Frequently Asked Questions

There are generally two methods that can give you a sense of flexibility and resilience for flooring. One method is to hold a piece of tile in both hands and exert twisting pressures. Both VCT and Fritztile will ultimately snap due to differing qualities of brittleness, though the VCT will tolerate this testing markedly better. A second method is to evaluate how the products perform under the stress of service when properly installed over suitable substrates.

With respect to flexibility, flooring substrates must have a deflection limit of L/360 - live load of 30psf plus dead load of 10 psf, minimum set by most building codes. Traditionally, the accepted minimum requirement for floor rigidity is L/360 - before the tile is installed. L/360 means that the allowable deflection is 1/360 on the clear span under a concentrated 300lb load. The L/360 standard means that the floor should not deflect more than the "span" divided by 360. If the span is 120 inches (10 feet between supports), then the deflection should not be more than 1/3" between the center and the end. Both VCT and Fritztile can handle this flexing. This concept should allay concerns that either product is too brittle.

With respect to resilience, the concern is how much service can the material endure before its shape is permanently altered and for how long will it wear presentably or how long will it take to wear it through. A static load of 3000lbs per square inch will not leave a dent in Fritztile but will crush VCT (provided the substrate is concrete as a load of that magnitude will penetrate wood.) Because Fritztile is chiefly stone, it will outwear VCT under heavy foot traffic for decades.