Tile Laboratory

    Ceramic tile testing is one of the many pioneering activities performed by Smith-Emery Company. We have been involved in the start-up of ceramic companies' doing analysis of quarries, inspection of plants, quality control of production and ultimately testing the finished product.

    The popularity of ceramic tile use and continual quality assurance of the product necessitate members of the industry for their regular testing. Before a ceramic product is sold to the public or specified for construction, Smith-Emery Company is instrumental in the qualification process.

    Smith-Emery Company is affiliated with the Ceramic Tile Institute which was instrumental in developing practical tests for ceramic tile products and public safety. The greatest example is the current Federal Regulation or the ‘American with Disability Act’ that requires any floor surface be safe for slipperiness. It recommends ASTM C 1028 Slip Resistance Testing procedure. This is also a safety regulation by the state and city building codes (for California, it is State Code Title 24).

    Forensic tile installation problems are another of our specialties. We can custom suit any test protocol as agreed to parties involved.

Testing Capacities:

Ceramic Tile Testing -- General ANSI A.137.1

C 373 Water Absorption	C 1028 Static C.O.F.
C 504 Abrasive Wear	C 648 Breaking Strength
C 674 Modulus of Rupture	C 482 Bond Strength
C 502 Wedging	C 499 Facial Dimensions
C 499 Thickness	C 485 Warpage
C 370 Moisture Expansion	C 1026 Freeze Thaw
C 650 Chemical Resistance	C 627 Robinsons Floor Test
CTI-72 Stain Resistance Testing

Roof Tile Testing -- UBC Standard 15-5

Natural Stone Testing -- ASTM Specifications

(*Special Custom Testing)

    A few of the major projects that Smith-Emery Company’s tile laboratory did testing for include the Union Station, several Metro Rail Projects, Northridge Fashion Center and the Ronald Regan Federal Building.

    Smith-Emery Company performs testing for companies throughout the United States and other countries, such as Mexico, Taiwan, Italy and France.