Fun Facts from Unique Tile
Did you know that the life expectancy of carpet is roughly 6 years and VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile) lasts about 10 years? Although these are the least expensive flooring options for installation, the maintenance cost per year is the highest among all flooring ($1.08 and $1.83 per square feet, respectively). Unique Tile offers the best long-term alternative available! Glazed ceramic and glazed porcelain both have a life expectancy of 50 years each with the cost per year under 40 cents per square foot.
Did you know that pebbled mosaic floors dates back to the Greeks nearly 3000 years ago?
Did you know the Ancient Romans had heated floors? They would build a basement under stone floors with a vent on one end and a fire going on the other end, causing the floors above to get warm.
Did you know quartz ranks a 7 on the Mohs Scale for Mineral Hardness (Diamond is highest at 10)? This makes it a great countertop to protect from scratches by finger nails (2.5), coins (3) and even your knife blade (5.5, in case you miss the cutting board).
Did you know backsplashes aren’t only for decoration? They serve as an ‘easy-to-clean’ surface from cooking or using the sink, instead of getting grime stuck on your wall and staining it. They can also help minimize the risk of fire from neglected grease and oil.
Did you know it is important to check the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) Scale when looking into getting new floor tile? Six ‘classes’ gauge the floor hardness and durability for foot traffic/wear and tear. Class 0 is unsuitable for floors and Class 5 is for extra heavy traffic, with Class 3 being a common medium, typically for residential and light commercial uses.
Did you know an important technical specification category to look out for with tile is the COF? The COF (Coefficient of Friction) measures the horizontal force that is needed to overcome vertical weight force. In other words, slip resistance. Although there is no required guideline, it is recommended by OSHA that tile COF numbers should be a minimum of 0.5 for both wet and dry conditions. Anything lower may be too slick.