Anti-slip tiles are not among the products that are common and can be seen in most buildings. In recent years, many architects use this product to use in some places of the building where there is a risk of slipping and damage due to it, which is mainly to create more safety and peace of mind for consumers.

This article covers what you need to know about anti-slip tiles and why these products are a good idea to increase building safety.

What are anti-slip tiles?

Anti-slip tiles are slightly different from ordinary porcelain or ceramic tiles. Floor tiles are usually somewhat slippery and may lead to slips, falls and accidents. Therefore, in the production of anti-slip tiles, a coating with special materials has been used to reduce the risk of slipping. These tiles are a suitable option for use in places that may be exposed to water or moisture and are slippery.

What materials are anti-slip tiles made of?

Common materials used for anti-slip tiles are very similar to porcelain and ceramic materials. These tiles are made with a surface with a higher friction coefficient. Low shoe/foot slip with tile surface reduces the risk of slipping where they are installed. In the production of these tiles, special materials are used that increase the friction of the tile surface.

Can anti-slip tiles be used in the kitchen and bathroom?

Anti-slip tiles are usually recommended for use in kitchens and bathrooms. These are the most common places where slip and fall accidents can occur.

Some people remodel their entire kitchen or bathroom with anti-slip tiles. Also, these products are a suitable option for re-tiling areas such as corridors that are traffic areas.

There are many places in the building where the use of anti-slip tiles can be useful. For example, bathrooms are another place that is prone to water spilling on the floor and the possibility of slipping. Places outside the building are also not immune from this issue. The area around the pool is another area where running and sliding accidents can happen. Also, anti-slip tiles can be used in the passages that are mostly exposed to rain to provide more safety. Therefore, the installation of anti-slip tiles can be necessary in the mentioned places.

Are there other situations where anti-slip tiles are important?

Installing anti-slip tiles can be considered necessary in any place that is used by the elderly, children or people with mobility impairments. Therefore, it is recommended to install these types of tiles in some places of hospitals and clinics, schools, sports clubs, etc.

What is the classification of anti-slip tiles?

Anti-slip tiles have classification numbers. These numbers are called the tile’s anti-slip rating (R9 to R13), and there are several reasons why these numbers are important when choosing a tile for your application. Grading gives you the assurance that the tiles have been tested and approved for safe use.

The higher this number is, the greater the tile’s resistance to sliding. An expert can help you choose the right type of tile for your type of use with the right grade and material for your application.

What are anti-slip coatings?

If you’ve read about anti-slip tiles before, you’ve probably heard of anti-slip coatings as an alternative to tiles. Many people consider cost as the main criteria for choosing tiles.

These coatings include materials that are applied to pre-installed tiles that are expected to provide the same results as non-slip tiles. However, these coatings can wear out over time and be unreliable. Therefore, anti-slip tiles are more recommended than this type of covering.

Why are anti-slip tiles better than coatings?

It is recommended to always choose non-slip tiles to be safe, even if you think that coatings may be a cheaper option. Coatings do not provide the necessary and sufficient resistance to slip and are not tested and graded like tiles. Where a covered area is heavily trafficked, coverage may be lost and it is unlikely that you will notice or see it until an incident actually occurs.

Installing anti-slip tiles from the start ensures a clean finish, create new floor and a reduced chance of slip and fall accidents in your space compared to coverings.

author
Ali Mirzapour
Laboratory and R&D manager
Rokaceram