The following is a list of hardwood and laminate flooring terms used in the industry. Read more

A

Abrasion Resistance: A measure of a tiles ability to withstand wears by friction. ASTM C-1027-84 describes the standard test procedure for determining visible abrasion resistance of glazed ceramic tile.

Absorption: (1) Penetration of water into tiles particles. (2) The property of yarn, fiber or fabric that enables it to attract and hold gases or liquids within its pores. (3) A process whereas a material extracts one or more substances present in an atmosphere or mixture of gasses or liquids; accompanied by physical change, chemical change, or both.

Absorption, Water Test: ASTM C-373 describes the standard test method used for determining the percentage of water that is absorbed by the body of a ceramic tile. The results are expressed as a percent of the weight of the water that is absorbed to the weight of dry tile.

• Impervious tile 0.5 percent or less.
• Vitreous tile more than 0.5% but not more than 3.0%.
• Semi-vitreous tile more than 3% but not more than 7.0%.
• The body of blazed floor tile is normally vitreous or semi-vitreous at 2/0 to 6.0 percent.
• The body of glazed wall tile is normally non-vitreous often exceeding 15 percent.

Adhesive, Ceramic: Used for the bonding of tile to a surface. Rubber solvents, and rubber and resin-based emulsions can be utilized as adhesives.

• Epoxy Adhesive: An adhesive system that employs epoxy resin and epoxy hardener portions.
• Organic Adhesive: An adhesive that is prepared from organic materials for interior use only, ready to use with no further addition of liquid or powder, which cures or sets by evaporation.

ANSI: American National Standards Institute.

ASTM: American Textile Manufacturers Institute, Inc.

B

Backing: Material that is used as a base over which a finished tile is to be installed.

Balanced Cuts: Cuts of tile at the perimeter of an area where a full tile cannot be used. Also cuts of equal size on each side of a miter.

Base: One or more rows of tile that is installed above the floor. (See cove)

Basis for Acceptance: The method of determining if a lot of ceramic tile is acceptable under a particular set of specifications.

Beating Block: A wooden block that is used to embed tiles in a flat plane. This method is called “beating in”.

Bicottura: A method for producing tile by double firing. The first fire is for body and the second for fusing glaze onto the body. Can be produced using three different clays, red (cottoforte), yellow (majolica) and white. Usually has two glazes on the tile; the first is a non-transparent on the body and a transparent on the surface.

Bicottura Tile (Double-Fired): Glazed tile that is produced by an initial firing of the shaped, raw materials to produce a hard bisque. The bisque is refired once the glaze or other decoration has been applied.

Bisquit or Bisque: The clay body without the glaze application. The underside of the tile below the glaze. (I.e., the body).

Body: A term that refers to a structural portion of a ceramic product and to the material or blend from which it is made.

Breaking Strength Test: ASTM C-648 describes the standard test method for determining the structural strength of ceramic tile as related to its ability to withstand installation procedures such as the beating in to develop the proper bond, when installed in accordance with the published ANSI Al 08 series of installation standards. The minimum breaking strength for glazed wall tile is 90 pounds and 250 pound for all floor tiles.

Brite: Refers to a tiles shine. A shining high gloss tile is known as brite.

Brush Hammered: An uneven tile surface.

Bullnose Tiles: Trim tiles with a single rounded edge. This trim is used to trim outside corners and finishing top of wainscot.

Bush Hammering: A mechanical process which produces textured surfaces that vary from subtle to rough.

Buttering: The spreading of a bond coat to the back of the ceramic tile immediately before the tile is placed.

C

Calibers: Method for sizing tile. When tile is manufactured it shrinks and when it exits the kiln the size will vary. The tiles are sorted in a selection process by size prior to boxing and marked with the appropriate caliber marking. The difference between two calibers is approximately 1/8″.

Cantilevered Floor: Where one floor extends beyond and over a foundation wall. For example at a fireplace location or bay window.

Cap: (See bullnose.)

Cement Body Tile: Tile with a structure made from a mixture of sand and Portland cement. The surface can be finished with Portland cement, marble, spheroids, or other materials.

Cementitious Backer Unit (CBU): A backing and underlayment designed for use with ceramic tile in dry or wet areas. Can be applied over studs and sub-flooring.

Ceramic Tile: A ceramic surfacing unit with a glazed or unglazed surface that is customarily somewhat thin and composes of a clay body or body of a mixture of ceramic materials. This type of tile is primarily used for sanitary purposes and decorative effects.

Clay: Earth that has resulted from the disintegration of volcanic rock and processed in a course of millenniums.

Clay Tile: A ceramic mosaic or paver tile that is made by dust-pressed or plastic method. Made from clays that produce a dense body with a slightly textured appearance. Red clay tiles are primarily used indoors. White clays generally produce a stronger tile top and bottom.

Coefficient of Friction (C.O.F): (The only C.O.F. test procedure that the tile industry recognizes complies with ANSI A137.1. that specifies ASTM C1028.84. This is a static C.O.F. that uses the horizontal dynamometer pull method with Neolite sensor. Neither ANSI nor ASTM C1028.84 specifies a value for coefficient of friction.)

Conductive Tile: Made from a special body composition or by methods that result in specific properties of electrical conductivity while retaining the other normal physical properties of tile.

Construction Joint: The plane where two successive placements of concrete meet.

Contraction Joint: A groove that is sawed, tooled or formed in a concrete structure to created a weakened plane and regulate the location of cracking that may result from the dimensional change of a structures different parts.

Control Joint (See contraction joint)

Conventional Installation: Method of installing ceramic tile with Portland cement mortar.

