October 2nd, 2020
What is the PEI of a tile?
How to check the abrasion resistance of a tile?
To verify the scratch and abrasion resistance of glazed porcelain tile or ceramic floor tile, there is a test called “Surface Abrasion Resistance”. PEI is the acronym of the Porcelain Enamel Institute which developed this test. It involves a high polishing of the tile to check its abrasion and measure the wear of its enamel. The results vary from PEI 1 to PEI 5 (PEI 1 being the lowest wear index and PEI 5 the highest).
Here are the 5 abrasion test results and their significance
PEI 1 & PEI 2
Suitable for residential floors where people walk barefoot or with shoes with soft to normal soles. (Ex: bathrooms and bedrooms without direct contact with the outside). Tiles with this type of PEI are rarely used for flooring, their application is more for walls.
1 - Residential projects, bathrooms and bedrooms without external access.
2 - Residential projects, light and moderate traffic.
PEI 3
Suitable for residential floors where normal footwear is used and which frequently contain small amounts of abrasive residues. (ex : kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, etc.).
Residential projects, light to moderate traffic.
PEI 4
Suitable for floors with frequent foot traffic with abrasive residues. The conditions of wear and tear are therefore more severe. (Ex: commercial offices, hotel rooms, stores and sales areas).
Residential and light commercial projects, interior only.
PEI 5
Suitable for floors subject to heavy pedestrian traffic with abrasive residues for extended periods of time. These are the most severe conditions in which glazed tiles can be used. (ex : shopping malls, senior residences, schools, etc.).
Residential and commercial projects, interior only.