Tile Council of North America (TCNA) is pleased to announce the availability of the world’s first standard for glass tile, ANSI A137.2 American National Standard Specifications for Glass Tile.

Since glass tiles have performance and aesthetic properties very different from ceramic tiles, a separate and unique standard was required. ANSI A137.2 categorizes and defines types of glass tiles and establishes aesthetic and performance standards within each category.

Some of the key issues the standard covers include:

• Methods of manufacture: cast, fused, and low temperature-coated
• Categorization by size: large format, mosaic, and miniature mosaic
• What constitutes a defect
• Mounting criteria for mounted glass mosaics
• Measurement and definition of translucence
• Strength criteria
• Thermal shock resistance using real life temperature ranges
• Levels of recycled content

With standard criteria in place, the industry now has a consensus baseline for manufacturing quality and a valuable tool which can aid in the development of new installation standards and in the general specification of glass tile.

“With the wide variety of products available around the world, this much-needed standard aims to reduce confusion in the marketplace,” stated TCNA Executive Director, Eric Astrachan. “TCNA and its members are confident that the clear and consistent definitions and standards established by ANSI A137.2 will help preserve the value, popularity, and quality associated with glass tiles today.”

Print and electronic copies of ANSI A137.2 can be purchased from TCNA. To order this standard contact TCNA at [email protected] or (864) 646-8453.