Cotto: A natural red clay tile that has been fired.

Cove: A trim tile with a single concave radius edge. Used to form a junction between the bottom wall course and the floor or to form inside corners.

Craze Resistance Test: ASTM C-424 describes the standard test method for determining the ability of ceramic tile glazes to withstand exposure to high-pressure steam without cracking or “crazing”. This test determines the glaze ability to withstand thermal shock such as steam cleaning or placement of a hot pan on a tile counter top. Glazes that resist crazing by this test will usually not craze.

Crazing: Fine hairline cracking that sometimes develops on the glazed surface of a tile. The crack is caused by tensile stress between the tile body and the glaze. Crazing can also be produced intentionally for a decorative effect.

Curing Agent: A catalyst; hardener. Generally the second of a two-part system which when added to the base material cures or solidifies the base material by a chemical reaction.

Curing Compound: A liquid sometimes applied as a coating to the surface of newly placed concrete to retard the loss of water. In the case of pigmented compounds it is also to reflect heat so as to provide an opportunity for the concrete to develop its properties in a favorable temperature and moisture environment.

Cushioned Edges: Corners that are round instead of square.

D

Decorative Thin Wall Tile: Glazed tile with a thin body that is normally non-vitreous and is suitable for interior decorative residential use on walls where the breaking strength in not a requirement.

Decorative Tile: A tile with a ceramic decoration on the surface.

Deflection (As related to ceramic): A variation in the position or shape of a structure or structural element due to effects of the loads or volume change: usually measured as a linear deviation from an established plane rather than an angular variation. Excessive deflection will result in an unsatisfactory tile installation.

Dust-Pressed Tiles: Raw materials that are dried and pressed into the desired shape before firing. The powder-like condition of clay that is die-stamped to a desired shape.

E

Earthenware: Non vitreous, opaque ceramic whiteware that is glazed or unglazed.

Edgebonded Tile: See pregrouted tile.

Efflorescence: Certain crystalline compounds that are transformed to a whitish powder or powdery crust through loss of water. Deposits of soluble salts usually white in color, appearing on the surface of concrete and masonry construction. Also referred to as whiskering and saltpetering.

Embossed: Decoration in relief or excised on the wear layer.

Epoxy Adhesive: A two-part adhesive system that employs epoxy resin and an epoxy hardener. Used to bond ceramic tile to back up material.

Epoxy Grout: A two-part grout system that consists of epoxy resin and epoxy hardener. It is formulated to have impervious qualities – stain and chemical resistance. It is used to fill joints between tiles.

Expansion Joint: (1) An installation joint that provides a separation between structures adjoining parts to allow movement where expansion and contraction are likely. (2) A separation between pavement slabs on grade and filled with a compressible filler material. (3) An isolation joint that is intended to allow for independent movement between the adjoining parts.

F

Facial Defect: That portion of the tile facial surface, which is easily observed to be abnormal, and which detracts from the aesthetic appearance or serviceability of the installed tile.

Faience Tile: Features characteristic variations in the face, glaze and edges. Has a handcrafted appearance, non-mechanical decorative look. Commonly made by the plastic process with glazed or unglazed tile.

Feature Strip: Narrow strip of tile of a contrasting color, texture or design.

Field Tile: The main area of tile that covers a wall or floor and regularly bordered by a tile trim.

Fiber-Cement Underlayment: A dispersed fiber-reinforced cement backer and underlayment that is designed for use with ceramic tile in wet or dry areas.

Fire, Bisque: The process of firing ceramic ware prior to its glazing.

Fire, Decorating: A process of firing ceramic or metallic decorations on the face of glazed ceramic tile.

Fire Rating of Tile: Tile itself is not assigned a fire rating but the entire floor or wall system is. Most tiles require approximately 2,000 degrees before heat will affect either the bisque or the glaze. Ceramic tile by its very nature will transmit heat. If the substrate is combustible, tile will downgrade the rating. The Tile Council Handbook, section titled “Fire Rated and Sound Rated Walls, furnishes detailed information on substrate usage to obtain a one and two hour fire rating.

Fire, Single: The process of maturing an unfired ceramic body and its glaze in a single firing operation.

Firing: A step during the manufacturing of ceramic tile that uses a kiln or furnace to develop desired properties through the use of a controlled heat treatment.

Flamed Texture: Damp stone spalled by acetylene torch

Floating: A method of aligning mortar with the float strips or screeds using a straightedge. Also referred to as dragging, pulling or rodding.

Frit: Raw material that is used for the production of glaze.

Frost-Proof Tiles: Tile that is designed to withstand freezing and thawing conditions. ASTM C-1-26-84 describes the standard test method for determining ceramic tile ability to withstand repeated cycles of freezing and thawing.

G

Gauge: The equivalence of the sides between tiles of the same size with reference to the project dimensions.

Glass Mat Water Resistant Gypsum Backer Board: A backer board that is designed for use on walls and ceilings in wet or dry areas. Conforms to ASTM C-1178 standards.

Glass Mosaic Tiles: Made with glass and usually in sizes not over 2″ square and ¼” thick. It is mounted on a backing in sheets that are usually 12″ x 12″.

Glaze: A coating developed to the glassy state on a formed ceramic product. Also refers to the material or mixture from which the glaze is made.

• Bright Glaze: High-glass coating with or without color.
• Clear Glaze: Transparent with or without color.
• Crystalline Glaze: Contains microscopic crystals.
• Fritted Glaze: Uses all or part of prefused fluxing with or without color.
• Mat Glaze: Low-gloss glaze with or without color.
• Opaque Glaze: Nontransparent coating with or without color.
• Raw Glaze: Compounded primarily of raw constituents and contains no prefused materials.
• Semimat Glaze: Medium-gloss finish with or without color.
• Speckled Glaze: Features granules of oxides or ceramic stains of contrasting colors.

