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Will tiles meeting ASTM
C-1026 and ASTM C-373 standards perform adequately on
exteriors?
Generally yes, so long as the tile is installed according
to industry-accepted methods and the manufacturer rates
the tile for exterior applications.
Many manufacturers apply more stringent requirements
to their internal tests before they recommend a tile
for exterior applications.
Foreign standards reference
EN-202 to define frost resistance. Is this an equal
test to the ASTM tests?
No, it is not the same test although most tiles perform
similarly in the EN test and the ASTM test.
Is there a difference between
frost resistant versus frost proof?
We don't know of any tile that claims to be frost proof.
While there may be such on the market, we don't know
what criteria they are using to separate themselves
from frost-resistant tile.
If the tile is sitting
in water due to poor drainage conditions or typical
winter icing, will these frost resistant/frost proof
tiles perform adequately?
It is very common for frost resistant tiles (including
tiles that can cycle more than 2000 times through freeze/thaw
conditions) to be damaged by water and ice that sits
on the tile, when the water can get in the grout joints
or in voids left in the setting bed.
What is the TCNA Handbook
detail for exterior tile application over a concrete
substrate?
Method F101 and F102 are both used for exterior walkways.
Typically, it is important to have better than 95% mortar
contact between the tile and the substrate and for the
thinset or mortar to be rated for exterior applications.
The grout joints should be full, compacted, and preferably
sealed with a vapor permeable sealer.
Is porcelain tile the only
tile rated for exterior applications?
Absolutely not. Many non-porcelain quarry tiles and
others are rated for exterior applications. Always check
with the manufacturer for "area of use" for
a specific product.
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