NOMINAL SIZE:
The approximate dimension of a tile, plus or minus the allowed tolerances.

CALIBRATED:
Once a tile has completed its production process, its actual size is measured. Depending upon its size it is then placed into a batch along with other product of the same size. Thus product is sorted according to its calibre.

Good manufacturing companies will only have 4 or 5 different calibration sizes due to the consistency of their production process.

RECTIFIED:
A rectified product has had its calibration controlled. The result is a significantly more accurately sized tile. The tile is cut so accurately that there is only a single calibration, i.e. a rectified tile is mono-calibrated. This means that mixing different colours and finishes from the same range is possible because the calibration and therefore the size of the various tiles will be identical.

MODULAR:
Allows for multiple format tiles to be assembled into set patterns.

The tiles are calibrated specifically to allow for this design; the result is a consistent and even thickness grout joint.

INTRODUCTION:
This section, within the product pages on the website, is designed to help the user quickly identify what 'Service Conditions' a particular product is suitable to be used in.

For Wall tiles it also acts a guide on where a particular range is deemed suitable for specification based upon its overall design, i.e. does it provide for a decorative aspect or is it better suited to more commercial environments.

The Service Conditions for a wall tile (the general environment the tile will find itself in) can vary greatly; therefore the correct product should be selected to ensure it will be suitable to provide for a long lasting and durable finish.

The information shown on the website should be used as a guide only, based upon the relevant technical information supplied by the manufacturers.

Service Conditions can be very specific depending upon the project requirements; therefore we would advise that any unusual Service Conditions are flagged-up and checked with a PROSPEC representative prior to the products final specification.

The categories used on the website are generalised. Therefore, please see their listings below for more details.

INTERNAL - DOMESTIC & RESIDENTIAL:
This is liable to be the least demanding environment for wall tiles to be specified within. The Service Conditions will generally be low maintenance; with little need for special technical characteristics. Design is the only consideration here.

Examples of such areas would be: Domestic kitchens & bathrooms, hotel bathrooms, etc.

INTERNAL - PUBLIC AREAS - 1:
Potentially a slightly more demanding environment for wall tiles to be specified within. The Service Conditions are likely to be low to medium maintenance; with style rather than function being the main consideration.

Examples of such areas would be; Commercial kitchens & shower-rooms, offices & shops, etc.

INTERNAL - PUBLIC AREAS - 2:
A more demanding environment is likely for wall tile specification. The Service Conditions are generally medium to high maintenance; with technical characteristics as well as design now being significant in the final specification.

A more demanding, larger format cladding tile may be required providing greater technical properties than the more standard glazed ceramic tile.

Examples of such areas would be; Shopping centres, public buildings, airports, etc.

EXTERNAL AREAS:
The most demanding environment for wall tile specification. The Service Conditions are extreme; product is required to resist exposure to the natural elements within the environment, whilst still providing for a strong design scheme. Technical characteristics are now imperative in specifying the correct product.

A more demanding, unglazed porcelain tile, or similar, is likely to be required in order to provide the necessary technical characteristics for such environments.

Examples of such areas would be; External cladding, building fascias, etc.

INTRODUCTION:
This section, within the product pages on the website, is designed to help the user quickly identify what 'Service Conditions' a particular product is suitable to be used in.

The Service Conditions for a floor tile (the general environment the tile will find itself in as well as how the tile is expected to perform) can vary greatly; therefore the correct product should be selected to ensure it will be suitable to provide for a long lasting and durable finish.

The information shown on the website should be used as a guide only, based upon the relevant technical information supplied by the manufacturers.

Service Conditions can be very specific depending upon the project requirements; therefore we would advise that any unusual Service Conditions are flagged-up and checked with a PROSPEC representative prior to the products final specification.

The categories used on the website are generalised. Therefore, please see their listings below for more details.

DOMESTIC:
This is liable to be the least demanding environment for floor tiles to be specified within.

The Service Conditions will generally be low maintenance; with little need for particularly high technical characteristics. The products suitability is still an important consideration though, for e.g. a harder wearing tile may be required for a heavily trafficked kitchen.

Examples of such areas would be: Domestic kitchens & bathrooms, conservatories, hallways, etc.

RESIDENTIAL:
A slightly more demanding environment than 'Domestic', in that although tiles are likely to be used in similar Service Conditions, there is the likelihood that the conditions will be heavier .

Any specific functions the floor will be expected to carry out should be carefully considered when making the final specification.

Examples of such areas would be: Hotel bathrooms, public/communal housing; kitchens and bathrooms, etc.

PUBLIC AREAS - LIGHT TRAFFIC:
Areas which are subject to light pedestrian traffic, not concentrated in small areas, but generally open sections of flooring.

The Service Conditions will require a technically heavier-duty tile than those in 'Residential' environments. Tiles will be subject to different types of dirt, in higher concentrations, therefore requiring a cleaning regime.

Any specific functions the floor will be expected to carry out should be carefully considered when making the final specification.

Examples of such areas would be: Restaurants, offices, shops, etc.

PUBLIC AREAS - HEAVY TRAFFIC:
Areas which are subject to heavy pedestrian traffic, often concentrated in small/narrow areas.

The Service Conditions will require a technically heavier-duty tile than those in 'Light Traffic' areas. Tiles will be subject to high levels of dirt and staining agents and will require a regular cleaning regime.

Any specific functions the floor will be expected to carry out should be carefully considered when making the final specification.

Examples of such areas would be: Shopping centres, supermarkets, high traffic public entrances/foyers, etc.

COMMERCIAL:
The most extreme environments that tile product will likely encounter. Areas which are subject to the heaviest pedestrian traffic, often concentrated in small/narrow areas. In addition there will likely be specific requirements for the floor to withstand the most demanding levels of dirt and staining agents.

The Service Conditions will require the most technically advanced tile. Tiles will be subject to extreme levels of dirt and staining agents and will require a regular cleaning regime.

Any specific functions the floor will be expected to carry out should be carefully considered when making the final specification.

Examples of such areas would be: Airports, extreme high traffic public areas, etc.

INDUSTRIAL:
Industrial Service Conditions require a specific type of floor finish, in order to withstand the dynamic load stresses and extreme levels of dirt and staining agents they are liable to be subject to.

Specification of a specialised product is crucial in order to provide a lasting and functional floor finish.

Any specific functions the floor will be expected to carry out should be carefully considered when making the final specification.

Examples of such areas would be: Food processing plant, vehicle workshop areas, all heavy industrial areas, etc.