Glaze Hardness Test: The scratch resistance of various glazes is measured by scratching it with minerals of known hardness. The hardness of minerals is classified by Moh’s Scale, which list 10 minerals according to their hardness. Each material in this scale will scratch those that are lower on the scale but not those that have higher scale numbers. One on the scale is talc and ten is diamond.

Resilient flooring materials such as vinyl and asphalt tile are relatively soft and can be scratched by talc, which is the number one on the scale. Calcite, which is three, will scratch polished marble. Fluorite, which is four, will scratch black marble. Most glazes used on ceramic tile test at five to six, which is slightly harder than steels. Case hardened-steel like that used for drill bits is approximately six and will scratch most glazes. Some glazes used for floor tile will not scratch at six. Quartz, which is number 7, will scratch the glaze of all but the hardest unglazed ceramic tile. Sand is a common example of natural quarts.

Glazed Tile: A fused, impervious facial finish that is composed of ceramic materials that are fused to the body of the tile which may be non-vitreous, semi-vitreous, vitreous or impervious. Most Italian ceramic tiles are glazed.

Glazing: The processing phase during which the support is coated with a layer of very fine particles to form the gloss and decorative surface of the tile.

Gradation: The particle size distribution of an aggregate that is determined by separation with standard screens.

Granite: A hard stone and its absorption varies from oil to water. It is composed of quarts, feldspar, varies in composition. Limitations: Absorbs oils and other liquids, brittle

Grout: The material is used to fill the joints between installed tiles. Sanded grout has sand added for strength. Non-sanded grout is usually mixed with latex to make it stronger.

• Commercial Portland Cement Grout: A mixture of portland cement and other materials to provide a grout that is water resistant, dense and uniform in color.
• Dry-Set Grout: A mixture of portland cement and additives to provide water retentivity.
• Epoxy Grout: (For quarry tile, packing house tile, ceramic mosaic tile and paver tile.) A grout system that employs epoxy resin and hardener portions will often contain coarse silica filler, especially formulated for industrial and commercial installations where chemical resistance is of paramount importance. Also available in high temperature, chemical resistant material.
• Furan Resin Grout: (For quarry tile, packing house tile and paver tile.) A grout system that uses a mixture of furan resin and hardener materials.
• Latex-Portland Cement Grout: A mixture of any portland cement grout that additionally uses special latex additives.
• Sand-Portland Cement Grout: A mixture produced on the job using a 1:1 ratio of portland cement and fine graded clean sand for joints up to 1/8″ in width; 1:2 to ½” width; 1:3 over ½” width. Up to 1/5 part lime may be added. (ASTM C144)

Grout Failure: Any defect that occurs within the grout or mortar area of the product.

Grout Float: A molded sponge or foam backed trowel that is used to work the grout into the spaces between ceramic tiles.

H

Heavy Duty Tile: Tile that is suitable for areas where heavy pedestrian traffic is common. Can be specified to meet higher test values, as that may be required for a job.

Hone Texture: Smooth to the touch but not reflective.

I

Impact Insulation Class (IIC): The numerical value used to indicate the effectiveness of a material to reduce noise transmission. (The higher the value, the less sound transmission).

Impervious Tile: A tile that has a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent or less.

Impervious Stoneware Tiles (Porcelain): Also known as China, these tiles are unglazed and composed of raw materials that produce a non-porous bisque with high mechanical strength.

Inserts: These are small and sometimes decorative tiles that are used in combination with larger or plain tiles for the creation of a patterned effect.

Isolation Joint: A separation between adjoining parts of a concrete structure, usually a vertical plane, at a designated location such as to interfere least with the performance of a structure. Allows relative movement in three directions while avoiding formation of cracks elsewhere in the concrete and through which all or part of the bonded reinforcement is interrupted.

J K

Jolly Tiles (Mitered Tiles): These tiles are mitered alone one or two edges for use in corners and counter edges.

L

Latex-Portland Cement Grout: Combines portland cement grout with a special latex additive to make a less rigid, less permeable grout than the regular Portland cement group.

Limestone: A soft stone that absorbs oil and water. It is composed of calcite, calcium carbonate.

Limitations: Absorbs oils and other liquids, easily scratched, acid sensitive, polished-interior use only. Most true limestone types are porous and absorbent. Some limestone is semi-metamorphic having physical properties similar to metamorphic marble. Limestone that is metamorphic is “Marble”.

Lippage (High corners): Refers to the variance in plain from one piece of tile to the other. While not covered by ANSI it is desirable to keep lippage within 1/32″ (one dime thick) with a 1/16″ maximum (the thickness of two dimes).

Listellos: Glazed color trim and decorative accessories that are usually used for wall tile.

Live load: The moving load or the variable weight to which a building structure is subjected, due to the weight of the people that occupy it plus the furnishing and other movable object.

Live Load Deflection: This is the bounce one feels when walking over the structural elements of the floor. There are established standards in building one needs to follow. As an example, (As it relates to ceramic tile) Wood subfloor should be installed over 16″ or less on center joists. Live load deflection should not exceed 1/360 of the span.

Lug(s): These are the small button-like protuberances seen on the underside of many Italian produced tiles and for the purpose of facilitating adhesion.

M

Majolica Tiles: Tiles that are composed of raw materials producing yellow-pink bisque that has a somewhat high rate of water absorption. Mainly used for interior walls.

