Which standard defines tile test categories?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is responsible for establishing standards for a wide range of materials and practices, including those related to tile testing. One of the key aspects of ANSI standards is to define test categories that assess the performance characteristics of tiles, such as water absorption, breaking strength, and slip resistance. These categories ensure that tiles meet certain criteria for quality, safety, and performance in different applications.

Through ANSI standards, manufacturers and consumers can have confidence in the performance of tiles used in various settings, whether residential or commercial. This framework helps standardize expectations and provides a reference for evaluating tile products, contributing to overall industry consistency and reliability. The use of these standards is crucial for any professional working with tile installations as it informs choices based on specific performance requirements.

Other organizations mentioned, like ASTM, focus more broadly on material testing and specifications, the International Building Code (IBC) regulates building safety guidelines, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is concentrated on product safety and performance testing mainly related to electrical and fire safety. While relevant in their own contexts, none specifically define tile test categories like ANSI does.