–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– STONE The required testing should be reviewed and, if test results are not available for the stone product, then testing should be performed by the quarry or representative company as required. Some quar- ries and their representatives do not embrace this idea because their products can be marketed to homeowners and residential proj- ects without the need to perform testing. It is up to our industry to know how to identify these prod- ucts and make sure to request the required material data needed. 3.3 Testing of stone can be per- formed by other companies in the event that required test data are not available. Independent labs can perform the appropriate tests and provide the information in a well organized, professional report. 3.4 It is important to know when a certain test is not required for a product. For example, a test for Slip Resistance would not be necessary for stone used in a vertical applica- tion, which will never receive foot traffic. Some examples are not as easily established. For instance, what are the needs for testing a stone to be used for interior floor- ing in a commercial application where the stone is installed over a raised floor deck subject to deflec- tion, and will be subject to traffic from pedestrians and cleaning carts weighing 1,000 pounds? It may be required that the stone of choice meets standards related to Slip Resistance, Abrasion Resistance, Absorption, Compressive Strength, and Bending Strength. These are all physical requirements of the stone product during everyday use. 3.5 Be aware of the requirements of performance that will be placed on the stone at the time of instal- lation, and in the future. If a stone has proven not to perform for a Photo courtesy of TexaStone Quarries TileLetter | July 2019 77