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Specs and Test Results

Sample Specification & Test Results

Below is a template for you to use in preparing a final, tile specification incorporating tile products marketed under the name Down to Earth®, a product line from Metropolitan Ceramics, manufactured by Ironrock Capital, Inc. This section includes installation materials not manufactured by Metropolitan Ceramics using the reference standard method of specifying.

A typical specification to assure the use of Down to Earth® unglazed textured quarry tile on your next job should be written as follows:
  • Ceramic tile shall be "Down to Earth unglazed tile as manufactured by Ironrock Capital, Canton, Ohio, 44711."
  • The body composition shall be of the finest shales and clays producing a uniform dense body with slip-resisting texture.
  • Color shall be:______________________
  • Sizes shall be:______________________
  • Patterns: as per drawing.
  • Grout: Compatible colors as approved by architect.
  • Test results shall be available upon request.
  • For best installation results we recommend the following be included in the specification:
  • Nominal 3/8" joint widths (1/4”widths may be used with some patterns)
  • Mix tile from several cartons for best shading during installation.
  • Use beating block to embed tile and align surfaces and edges.
  • Clean colored grout with tile sponge and cheesecloth or toweling for uniform grout color and most uniform grout level and texture. Some acid cleaners may damage grout joints. Test a small area first. Wet floor with clean water before applying any acid cleaner. Do not use any product containing Hydrofluoric acid since it will attack both grout and tile.
Click here to download complete Sample Specification
- Test Results -
By ANSI Standard Specification A 137.1 Metropolitan® Ceramics' unglazed tile is classified as quarry tile, however, the exceptional technical characteristics noted enables Metropolitan quarry tile to be used in virtually any application suitable for tile.
SPECIFICATION TEST STANDARD RESULT
Abrasion Resistance ASTM C1243 Maximum Value of 275 mm³
 D.T.E. tests at < 275 mm³
Absorption 5-hour boil ASTM C373 Maximum 5% D.T.E. tests at 3% maximum and qualities as vitreous
Breaking Strength ASTM C648 Average ≥ 250 lbf. D.T.E. tests at 400lbf. or better
Thickness ASTM C499
 Max. range of .050”
D.T.E. meets the standard.
Facial Size Variation
Nominal Size		 ASTM C499 Average facial dimension of each tile not to exceed 4% from nominal dimension(s) D.T.E. meets the standard
Freeze/Thaw ASTM C67 No industry standard ASTM test is 50 cycles
  Metropolitan internal test Metropolitan internal standard is 3,000 cycles  
Shear Bond Strength ASTM C482 50 P.S.I. or better D.T.E. exceeds the standard
Static Coefficient of friction ASTMC1028 No industry standard At time of manufacture, all D.T.E. colors meet or exceed measure of 0.80 dry and 0.70 wet.
Warpage ASTM C485 Min. -1.5%  Max. 1.5%
along any edge.
Min -1.0% Max 1.0%
on either diagonal.		 D.T.E. meets the standard
Wedging ASTM C502 Min. -1.0% Max. 1.0% D.T.E. meets the standard
Chemical Resistance ASTM C650 As Reported
 Class A Classification
Stain Resistance ASTM C1378 As Reported
 D.T.E meets the Standard
Scratch Hardness MOHS No Industry Standard
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