There are hundreds of fascinating facets to the topic of safer, slip-resistant tiles. Italtile and two of its trusted tile-pioneering partners, Sant Agostino in Italy and Stylnul in Spain, whittle it down to 10 interesting facts.
#1 There’s no such thing as a non-slip tile
There is currently no such thing as a totally non-slip tile. Italtile instead uses the term “slip-resistant” for a tile engineered to offer surface friction.
#2 From a little bit slippy to a whole lot grippy. S/R tile ratings.
Not all slip-resistant tiles are created equal. It’s a sliding scale (if you’ll pardon the pun) and there are international standards that rate slip-resistance. One in particular is tested in safety footwear on varying slopes with oil lubrication – the “R” rating. (Oil-wet ramp test.) R9 is the lowest slip rating, for use in areas that are never wet. R10 and R11 are recommended for areas that are sometimes wet, like the bathroom floor or the kitchen floor. R13 is the highest – for optimum outdoor slip-resistance around pools, decks, patios and gardens. Italtile’s insistence on high-end quality means all its slip-resistant tiles are highly rated – but be slip-resistant savvy and just ask before you buy.
#3 Manufacturing process of normal tiles vs slip-resistant tiles
The way normal and slip-resistant tiles are produced – the general process – is the same. There are however different pressing moulds or glazes. The slip-resistant tile can be of two types: A) where a pressing mould is used that creates the texture that gives grip. This structure can be seen with the naked eye because the surface is not flat; and B) – a glaze is used that makes the surface rough and “grippy” – usually with the addition of alumina and corundum.
#5 INOUT technology creates an unusually smooth grip
Italtile’s Stylnul Ceramica partners have developed a slip-resistant tile surface with a uniform coating of micro-granules that is unusually smooth and velvety to touch. This means the Civic INOUT and Rockstone INOUT are not only delightful to walk on barefoot, but also incredibly easy to wipe clean, unlike many other S/R tiles.
#6 Tile performance
Footfall, harsh cleaning chemicals and exposure to the elements can all affect a tile’s slip-resistance over time. When you select a tile from our huge slip-resistant collection, you’ll be assured of high levels of resistance to fire, chemicals, UV light etc. However Italtile will always caution you against using abrasive chemicals to clean your S/R floors.
#7 Keep it clean
An accumulation of dirt and cleaning residues can cause your S/R floor to be less effective, so ensure you sweep and wipe clean regularly.
#8 Choose the right cleaning products
While a damp mop and warm water is our first go-to everyday cleaning suggestion, you may need to clean up a messy spill every now and then. Speak to us about Italtile’s exclusive TFC range – for tile TLC! TFC Quick Clean Everyday Tile Cleaner, for example, is extremely economical, hygienic – with antibacterial additives – and biodegradable.
#9 Get a grip
Here’s a scary slippage factoid. Did you know that of the approximately eight million emergency room visits in the United States every year, at least 12% are slip-and-fall accidents!
#10 How to fall. A last resort
While a highly rated slip-resistant tile will minimise the chance of slippage, please remember our #1 point – even the best, most highly rated S/R tile can’t guarantee a totally non-slip future. So perhaps it’s a good idea to memorise the following safety-first steps. If you slip and feel yourself falling: 1) Protect your head – tuck in your chin, turn your head to the side, bring your arms up to head level. 2) Try to turn as you fall, to land on your side. 3) Keep arms and legs bent. 4) Stay loose. 5) Try and roll out of the impact. It’s a good idea to practise these steps on a foam gym mat.
Speak to Italtile instore or chat online about its slip-resistant tile selection.
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