Marble Tile: Marble is a soft stone that absorbs oil and water. It is composed of calcite, calcium carbonate. Limitations: Absorbs oils and other liquids, easily scratched, acid sensitive. Marble cut into tiles 12′ X 12″ or less and usually ½” to ¼” thick. It is available in various finishes that include polished, split faced and honed.

Master Grade Certificate: This certificate assures that the manufacturer guarantees that the box of tile meets or exceeds all of the requirements as dictated in ANSI 137.1. A copy of the certificate is available form the tile manufacturer or supplier upon request.

Matt Finish: Sometimes called satin, this glazed surface has very little shine.

Mexican Paver Tile: This tile hand crafted tile varies in shape, texture, color and appearance. It is primarily used on floors and coated with various types of sealers to provide a wearing surface.

Module Size: A tiles actual dimension plus the manufacturers recommended joint width. The module measurements are taken from the center to the center of the joints.

Monocottura Tiles (Single-Fired): Glazed tile that is produced by the single-fired method. The tile is shaped, glazed and fired in one step at temperatures over 2000 degrees. Also referred to as Monoporosa.

Mortar: (1) A material used for tile setting. (2) A mixture of cement paste and fine aggregate; in masonry construction, mortar may contain masonry cement or may contain hydraulic cement with lime and possibly other admixtures.

• Dry-Set Mortar: A mixture of portland cement, sand and other additives that impart water retentively which is used as a bond coat for setting tile.
• Epoxy Mortar: A mortar system that is designed for chemical resistance and employs epoxy resin and epoxy hardener portions.
• Furan Resin Mortar: A mortar system that is designed for chemical resistance that consists of furan resin and furan hardener portions.
• Latex-Portland Cement Mortar: A mixture of portland cement, sand and specialized latex additives that are used as a bond coat for setting tile.
• Modified Epoxy Emulsion Mortars: A mortar system that employs emulsified epoxy resin and hardeners mixed with portland cement and silica sand.
• Portland Cement Mortar: (1) A mixture of portland cement and sand in proportions of about 1:5 for floors. (2) A mixture of portland cement, sand and lime of about1:5:1/2 to 1:7:1 for walls.

Mosaic Tile: Formed by either the dust pressed or plastic method. Usually ¼” to 3/8″ thick with a fascia area that is less than six square inches. Made of natural clay or porcelain composition, with or without an abrasive mixture throughout.

Mounted Tile: Tile that is assembled into units or sheets either back mounted or face mounted to facilitate handling and installation.

N O

Natural Clay Tile: Ceramic mosaic tile or paver tile that is made by either the dust-pressed or the plastic method using a clay that produces a dense body and gives a distinctive slightly textured appearance.

Nominal Sizes: The approximate facial size or thickness of a tile for general reference and expressed in inches or fractions of an inch.

Non-Slip Tile: Tile with greater non-slip characteristics due to abrasive admixture, abrasive particles, grooves or patterns in the surface or due to its natural non-skid surface characteristics.

Nonvitreous Tile: A tile that has a water absorption rate of more than 7 percent.

P Q

Paver Tile: Unglazed porcelain or natural clay tile that is formed by the dust-pressed method. Similar to ceramic mosaic tiles in its composition and physical properties but relatively thicker with six square inches or more of surface area.

Pencils: Glazed trim that is thin, normally 3/8″ by 6″ in length. Available in decorative colors.

Picket: A picket shaped tile that may be used either alone or to border square tile to create intricate patterns.

Pillowed Edges: Same as cushioned edges, Softly turned instead of a square edge.

Pinholes: Imperfections found in the surface of a ceramic body or glaze.

Polished: Clay or marble tile that has been friction sanded to give it a shine.

Polished Texture: Mirror finishes (abrasive process)

Porcelainous Granite: kind of unglazed clay that gives the appearance of granite.

Porcelain Tile: A natural clay product with special properties, ceramic mosaic or paver. It is generally made with the dust-pressed method of a composition that results in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth with sharply formed face. The strongest and most abrasion resistant, chemical and acid resistant ceramic tile manufactured.

Pregrouted Ceramic Tile Sheets: Factory assembled sheets of individual tiles that are pregrouted.

Quarry Tile: A natural clay or shale type tile that is unglazed and usually six inches square or more in its surface area and ½” to ¾” thick.

R

Red Body Clay (Bisque): A natural clay that has been fired for strength. The color changes to red under heat from it brown color in the raw state.

Red Stoneware Tiles: Tiles that are typically composed of Italian raw materials that produce a red, vitrified tile body that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor used. This tile is typically unglazed.

Reducer: A trim used to shorten the radius of a bullnose or cove to another radius or square.

Ribbed Finish: A tile face that is ribbed or rigid to provide a slip resistant surface.

Rustic Finish: A tile surface that is rough or uneven and designed for a non-mechanical or artisan effect.

S

Sandblasted Texture: Pitted, roughness depends upon grit used.

Sampling A method of obtaining tile for testing from a particular lot.

Saw-Cut Texture: Rough saw finish, saw marks visible

Scarify: To make scratches or small cuts in a surface for the purpose of breaking up or loosening.

Sculptured Tile: Tile with a decorative design or high and low areas that have been molded into the finished face.

Sealer: Clear coatings that are sometimes applied to unglazed tile floor to add luster or protect the surface from spills and grease.

Self-Spacing Tile: Tile with protuberances as part of the design that automatically space the tile for grout joints.

Semivitreous Tile: Has a water absorption rate of more than 3.0 percent but no more than 7.0 percent.

