Slip Ratings
Slip ratings can be really confusing so this document aims to assist you in understanding the different slip ratings as well as how the surfaces of glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles vary in their resistance to slipping when exposed to different levels of moisture. Let’s look at the different tests:
Ramp Testing for (R) Ratings – DIN51130 & DIN51097 This method is used by all of European tile manufacturers and is the most commonly understood method of testing the slip resistance of a tile. It is called the ramp test. The test generates an R-Value from R9 – R13
51130
Slip Angle
6-10 deg
10-19 deg
19-27 deg
27-35 deg
35 deg
Wet Slip
High Risk
Moderate
Moderate
Low Risk
Low Risk
Suitable for
Dry areas
Areas kept mostly dry
Can be occasionally wet
Wet areas
Very wet areas
The above table summarises a German National Standard test method; DIN51130. This test is a shod foot test where an individual walks on a wet surface wearing cleated safety boots whilst being held by a harness. The angle of the ramp is adjusted and whilst doing so the degree at which the individual slips, generates an R-Value.
In addition DIN 51097 tests the tile in wet & barefoot conditions, similarly repeating the differentiation in angles.
51130
A
Dry barefoot areas (domestic use, kitchen, living rooms, bathroom)
B
Pool surrounds & showers
C
Commercial pools, jacuzzi’s & gym showers
Pendulum Testing
This classification is based on barefoot use, so should only be considered when the tiles are being used in swimming pools, wet rooms or any other place where no footwear would be worn.
Pendulum Testing. The Pendulum CoF test is designed to replicate the motion of a slipping foot and the tiles response to that motion. The value generated is called the Pendulum Test Value (PTV). It’s a different way of testing the slip resistance; however, its values can be directly compared to the results of the two tests we’ve just gone through.
R9
11 - 18
R10
18 - 34
R11
34 - 51
R12
51 - 70
R13
70 +
A
21 - 31
B
32 - 42
C
45 +
Slip ratings can be confusing and it is important to understand that the different ratings and values are not black and white for domestic situations. They can be interpreted to suit your specific application or setting. So a couple of examples:
Wetroom Floor Application – because this area will be wet with soapy conditions, it is important to select a tile that is safe to stand on with bare feet. Based on the above rating information, the minimum rated tile to consider would be an R10 B. However, it is important to also consider who is using the wet room for example children or the elderly. You may want to select a tile with a higher slip rating to ensure safety in these conditions eg R11 or above and with a higher rating than B eg a C Rating. So the TileHaus Spark Antislip tile for example is rated as R11 A+B+C.
External Patio Areas. Another good example is external areas, particularly where you want the same tile to flow across inside and outside spaces. The Tilehaus Land Silver collection has an R10 A+B rated tile for inside living areas and a matching R12 A+B+C rated Antislip tile for outside – both tiles work together to allow you to create a seamless look from inside to out.
Or you could opt for a tile with an R11 A+B+C rating, for example our One collection in Soft Antislip finish where the same tile can run inside and out without the need for changing slip rating.
When deciding, it’s important to think about the added maintenance you can expect with a more textured surface so factor in whether you have children or whether elderly people are likely to also use the space. Consider things such as how likely are you to be outside in poorer weather conditions or have water on the surface for example from paddling pools?
All these considerations will help you decide whether it is worth the compromise on slip resistance for aesthetic gain. The TileHaus Team can help with advice on suitable tiles for your application so please do contact us.
