to the mechanical strength of the ceramic body. The smaller the removed volume in mm 3, the greater the toughness It identifies UGL ceramic tile resistance to impairment of appearance by mechanical action (scratching and abrasion) Linked to the mechanical resistance to impairment of appearance (surface abrasion of GL ceramic tiles intended for flooring Together with scratch resistance, loss of gloss, and stain resistance after the visible stage of surface abrasion, it helps select the tile for the intended location and foreseeable type of traffic Provides information on the resistance to impairment of appearance by gouging or scratching of GL ceramic tiles intended for flooring Should be taken into account when a tile is to be selected for flooring with a low level of traffic (hardness 4) or intermediate or high level of traffic (minimum hardness 6) Provides information on gloss loss by surface abrasion in GL tiles. In UGL tiles, the mirror gloss achieved by mechanical polishing is lost (>15) with surface abrasion of 600 cycles Gloss loss above 15 involves visually perceivable surface deterioration, based on the contrasting, altered surface Provides information on ceramic tile performance (especially GL tiles) when impacted by blunt objects. Interesting information for the specifications writer and designer. In UGL tiles it may be of interest to know the result of the heavy impact test (Annexe 7 of Cahier 2998 of the French CSTB) Physico-chemical characteristics 9
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL S ENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411 RESISTANCE TO ROLLING ACTION TEST METHOD Annexe 6, Cahier 2898 CSTB (France) FROST RESISTANCE ISO 10545-12 CRAZING RESISTANCE ISO 10545-11 CHEMICAL RESISTANCE ISO 10545-13 STAIN RESISTANCE ISO 10545-14 LEAD AND CADMIUM RELEASE ISO 10545-15 REFERENCE IN EN 14411 Not envisaged Compulsory for AI a, AI b, BI a and BI b Voluntary for the remaining groups Compulsory for all GL tiles Compulsory or voluntary depending on type of tile and test Compulsory for GL tiles Voluntary for UGL tiles Voluntary for the manufacturer EXPRESSION OF RESULTS Passes or does not pass the test BI a and BI b shall pass the test For AI a, AI b state result Passes or does not pass the test Codes in PDF on Chemical resistance (I) Classes 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 mg/dm 2 Chart 5 (III) EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY Characteristic related to UGL ceramic tiles intended for flooring subject to live loads (rolling actions) Competence of the designer or specifications writer for industrial flooring or publicly trafficked architecture Fundamental characteristic of ceramic tiles intended for exteriors in climates with frost risk Selection of tiles that at least pass the test or, for greater safety, tiles AI a or BI a in exteriors with greater risk (areas Y and Z) according to NBE-CT-79 Passing the test does not assure absence of delayed crazing, which is related to the coefficient of moisture expansion, dimensional stability of the fixing background, and tile installation technique Linked to the chemical resistance to impairment of appearance as a result of attack by products that alter the ceramic tile surface (discoloration, loss of gloss and/or surface corrosion) Knowing the resistance to chemical attack of a wall tile or floor tile helps select a tile for an intended use Linked to tile cleanability before the tile installation Related to performance with time of tiles intended for flooring, in regard to their cleanability after processes of mechanical and/or chemical aggression Characteristic only to be envisaged for GL tiles that will be in direct contact with food. In this case, they shall bear the CЄ mark Physico-chemical characteristics 10
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL S ENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411 TEST METHOD REFERENCE IN EN 14411 EXPRESSION OF RESULTS EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY SLIP RESISTANCE ISO/DIS 10545-17 UNE-ENV 12633 Not envisaged Not envisaged COF. CLASS 2 COF. CLASS 1 CLASSES [2] 3, 2, 1 Essential characteristic for evaluating safety in regard to the slip risk of tiles intended for flooring Greater or lesser slip resistance shall be assessed as a function of slip risk (presence of water and/or substances that foster slipping) There are also national standards that delimit the anti-slip capacity of ceramic tiles, and tables that relate that capacity to the type of flooring (location and traffic) [2] According to document SUA 1 of the new Spanish Technical Building Code Chart 5 (IV) Physico-chemical characteristics 11