Shot Blasting: Consists of attacking the surface of a material with one of many types of shots. Normally this is done to remove something on the surface such as scale, but it is also done sometimes to impart a particular surface to the object being shot blasted, such as the rolls used to make a 2D finish. The shot can be sand, small steel balls of various diameters, granules of silicon carbide, etc. The device that throws the shot is either a large air gun or spinning paddles which hurl the shot off their blades.

Silk-screening A glazing phase for the addition of decorative patterns.

Single-Fired: A system referred to as Monocottura in which the glazed and clay bisque is fired at a single time.

Skirting Tiles: Trim tiles that are used along baseboard.

Slate Tile: This is a soft stone and it scratches easily. It absorption of oil, water and other liquids is low to medium. It is composed of muscovite chlorite with variations in composition.

Slip-Resistant Tiles: Tiles that have been treated to prevent slipping often accomplished by the addition of an abrasive grit to the surface of the tile or grooves or pattern in the surface.

Sound Rated Floor System: Ceramic tile can be installed on multi-storied structures and by use of the correctly authorized underlayment be sound rated. Underlayments are available in a large variety of materials and thickness and selection is based upon what value of STC (Sound Transmission Class) and IIC (Impact Insulation Class) is desired. The higher the value, the less sound transmission.

Sound Transmission Class (STC): The numerical value used to indicate the effectiveness of a material to reduce noise transmission. (The higher the value, the less sound transmission).

Spacers: Small plastic or wood devices that are placed between tile joints during installation to maintain even grout joint spacing.

Special Purpose Tile: Tiles either glazed or unglazed that are designed to meet special physical design or appearance characteristics.

Spider Webbing: Surface cracks.

Split face Texture: Rough surface texture, very rustic

Straight Joint: The style of tile installation that features all joints in alignment.

Structural Defects: Cracks or laminations in the tile body, which detract from its aesthetic appearance and/or its structural soundness of the installation.

Substrate: The underlayment for the ceramic tile installation.

System Modularity: Tiles of various nominal dimensions that are sized so that they may be installed together in patterns that have a common specified joint width.

T

TCA: Tile Council of America

Terracotta: Traditional Italian raw material that is used to manufacturer unglazed red

body tiles.

Terracotta: This red clay quarry tile is generally extruded and ½” or more thick with a

surface that is smooth or rustic and waxed for luster.

Thick-Bed: A Method of installation that uses cement based mortar applied in a

minimum thickness of ¾” for a creation of the backing surface that the tiles will be

installed on.

Thin-Set: (1) A bond-coating that is usually 3/32″ to 1/8″ in thickness that can be used to

install tile on a smooth surface. (2) In certain geographical areas, the term thin-set is used

interchangeably for “dry-set” portland cement mortar.

Threshold: A transition piece between two different finished floor levels.

Tile: A ceramic surfacing unit that is usually relatively thin in relation to its facial area.

Made from clay or a mixture of clay and other ceramic materials, called the body of

the tile. Has either a glazed or unglazed face and fired above red heat in the course of

manufacturer to a temperature sufficiently high to produce specific physical properties

and characteristics.

Tile Assemblies: (See mounted tile)

Tones: Different tones can occur during manufacturing. The products are sorted by tone

And the boxes are appropriately marked.

Trim Tiles: Designed to meet the requirements of a specific application.

Trim Units: Units of varied shapes that consist of items such as bases, caps, corners, moldings, angles, etc., necessary to achieve an installation of the desired sanitary and/or architectural design.

U V

Unglazed Tile: A hard, dense tile that is left untreated after firing. It derives its texture from the material in which the tile is made.

Veined: A tile designed that imitates the coloring in marble.

Vertical Broken Joint: Ceramic tile installation that features each vertical row offset for

half of its length.

Vitreous Tile: Has a water absorption rate of more than 0.5percent but not more than 3.0 percent.

W

Wall Tile: A glazed tile suitable for interior use which is usually non-vitreous, and expected to withstand excessive impact or be subject to freezing and thawing conditions.

Wet Area: The surfaces that are either soaked, saturated, or subjected to moisture or

liquids.

Wicking: (1) The movement of moisture. (2) The absorption of water by capillary action onto the core of gypsum.

White Body Clay: A clay compound that is formed by the use of only white clay.

Wonderboard: This is the commercial name of a glass mesh mortar underlayment that makes an excellent base for thin-set, waterproof installations.

X Y Z

A

Abrasion Marks: Marks left on the pile of a carpet by abrasion.

Abrasive Wear: Commonly defined as the loss of face fiber through foot traffic. While wear is a frequent complaint, synthetic fibers are highly resistant to abrasion and most carpet will ugly out before it will wear out. (See ugly out)

Atmospheric soil/dirt: – As it relates to carpet, this is the dust, smoke, cooking vapors and other airborne contaminants that settle on the floor.

Axminster: Axminster \Ax”min*ster\, n., or Axminster carpet \Axminster carpet\ .

(a) [More fully chenille Axminster.] A variety of Turkey carpet, woven by machine or, when more than 27 inches wide, on a hand loom, and consisting of strips of worsted chenille so colored as to produce a pattern on a stout jute backing. It has a fine soft pile. So called from Axminster, England, where it was formerly (1755 — 1835) made.
(b) A similar but cheaper machine-made carpet, resembling moquette in construction and appearance, but finer and of better material.

B

Backing, Changes: A manufacturer may select to change the style of backing used on their product. A change of backing is not considered a defect as long as it is the same style of backing and of equal or better quality.

Bleeding – A change or transfer of color that occurs when the carpet dyes are exposed to water. Bleeding of carpet dye is not normal and can be caused by either manufacturing or non-manufacturing conditions.

