The Essential Guide to Tile Slip Ratings - PART 1

When selecting tiles for your space, aesthetics often take centre stage. However, there's another critical factor that shouldn't be overlooked: slip resistance. Slip resistance refers to a tile's ability to provide traction and minimise the risk of slipping, especially in areas prone to moisture or high foot traffic. Whether you're renovating a bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor area, choosing tiles with the appropriate slip rating is essential for ensuring safety and peace of mind.

 

Our Tibur collection showcases a harmonious blend of aesthetics and safety, particularly-well suited for wet areas like pool surroundings.

Why slip ratings matter?

Why bother with slip ratings, you ask? Well, for starters, they're crucial for meeting safety standards. Different areas demand different levels of slip resistance. For instance, would you want P1 tiles around a pool? Probably not. Slip ratings ensure you're using the right tiles for the right spaces, reducing the risk of accidents and potential liabilities.

Here are some reasons why considering slip rating is important when selecting tiles for your spaces.

  1. Safety: Slip-resistant tiles provide traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially in areas prone to moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor spaces.

  2. Versatility: These tiles come in various designs, colours, and materials, offering aesthetic choices without compromising safety.

  3. Durability: Slip-resistant tiles are often designed to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.

 

Understanding the Slip Rating ScaleS

Navigating the extensive array of tiles can be overwhelming. How can you confidently select the safest option for your space? The slip rating scale serves as an indispensable tool to aid in your selection process. This scale ensures that surfaces meet safety standards through three primary testing methods: the pendulum test, the oil-wet ramp test and the barefoot wet ramp test.

The Pendulum Test evaluates the friction between a wet tile and a standard shoe, assigning slip ratings from P1 to P5. Higher ratings indicate lower slip risk.

 
 
 

The Oil-Wet Ramp Test assesses slip resistance by placing tiles on a ramp coated with lubricating oil. A person walks on the oiled surface wearing cleated safety boots while being securely held. The angle of the ramp is adjusted until slipping occurs, generating an R-Value ranging from R9 to R13. Higher R-Values denote lower slip risk.

Tiles rated R9 or R10 are commonly used in internal spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, while those rated R11 and above are suitable for outdoor areas, including pool surrounds.

 
 
 

The Barefoot Wet Ramp Test assesses slip resistance on wet, inclined tiles by having testers walk with bare feet. It’s particularly relevant for areas such as swimming pools, hospitals, dressing rooms, washrooms and showers in sports and work facilities.

 
 

 

Contact Our Team to Find the Perfect Tile for Your Space

Contact our Architectural Surfaces Manager - Nino Matricciani or our Architectural Surfaces Representative – Michael Razzano, to explore and discover the ideal tile options tailored to your space. We're here to provide personalised guidance and assistance in selecting the perfect tiles to enhance your indoor or outdoor environment.

Rob Vozzo