When choosing the tiles for a specific residential or commercial setup - it’s important to carefully look through the various technological ratings and terms. Whether you’re choosing tiles for a residential bathroom or a hospital lobby - one of the most important aspects is the slip-resistance of the tiles. After all, safety is primary and you wouldn’t want to simply fall off and get injured, right? So, here’s a list of ratings that will help you know the slip resistance of a certain tile. Have a look!
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R9 Slip Resistant Tiles
R9 has the lowest slip-resistant rating and exhibits the least amount of anti-slip properties. It is suitable for dry conditions that require high wear resistance and can be easily cleaned. Hence, they’re only ideal for domestic buildings such as entrance halls, corridors, shops, and general pedestrian walkways. So, you must only use the R9 tiles in the dry areas where the floors are rarely exposed to water. Meanwhile, avoid the R9 tiles in the outdoors and wet environments since they can result in slipping and sliding.
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R10 Slip Resistant Tiles
These tiles are suitable for wet conditions such as an undercover commercial pedestrian walkway that is susceptible to getting wet from time to time. These types of tiles prevent slippage in the domestic environments such as residential kitchens and bathrooms. Moreover, these tiles can be used in outdoor spaces (porcelain tiles and not ceramic), light commercial spaces, living rooms, dining rooms, utility rooms, public bathrooms, commercial kitchens, and hallways as well. These spaces are susceptible to occasional wetness and spills. Avoid these tiles in areas where high slip resistance is required!
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R11 Slip Resistant Tiles
These tiles are suitable for wet as well as dry applications! Hence, they can be perfectly used in environments that are susceptible to dampness and moisture such as bathrooms and kitchens, and even hallways, external commercial pedestrians, and living rooms. Generally, tiles with this rating are frost-resistant and also have a high wear and tear resistance. They might also have a textured surface that can instantly improve the slip resistance of the tile. For instance, these types of tiles can be used in the shower recess, pool surrounds, hydrotherapy rooms, and patios and gardens.
A Pro Tip: if you’re tiling wet rooms, don’t go below R11 as it might be unsafe to walk barefoot with the presence of soap and water on the floor.
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R12 Slip Resistant Tiles
These types of tiles have a high wear resistance and frost resistance. Generally, these tiles are safe for installation in kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms whereas in commercial areas with communal showers and lavatories. Moreover, you can also use these tiles in poolside areas, changing rooms, hotel foyers, shopping centers, railway stations, and airports. In these spaces, use tiles that are made of porcelain and avoid using these tiles on excessively steep slopes. Non-slip porcelain tiles are the best options for external applications! This tile is also quite ideal for wet ramp conditions in hospitals, hotels, and institutions.