Bow – An arc like distortion of a carpet pattern. This is a manufacturing condition that occurs when the speed of the tenter is running too fast, resulting in the carpet dragging on the inside rollers while the carpet is drying.

Buckling (Puckering) (Ripples)(Wrinkles) – Referred to by many names it is the ridge like areas that develop when a carpet loosens up. After a period of use a carpet may develop ridges and the condition will be due to one or more problems as follows. (1) The carpet was installed during cold weather and not properly conditioned prior to installation. (2) High humidity resulting in dampness between the carpet and floor. (3) Improperly specified cushion that is too thick or too soft. (4) Carpet installed over existing carpet. (5) Improper stretching of the carpet at the time of the originally installation. (6) Dimensional stability problem due to a latex condition, backing material condition, too soft or too stiff of a back or other that prevents the carpet from holding a stretch. Problems 1 through 5 can be corrected with a correctly performed power stretching and taking care of the additional underlying problem. Problem 6 may require replacement if it will not hold a restretching.

Burns – Most carpet will burn, melt or singe. Small burns such as those from a cigarette can often be improved by trimming the charred area with scissors. If the burned area is deep the trimming may be quite visible in which case it would be best to correct by reburling or an insertion of a small section of carpet.

C

Color Breakdown – Incorrect dyeing methods or defective dyes that result in a color change over a period of time. Not all manufacturers recognize color breakdown in the same way. Some do not consider it a defect when over a period of time. A sample of the subject carpet needs to be furnished to the manufacturer.

Color Change: It is normal for carpet to change color with use. Color retention is affected by the presence of sunlight, humidity, heat, oxides and other gasses in the environment. Color appearance changes in traffic areas from normal use and also as a result of improper maintenance.

Corn Rowing: Rows sometimes appear in certain styles of carpet and especially in high traffic areas. This condition can be caused by poor maintenance; pile crushing in traffic patterns or by repeated vacuuming in the same direction. Thorough deep vacuuming with a unit that has a beater bar, brushing cut bile carpet with a grooming tool, and routinely changing the direction the carpet is being vacuumed in will help to reduce corn rowing.

Cotton Count: This yarn numbering system is based on length and weight. The system was originally used for cotton yarn and later employed for most staple yarns. It is based on a unit length of 840 yards, and the count of the yarn is equal to the number of 840-yard skeins required to weigh one pound. Under the cotton count system, the higher the number, the finer the yarn. A typical yarn might be a three cotton count two plied, written as 3.0/2

Crocking: Dye rubs off of the carpet due to inadequate steaming during setting of the dye or not enough working time in the wash to remove all set dyes and chemicals.

Crushing: This is the compression or collapsing of pile yarns, under repeated foot traffic, so that the carpet mats down and loses all resilience. This form of carpet failure usually occurs in the areas of heaviest traffic.

Crushing, Furniture Indentation: These indentations develop under the weight of furniture legs. The dents can often be lifted with the edge of a coin. Stubborn indentations can be removed by steaming with a steam iron or travel steamer. When a back is very stiff or very soft, or the cushion under a carpet collapses you may not be able to remove the total indentation. Indentations are normally considered a characteristic and not a defect.

D E

Delamination: Is the separation of the primary and secondary backing and is due to a manufacturing, specification, installation or site-related cause. No claim for delamination at seams will be honored where lamination tests on the overall carpet meet accepted industry standards. No claims will be honored where improper padding has been utilized.

Dirty Back: Occurs when unwrapped carpet comes in contact with dirt or grime. This would not mean the carpet was defective.

Discolored or Stained Nap: This can happen when a wet carpet is put into dirty floats and wet yarn absorbs dirt of rust.

Dye Bands: Dye bands generally run lengthwise and can be cause by stops during continuous dyeing or by and uneven application of dye either too heavy or too light during continuous dyeing. (Also see rope marks.)

Dye Spots: These are randomly located spots that are caused by a heavier than normal concentration of dye of the same color or a different color.

Dye Streaks: Dye streaks generally run lengthwise and can be caused by uneven dye application, something rubbing on the carpet or from a crease that develops during the dyeing process. Clogged nozzle on dye equipment and not giving enough dispersion.

F G

Fading: Science has yet to develop a color that will not fade with time. All carpets will slowly lose some color due to natural and artificial forces in the environment. This can be delayed by (1) Frequently removing dirt by vacuuming. (2) Regularly changing air filters in heating and air conditioning systems. (3) Keeping humidity and temperature from getting too high. (4) Reducing sunlight exposure with window coverings or sunlight filter materials.

Filtration Soiling – Where air is forced through the carpet, under doors, along steps by air movement, soil will be deposited in streaks or spots. Professional cleaning may temporarily correct this, but the condition will reoccur until the airflow is corrected.

Footprints: Most deep cut pile carpet will show shoe or foot impressions. For those that find this objectionable, a carpet of lower pile and denser construction can help minimize this condition. Textured saxonies and frieze constructions are ideal for minimizing the appearance of footprints.

Fused Nap – Melted tips of tufts on nap that can be caused by excessive dryer heat.

Fuzzed fibers can be carefully clipped with scissors or sheared by a company providing correction services.

Fuzzing (Bearding): A hairy or beard like appearance on the carpet surface that develops when fibers work loose from the yarn bundle under foot traffic. It is frequently an indication of the need for increased vacuuming thoroughness or frequency. Fuzzing may be attributed to one or more of the following: (1) Embedded dirt and grit cutting the fibers but leaving them still bound at one end. (2) Poor latex penetration of the yarn bundle. (3) Poor spinning of the yarn. Poor twisting and heatsetting. (Also see shedding)

Grease on Nap: When this occurs during manufacturing it happens when the carpet comes in contact with bearings on equipment. Can be corrected by cleaning.

