Roca Tile Group

FAQ

GENERAL FAQ’S

Where I can purchase Roca tile?

We have a network of Distributors located throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean & Latin America. Our Roca Corporate Showrooms are located in Miami, FL, Carteret, NJ, Houston, TX and Carson, CA. To locate the Roca Distributor nearest you, please click on “Locations” or call our Customer Service Dept. at (800) 321-0684.

Where I can purchase Roca samples?

You can special order a sample at any Home Depot store around the country. When you visit the store, please ask a Sales Rep. to assist you and please indicate the model number and the description of the item that you would like to get a sample.  If you or the Sales Rep. at the store has any questions, please feel free to call our Home Depot Customer Service Dept. at (877) 231 7773, from 8 am to 5pm EST.

What are your installation recommendations?

To take full advantage of the technical characteristics, it is vital to carefully plan out and install Roca’s ceramic and porcelain products. For this reason, we recommend the following points:

1- Check the caliber, tone and quality of the product before installation.

2- Choose appropriate installation tools (notched trowel, rubber hammer, suction grip and rubber trowel for grouting).

3- Ensure that the surface on which the material is to be laid is level, clean and insulated from moisture.

4- Pay special attention to the type of adhesive to be used (consult the adhesive supplier), since each type of tile requires the appropriate adhesive.

5- Your installation professional should choose the appropriate size joint between pieces in order to guarantee the correct absorption of structural movements, and in consideration of dimensional tolerances of the product.

6- Clean off excess grout from the surface of the tiles while it is still fresh, using a sponge and clean water; never use hard materials that could scratch the tiles, such as metal spatulas or abrasive scourers. Always follow the recommendations given by the adhesive manufacturer.

7- Once the tiles are laid, avoid working in the tiled zone (plastering, painting, placing scaffolds/ladders, projecting metallic fragments from disc grinders, moving tools, dragging heavy objects, moving debris from abrasive building materials, etc). If this cannot be avoided, always protect the tiles and joints to prevent cleaning problems or deterioration.

 

TILE FAQ’S

What is ceramic tile?

Ceramic tile is a mixture of clays, molded into a shape and fired at high temperatures resulting in a hard body. This hard body may be left untreated or it may receive a glazed layer. The clay used to make the tile may be red, white or porcelain. The quality of the tile is based more on the manufacturing process than on the color of the body.

What are the advantages of ceramic tile?

What is glazed ceramic tile?

It’s a type of ceramic tile which has a glaze finish applied to the surface. Glazed tiles are available in both gloss and matte finishes. Glazing can provide a nonporous surface that is extremely stain resistant.

What is unglazed ceramic tile?

It’s a type of ceramic tile which has no glazing or any other coating applied to the surface. The color is the same on the face of the tile as it is on the back. The most common unglazed tiles are porcelain tiles used in commercial areas with heavy traffic.

What is porcelain tile?

Porcelain tile is a very high density product, fired at high temperatures and has superior durability and a low water absorption rate. The glazes on porcelain tile are known for a higher range of color variation, giving a rich custom look.

What is a through body porcelain tile?

Through body porcelain tile is when the same color on the top goes all the way through. Even in extreme applications, these tiles tend not to show wear as the porcelain is quite durable (harder than granite) and the color goes all the way through. It can be used on exterior and interior floors and walls. It’s a great product for high traffic areas.

What is the difference between ceramic tile & porcelain tile?

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile. The major difference is that porcelain tile is harder and denser than other types of ceramic tile and that porcelain tile is frost-proof and impervious.

Can wall tile be used on the floor?

Not in most cases. Please check with your installer or product manufacturer for application recommendations.

Can floor tile be used on the wall?

Yes. Exterior applications require special precautions and installation methods. Please check with your installer or product manufacturer for application recommendations.

What is a rectified tile?

A tile that has been re-cut to achieve the same exact size in all the tile pieces produced.

What does “COF” mean?

Coefficient of Friction (“COF) rates the slip resistance of tile. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) recognizes several standard methods for measuring coefficient of friction for wet or dry surfaces. Tile used on commercial and residential floors should provide a safe walking surface in both wet and dry conditions.

What is the porosity of a tile?

Porosity is the water absorption of a tile. When choosing a tile, pay attention to the ratings that measure the percentage of water absorbed (porosity). The classifications for the porosity of tile are: impervious (least absorbent), vitreous, semi-vitreous and non-vitreous (most absorbent). Porous tile should not be used outdoors where cold weather produces freeze/thaw cycles.

TILE CARE & MAINTENANCE

Which product should I use to clean a tile?

Please visit our “Tile Care” section for further information.

Which product should I use to clean grout?

Please visit our “Tile Care” section for further information.