Interior tiling standards

Various standards have been established to govern the manufacture, selection and use of tiles. They are generally derived from tests carried out on the tiles, and they make it possible to know the resistance of each coating in order to categorize it and to allow the user to select it according to his needs. Among the main standards of interior tiling, it is worth mentioning: UPEC classification, PEI classification and slipperiness standards.

The UPEC classification

The UPEC classification is a French certification issued by the Center Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment. It makes it possible to determine the durability and adaptability of a tile to a defined environment.
On a resistant tiling, the letter U corresponds to "Wear on walking and the base" and the letter P to "Punching", that is to say the resistance of the material to shocks and falls. As for the letter E, it corresponds to "Water", in other words to the resistance of the tile to humidity. And finally, the letter C corresponds to "Chemical agents and staining products", namely the resistance of the coating to stains and aggressive products.

The PEI classification

The PEI or Porcelain Enamel Institute classification assesses the resistance of a tile to abrasion and wear in a defined environment. It mainly concerns glazed tiles and is based on a level of exposure to abrasive particles.
To benefit from good interior tiling, it is necessary to favour a level between PEI1 and PEI3. The PEI 1 is actually dedicated to low traffic rooms, travelled barefoot like bathrooms. And the PEI 2 is reserved for rooms with moderate traffic and low abrasion of the room type without access to the outside. Finally, PEI 3 is suitable for rooms with frequent traffic and medium abrasion, such as entrances and living rooms without access to the outside.

Slipperiness standards

The anti-slip performance of a tile is finally assessed by the slip resistance standard. On the one hand, there is the R standard, which corresponds to slipperiness tests with shoes on. And on the other hand, there is the ABC standard, which corresponds to barefoot slipperiness tests.
In general, tiles that have a structured appearance are less slippery and more slip-resistant. They effectively reduce the risk of falling. So they are secure. However, it should be noted that if the latter are too structured, they require complex maintenance.

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