H I J K

Highlighting and Shading: Highlighting and shading are differences in light reflection between surface areas and are not defects.

Holes in Carpet: A carpet can burst in the dryer when it is stretched to tight or may be caused by forklift damage.

Hybrid Carpet: This is a carpet that is manufactured from more than one brand of fiber.

Indentations: These are marks left by furniture or other object. Shift location of furniture from time to time. Spray a small amount of water on the indented area and to lift, brush with a grooming tool available through carpet dealers or janitorial supply houses. For stubborn indentations hold a small travel steamer, holding it directly on the area or a steam iron several inches above the carpet surface, steam the dented area lightly and brush the tufts upward with your fingertips. Do not let the iron touch the carpet.

Insert: (Inset or cut and plug):

Installation Related Problems: installation related problems such as delamination at the seams, kicker damage, color change due to improper heating during seaming, tufts coming up, improper stretching or failure to use power stretcher, etc., are the responsibility of the installer or retailer/contractor.

L

Latex Lumps on Primary Backing: Small deposits of excessive latex forming lumps on the primary backing and hidden by the nap.

Latex on Nap: This is the result of the selvedge edge folding over onto the carpet face or a hole in the carpet that allows the latex to touch a face roller on the coater.

Light and Dark Edges: This is not repairable and occurs when the carpet shifts out from under the dye application causing the edge of the carpet not to be dyed or the selvedge can fold over during steaming which will cause dark edges.

Lint in Nap: Generally occurs during shearing when darker color ling falls on light color carpet or when lighter color lint falls of darker carpet.

Loose Secondary Back (Poor Lamination): Poor lamination of the secondary backing. Result of the carpet and/or the secondary backing failing to be hooked on the pins or the tenter chain of the Coater. This creates small areas of loose secondary backing which many times can be repaired.

M N O

Mating: This is the entanglement of fibers on the surface of a carpet pile. When the pile becomes compacted an actual loss of pile height may be caused. Common causes of matting are tip bloom, fiber slippage, sticky residues on the pile and soil.

Narrow Selvedge: The carpet was not hooked properly on the tenter pins of the dryer, which caused the unpinned selvedge to be narrower.

Odors: May be the result of bacterial growth or spills.

Off Shade: A carpet is off shade when the standard and the carpet do not match. This can happen through human error in color adjustment; or when carpet is stopped during the steaming process.

P Q

Pattern Match: Perfect pattern matches along seams may not be possible due to technological limitations in carpet finishing. Reasonable pattern match can be obtained when installed by a professional carpet layer, but is not guaranteed by the manufacturer and should not be guaranteed by the dealer or installer.

Picked Nap: This can happen when the carpet nap drags across a rough surface during drying.

Pile: The finished surface of the carpet composed of the yarn.

Pile Crushing: This is the compression or collapsing of pile yarns under repeated foot traffic, causing the carpet to mat down and lose all resilience. This form of carpet failure usually occurs in high traffic areas. Vacuum against the lay of the tufts with a beater bar style vacuum or brush with a pile groomer to lift and restore the crushed pile. (While a beater bar is advised for most carpets it can fuzz some Berbers and is not advised for carpets that are glued to the floor without a cushion.

Pilling: A condition where carpet face fibers from different tufts entangle with one another forming hard masses called “Pills”. This can occur in heavy traffic pivot areas, also with poor latex penetration. Pills can be safely clipped off with scissors.

Primary Backing: Primary backing materials are manufactured as both woven and non-woven fabrics in which the pile yarn is inserted by the tufting, needle punching, stitching, embedding or bonding. Primary back is the carrier fabric for the pile yarn and should not be confused with secondary backing which is a reinforcing fabric laminated to the back of tufted carpet subsequent to the tufting process. Some synthetic primary backings have nylon fiber attached to their upper surfaces to make them union dyeable with nylon pile yarns.

Pulled Mends: This can occur when drying level loop carpet and the rollers the carpet is running across pull the yarn.

R

Reburling: The replacement of damaged tufts by the insertion of new tufts.

Reverse Pile within the Roll: This can occur during the finishing process and is often correctable by steaming and reorientation of the pile.

Rippling – Ripples or wrinkles develop in a carpet due to a variety of reasons. Common reasons include 1) Cushion that is too thick or too soft. 2) Expansion and contraction of the carpets back due to changes in heat and humidity. 3) Carpet that has was not allowed to fully acclimate to its environment at the time of installation. 4) Carpet not properly powers stretched. 5) Carpet back that is very soft or very stiff. 6) Delamination

Roll Pile Crush: Some types of carpet may show a crushing of the pile when first installed due to the weight of the carpet roll depressing the pile during warehousing or shipping. Vacuuming will assist in roll pile crush recovery.

Rope Marks: This occurs when the carpet nap becomes folded over in the pad squeeze. Also, due to seams being sewn on a bias, which causes the carpet to fold over upon itself.
With beck dyeing it generally occurs with an uneven penetration of dye due to its roping condition in the dye beck. With beck dyeing it will usually run diagonally to the length of the carpet and is sometimes referred to as rope marks.

S

Seams: In any area larger than the width of the carpet and at most standard door openings, seams will be required. Seams will often be visible and invisible seams should never be guaranteed. Visibility of seams will vary with a carpet style and can be reduced by placing seams out of a major light source. In large areas, locating the seams so they run into the major light source instead of across it will help to hide the visibility.

