 Down to Earth is a textured, unglazed 'paving' tile line featuring kiln fired shading and distinctive size options. Down to Earth fits both traditional and contemporary design concepts and the tiles are particularly appealing with the move toward more natural elements in design. With its extremely long life cycle, use of natural elements, efficient manufacturing process and ability to be recycled, Down to Earth also meets the desire for more environmentally friendly 'green' building materials. Down to Earth is available in three sizes – 4" × 8", 6" × 9" and 4" × 12". Each size has its own unique texturing. Four earth tone colors are available for all sizes in the line. Down to Earth is a 1/2" thick ceramic tile and must be installed on a cement slab or similar substrate using standard tile setting methods. Down to Earth is recommended for outdoor areas exposed to extreme climate changes, moisture and heavy foot traffic. Walkways, pool surrounds, and cement slab patios are examples of outdoor areas that can be greatly enhanced with the Down to Earth paving tile product.
Test Results | | Specification | Test | Standard | Result | | Abrasion Resistance | ASTM C501 | Index of 35 or better | Metropolitan/DTE tests at >80 or better. | | Absorption 5-hour boil | ASTM C373 | 5% | Metropolitan/DTE tests at 3% maximum and qualifies as vitreous. | | Breaking Strength | ASTM C648 | Min. 250 lbs. | Metropolitan/DTE tests at 400 lbs. or better. | | Compressive Strength | ASTM C67 | No industry standard | Metropolitan/DTE tests at 10,000 P.S.I. or better. | | Facial Size Variation | ASTM C499 | Average facial dimension of each tile not to exceed 4% from nominal dimension(s) | Metropolitan/DTE meets the standard. | | Freeze/ Thaw | ASTM C67 | No industry standard | ASTM test is 50 cycles. | | Metropolitan
internal test | Metropolitan/DTE internal standard is 3,000 cycles. | | | Shear Bond Strength | ASTM C482 | 50 P.S.I. or better | Metropolitan/DTE exceeds the standard. | | Static Coefficient of friction | ASTM C1028 | No industry standard | At time of manufacture, Down to Earth meets or exceeds measure of 0.80 dry and 0.70 wet. | | Thickness | ASTM C499 | Max. range of .050" | Metropolitan/DTE meets the standard. | | Warpage | ASTM C485 | Max. 1.5% along any edge.1.0% on either diagonal. | Metropolitan/DTE meets the standard. | | Wedging | ASTM C502 | Max. 1.0% | Metropolitan/DTE meets the standard. |
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 Metropolitan Ceramics, 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 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
Contact
Down to Earth
Director Sales Service, Dianne Young
P.O. Box 9240, 1201 Millerton Street
Canton, Ohio 44711
Tel: 1-800-325-3945 330-484-4887
Fax: 330-484-4880
E-mail: info@ironrock.com
Web site: www.metroceramics.com
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