FACTORS TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO TILE SELECTION
1. Absent an exception below indicating otherwise, ceramic and porcelain tiles should not be used in floor applications where there is a consistent surface presence of water, oil, or grease. This includes outdoor areas.
​
2. Proper maintenance is critical. Improper maintenance and improper maintenance products can result in a build-up on the surface of the tile causing the tile to be slippery. See maintenance recommendations.
​
3. Test Methods - there are many different test methods related to slip resistance. The tile industry uses ANSI A137.1 Section 9.6, also called the AcuTestTM. This method measures the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF). Tile Source recommends that customers have tile independently tested to determine if the product meets the requirements of your preferred test method (if other than the AcuTest) prior to product selection. Be sure to test competitors’ products under any preferred alternative method for comparison purposes. Tile Source does not warrant that any of its products will meet any testing parameter other than that measured by ANSI A137.1 Section 9.6.
​
4. ANSI A137.1 requires that tiles for interior spaces expected to be walked upon when wet have a wet DCOF ≥0.42.
​
5. No floor tile is "slip proof."
​
6. Slippery conditions can be reduced by limiting foot traffic in contaminated conditions, use of appropriate footwear, prompt removal of contaminants, effective drainage, and proper maintenance. Installations and end use conditions can vary. You must evaluate the tile to be used with your specific end use conditions, maintenance program(s), and footwear selection to determine compatibility.
​
7. Tile sizes are a factor for slip resistance in wet areas. Smaller sizes allow for more drainage through an increased number of grout joints and easier sloping. Planar variations on larger formats could result in a higher probability of standing water and increase the risk for hydroplaning.
​
8. Polished and semi polished surfaces create a very smooth surface. Tile Source does not recommend polished surfaces in any areas subject to water, oil, or grease exposures.
​