Secondary Backing: Usually woven jute or woven or nonwoven olefin (polypropylene). The fabric is laminated to the back of carpet (usually with latex adhesive) to reinforce and increase dimensional stability, strength, stretch resistance, stiffness, and hand. Because secondary backing is visible, whereas primary backing is concealed under the pile yarn in finished carpet, dealers and installers often refer to secondary backing simply as “backing”.

Seconds and other merchandise sold “as is”
Shading/Vacuum Cleaner Marks: Shading is a normal characteristic of luxurious, dense, cut pile carpet. Shading typically becomes most apparent right after vacuuming. This visual effect is caused by the tips of the tufts reflecting light differently than the sides of the tufts. It is an aesthetic quality in the carpet design and not a defect.

Shearing Bad: Carpet is not evenly sheared.

Shearing: Finishing process in carpet manufacturing to create a smooth carpet face by shaving off fuzz. The shearing process can also be used to create texture as in random shearing. Carpet shears have many steel blades mounted on rotating cylinders.

Shedding: Fibers that release from the pile with foot traffic or vacuuming. Shedding is a normal characteristic associated with staple yarn (spun) cut pile carpets. It will diminish with a few months of routine vacuuming but will continue to shed to a smaller degree for the life of the carpet.

Side Shading: Edges of carpet compared to one another and found to be off in color and cast.

Slack Twist: Slack Twist: Refers to a yarn imperfection where insufficient twist is applied to the thread so it has very poor ply security.

Slight Dye of Texture Variations: It is normal for carpet to have dye or textural variations from original display samples or from dye lot to dye lot. Such variations are not a basis for a claim.

Slight Sidematch: Claims will not be considered for sidematch of the same dyelot if the variation is rated 4-5 or better based on the AATCC Gray Scale Rating. (The AATCC Gray Scale Rating is a nationally recognized comparison system to determine the extent of color differences). Where correction is required, manufacturer may employ on site color adjustment procedures.

Snags: If tufts are pulled out of the carpet, clip them off with scissors. Never pull them. If a long “run” (zipper) occurs in a looped or cut and looped carpet, a carpet repairperson can correct it by reburling or gluing it back in place.

Soft Back: Can be due to application of low levels of latex compound.

Soil or Stains Locally Caused: Stain resistance does not mean that carpet won’t soil. Locally caused staining or carpet soiling is not a defect in material or workmanship. Some staining may be covered by fiber manufacturer warranties and claims under their warranties should be made to them.

Soil Lines or Bands in Length or Width: Lubricants from equipment making contact with yarn. Improper application of finishing agents.

Soil/Dirt: Lighter color, pastel, light blue and light gray carpets show soil, spills, and tracked-in dirt more quickly than darker shades. Choosing a darker colored or patterned carpet can help to reduce the appearance of soiling. Keep your outdoor landscape friendly to your carpet to reduce tracked in soil and mud. Use doormats to help minimize tracked-in soil – and clean the mats frequently. Frequent vacuuming of the carpet at all entry areas is also important.

Sprouts: (Sprouting): Sprouts are loose tufts that protrude above the surface of the pile. On cut pile carpet some sprouts are normal and not considered a defect. Never pull on a sprout, particularly if it is a looped or cut and looped style as it may result in a row of pulled yarn. To remove sprouts clip even with the pile surface with scissors. Missing tufts are not considered as the basis for a claim. The manufacturer reserves the right to replace missing tufts.

Staining: Most of today’s carpets are manufactured with fibers that have inherent stain resist qualities or this feature has been added during the manufacturing. While stain resist makes it easier to remove most food and beverage spills it does not stop them from occurring. For cleaning follow the recommendations of the manufacturer. Most fiber manufacturers have toll free 800 or 888 numbers that you can call for stain removal assistance.

Static: A static charge can build up when the humidity is low, particularly when the temperature in the building is warmer than that on the outside. Humidifiers will help to control static. With use, a carpet will hold less of a charge. Carpets are available with built in anti static protection. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air will help to control static.

Stiff back: Can be due to application of excessive levels of latex compound.

T

Tip Bloom: When new, the tuft ends of a “cut pile” carpet are uniform and evenly twisted. It is a normal characteristic for repeated foot traffic to cause some untwisting of the tufts. The higher the twist and the denser the pile, of the carpet the more resistant it is to tip bloom.

Tip Shearing: Shaving off tuft high loops in the finishing process to create a cut and uncut texture or pattern.

Tufted Carpet: Carpet formed by tufting.

Tufting: A carpet manufacturing process using needles to sew yarn into primary backing.

Tufts Pulling Out: Insufficient coverage of latex will allow tufts to pull out easily.

U V

Undyed Yarn: On solid colored carpets not enough dye was applied to completely saturate the carpet. When printing with print screens, the screen pattern can become clogged, not allowing the dye to pass through the holes in the screen.

Ugly Out: As it pertains to carpet, the loss of a carpets original appearance.

Vacuum Cleaner Marks: Shading is a normal characteristic of luxurious, dense, cut pile carpet. Shading typically becomes most apparent right after vacuuming. This visual effect is caused by the tips of the tufts reflecting light differently than the sides of the tufts. It is an aesthetic quality in the carpet design and not a defect.

W

Watermarking or Pooling: Watermarking or pooling is a color change effect which arises from the reversal or bending of the carpet pile fibers so that light is either absorbed or reflected from the pile. This is a common condition and is not related to carpet construction or fiber type and is not the basis for a claim.

Woven Backing: In tufted carpet, primary or secondary backing that has been manufactured by weaving. Jute and polypropylene are often used to produce woven secondary backings.

X Y Z