| ~ Term ~ |
~ Definition ~ |
~ Additional Information ~ |
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| Abrasion Resistance |
The ability of a surface to resist being worn away by rubbing and friction. |
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| Absorbtion |
The relationship of the weight of the water absorbed by a ceramic specimen subjected to prescribed immersion procedure, to the weight of the dry specimen, expressed in percent. |
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| Acid |
A chemical substance usually corrosive to common metals. |
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| Acrylic |
A general class of resinous polymers used as additives for thin-set mortars and grout. |
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| Admixture |
Enhancements added to concrete or mortar to improve technical properties. |
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| Agglomerate Marble |
Marble chips bonded together with polyester resins. |
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| Alkali |
A chemical substance which neutralizes acid material so as to form neutral salts. |
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| Backbutter |
An even application of bond material to the back of the tile before tile is set. |
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| Backsplash |
Usually the wall area at the back of a counter extending the full length. |
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| Bullnose Tiles |
Can be called caps. Tiles shaped to define the edges of an installation. |
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| Buttering or Back Buttering |
Applying mortar on stone or tile with the flat edge of a trowel before installation. |
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| Casing |
The trimming around doors, windows or any other opening. |
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| Caulk |
Any one of a variety of compounds used to seal seam and joints against the infiltration of water and air |
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| Cement Board |
Panels which are composed of an aggregated portland cement core, sandwiched between layers of reinforcing glass-fibre mesh. |
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| Expansion Joint |
The space built into a structure between two surfaces or structual elements to allow materials to expand and contract during temperature changes without damage. |
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| Field Tiles |
Flat tiles, in contrast to trim tiles that are shaped to turn corners or define the edges of an installation. |
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| Flush |
On the same plane as, or level with, a surrounding surface. |
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| Glazing |
A protective and decorative coating, often coloured, that is fired onto the surface of some tiles. |
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| Granite |
A quartz-based stone with a tough, glossy appearance; granite is harder than marble. |
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| Greenboard |
Similar to regular drywall, this product is moisture resistant, though not waterproof. |
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| Grout |
A thin mortar mixture used to fill the joints between tiles. |
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| Grouting Float |
A rubber-backed trowel used for pressing the grout into the joints. |
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| Isolation Membrane |
A sub-surface layer for the tile installation. |
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| Jamb |
The top and side frames of a door or window opening. |
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| Joint Compound |
A synthetic formula used in combination with paper or fiber-glass mesh tape to conceal joints. |
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| Lippage |
Lippage is a condition where edges of the tile are not at the same plane with each
other. |
Lippage should not exceed 1 mm when setting square edge tile with narrow joints
(3 mm or less). More lippage can be tolerated when wider grout joints are used or
the tile doesn't have a square edge, but lippage should not exceed 1 mm per 3 mm
joint width. |
| Marble |
A hard and durable limestone characterized by varied patterns and colours of veins. |
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| Masonry Cement |
A special mix of portland cement and hydrated lime used for preparing mortar. The lime adds to the workability of the mortar. |
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| Mexican Paver |
Unglazed tile most often used on floors. |
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| Mortar |
A mixture of masonry cement, masonry sand, and water. |
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| Mosaic Tile |
Small (1" or 2") vitreous squares or hexagons, mounted on sheets or joints with adhesive strips. |
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| Nominal Dimension |
The stated size of a tile, which usually includes a standard grout joint. The actual dimension is somewhat smaller. |
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| Nonvitreous Tile |
Porous ceramic tiles that should be used indoors in dry locations. |
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| Pavers |
Vitreous floor tiles, usually 3/8" thick and glazed or unglazed. |
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| Plumb |
When a surface is at true vertical level. |
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| Quarry Tile |
Unglazed, vitreous tile, usually 1/2" thick, used on floors. |
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| Sand Mix |
Used where the thickness does not exceed 2". For mortar beds. |
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| Screed |
To use a straightedge, for leveling mortar as it's applied for a mortar bed. |
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| Sealant |
Coating used to protect tile and grout from water and staining. |
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| Semivitreous Tile |
Semiporous ceramic tile that can be used indoors, in dry to occasionally wet locations. |
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| Slate |
A rough-surfaced tile that has been split rather than sliced from a quarried stone. |
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| Stone Tile |
Marble, granite, flagstone, and slate. Dimensioned (or gauged) stone is cut to uniform size. |
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| Subfloor |
Usually plywood, OSB, or another sheet material covering the floor joists. |
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| Substrate |
The setting bed and other layers beneath a tile surface. |
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| Terrazzo |
Small pieces of granite or marble set in mortar and then polished. |
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| Thin-set Mortar |
A setting adhesive for tiles. |
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| Vitreous Tile |
Ceramic tile with a low porosity, used indoors or outdoors, in wet or dry locations. |
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