Q: IS THERE A DIFFRENCE BETWEEN PORCELAIN AND CERAMIC TILES?
A: Porcelain tiles are also considered Ceramic or stoneware tiles; each type of tile is made from a different composition, and that is what determines the tile’s body color, texture and density, the primary ingredient in the composition of true porcelain tile is finely-ground sand. Unlike ceramic, processing of the porcelain composition involves pressure and extremely high temperature. Because of its density and composition of natural ingredients, porcelain tile has excellent qualities with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%.
Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFRENCES BETWEEN PORCELAIN AND NON-PORCELAIN TILES?
A: Porcelain tiles are primarily of clay mixed with various minerals and water, this composition is then processed with heat to create solidified product. Porcelain is resistant to wear, deep abrasion, frost, and has very low water absorption. It is practically non-absorbent material with great flexural strength. Eleganza’s porcelain selection is available in natural, smooth, polished and structured finishes.
Q: HOW DO I BECOME A DEALER OR DISTRIBUTOR FOR ELEGANZA PRODUCTS?
A: Simply download the Customer Application Form, fill out and send back either via e-mail at sales@eleganzatiles.com or fax to California: 1-714-224-1900 or Texas: 1-972-247-3920, be sure to fill out these forms completely, to expedite the process.
Q: WHERE CAN I PURCHASE ELEGANZA'S PRODUCTS?
A: With over 700 Dealer's and Distributor's through out the United State you may purchase our products directly. You may e-mail us at sales@eleganzatiles.com or call our Customer Service at California: 1-714-224-1700 or Texas: 1-972-247-3900, as they may refer you to the nearest Dealer/ Distributor that is most convenient to you.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF TILE DOES ELEGANZA CARRY?
A: With a variety of types ranging from Matte, Rustic, Semi-polished, Polished, and Textured for both Floor and Wall, Eleganza's product selection is to one advantage, it's an ideal choice for floors, bathrooms, kitchens, indoor and outdoor. Accents like Water-jet Medallions and Listello Borders that give a touch of flare to an installation, giving the entire room the feel you’re looking for to either be rustic, classic or contemporary. Eleganza products are well know to cover basically every room of your home or commercial project. Our high quality tile will last a lifetime while maintaining its luster for years.
Q: DOES ELEGANZA HAVE PRODUCTS THAT PASS THE C.O.F. WET & DRY FRICTION REQUIREMENTS?
A: Yes, on average most of our products range from <0.12% up to a <0.05% water absorption, these series are suitable for interior and exterior floors and walls as well as facades of buildings. Contact us if you need more details regarding any technical specifications. Note that water absorption may vary from series to series.
Q: DOES ELEGANZA HAVE GLAZED AND UNGLAZED PORCELAIN TILES?
A: Yes, we carry both types of tiles, Glazed ceramic tile is very durable, when properly installed and cared for, it lasts longer than any non-tile material used for the same purpose. It's one of the easiest surfaces to clean and maintain, because of its composition, it will not absorb odors, nor support allergens or bacteria. Note: when coated with a Grade III or higher glaze, ceramic tile is highly resistant to scratching and moisture. For more information on the durability ratings of porcelain tiles, see the "Technical Specifications Ratings."
Q: WHY IS THE ROTO-PRINT TECHNOLOGY SO POPULAR? DOES ELEGANZA HAVE ROTO-PRINT TILES?
A: Roto-printing is the latest technology that enables random printing; this process gives you a natural stone look, meaning that each tile will have a different pattern, no repeat or identical print. Eleganza has a great selection of Roto-Print series from Floor to Wall Tiles like; Travertine, Colesseum, Durango, Montalcino, Rappolano, Umbria etc. This Roto technology has been of great success for our product selection.
Q: HOW CAN I RATE ELEGANZA'S PRODUCT FOR DURABILITY?
A: The quality of tile is rated in five groups. Each group represents the tile’s durability under specific levels of traffic. The lower the group number, the lower the tile’s durability. Eleganza ranges from Group 3 to 5. The following information provides a group-number-to-traffic-level correlation and describes the location best suited for each group.
Group 1 - Light Traffic: Tiles in this group are usually used for residential bathroom flooring and are not recommended for any area exposed to heavy foot traffic.
Group 2 - Moderate Traffic: Group 2 tiles can be used on residential interior floors, but should not be used in areas such as kitchens, entry ways and stairs that are subject to tracked in or spilled abrasives.
Group 3 - Moderate to Heavy Traffic: These tiles can be used for any residential or light commercial application. The only place that they are not recommended is in heavy traffic commercial areas, like banks and restaurants.
Group 4 - Heavy Traffic: Tiles that qualify for Group 4 can be used for any residential and nearly all commercial applications. These tiles are durable enough to be used in such heavy traffic areas as shopping malls.
Group 5 - Ultra Heavy Traffic: Group 5 tiles are the most durable and can be used for all residential, commercial, and even industrial applications where extreme durability is a must.
Q: WHAT IS C.O.F, P.E.I, SHADE VARIATION, AND WATER ABSORPTION?
A.
C.O.F. Coefficient Of Friction:
1. Slip resistance C.O.F= 0.60
2. Conditionally Slip resistance C.O.F.= 0.50-0.60
3. Questionable C.O.F.= <0.50
P.E.I. Rating-
PEI I- Decorative tile, residential and commercial wall and barefoot traffic
PEI II- Wall and residential bath floor, soft soled traffic
PEI III- All residential and light commercial floors
PEI IV- Medium commercial and light industrial, institutional, moderate soiling
PEI V- Heavy traffic, abrasive dirt
Shade Variation-
V1- Uniform- Minimal to no difference among pieces
V2- Slight- Distinguishable differences in texture and / or pattern within similar colors
V3-Moderate- While the colors present in a single piece of tile will be indicative of the colors to be expected on other tiles, the amount of colors on each piece may vary significantly
V4- Random- Random color variation from tile to tile, so that one tile may have totally different colors from that on aother tiles. Thus, the final installation will be totally unique.
Water Absorption-Percentage:
0-0.5%- Impervious-Porcelain tiles, frost proof
0.5-3% -Vitreous- Red and White body wall and floor tile, frost resistant
3-7% - Semi-Vitreous- Non- Frost proof red and white body floor tiles
Over 7%- Non- Vitreous-Monoporosa floor and wall tile, double fire wall tiles, and earthenware