Tile Selection

Consider Prior to Tile Selection

Residential

Glazed floor tiles should not be used where there is a consistent presence of water, oil, or grease unless COF exceeds 0.60.

Proper maintenance is critical. Improper maintenance and improper maintenance products can result in a contaminant build-up on the surface of the tile causing the tile to be slippery.

Exterior applications, including pool deckings, are considered to have a continuous exposure to standing water creating a potential for a slippery floor surface. Dal-Tile does not recommend glazed floor tiles on exterior applications unless the tile surface is: (1) sufficiently protected from direct weather elements, (2) equal to or greater than .60 COF wet, (3) textured, and (4) not polished or semi-polished.

Ramped surfaces, irrespective of the slant of the incline, require a more slip resistant surface and Dal-Tile recommends a minimum of .80 COF on these surfaces.

"Polished surfaces" create a very smooth surface. Dal-Tile does not recommend polished surfaces in any areas subject to water, oil, or grease exposure. No floor tile is "slip proof."

Commerical

Absent an exception below indicating otherwise, glazed floor tiles 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.

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.

Professional restauranteurs use special floor cleaning machines and cleaners to assure removal of contaminants, which are critical to maintain slip resistance in dining areas. Restaurant and commercial kitchen applications are considered high-risk areas subject to floor contamination by substances that increase slipping. Dal-Tile does not recommend the use of glazed floor tile or porcelain tile in a commercial kitchen unless the COF exceeds .80 wet. The use of a glazed floor tile in a dining room of a restaurant is subject to the same risk factors. A glazed floor tile or porcelain tile may be suitable for the dining area if: (a) the COF meets or exceeds .60 wet, AND (b) the utmost care is taken to properly clean the floor and minimize the presence of water.

Pool decking has a continuous exposure to standing water and Dal-Tile does not recommend glazed floor tile or porcelain tile on pool decks unless the surface (1) has minimal glaze, (2) meets or exceeds .60 COF wet, (3) has a textured surface, and (4) is not polished or semi-polished. Proper drainage is a necessary pre-requisite for all pool decking tile applications.

Exterior applications, excluding pool deckings, are considered to have a continuous exposure to standing water due to weather conditions. Glazed and unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are not recommended for exterior floor applications unless the tile surface: (1) meets or exceeds 0.60 COF, (2) is textured, (3) is not polished or semi-polished. NOTE: Exterior areas require extra attention to minimize slippery conditions including proper drainage, systematic clean up of wet or contaminated conditions, and regular inspection of tiled floor surface to assure immediate correction of wet or contaminated conditions.

Slippery conditions can be minimized by (1) limiting foot traffic in wet conditions, (2) prompt removal of contaminants, (3) effective drainage, and (4) proper maintenance.

Polished and semi polished surfaces create a very smooth surface. Dal-Tile does not recommend polished surfaces in any areas subject to water, oil, or grease exposures.

Ramped surfaces, irrespective of the degree of incline, requires a more slip resistant surface for safety purposes. Dal-Tile recommends a minimum of .80 COF on all ramps or inclined flooring.

Test Methods - there are many different test methods for slip resistance. The tile industry uses ASTM C1028. Dal-Tile recommends that customers have tile independently tested to determine if the Dal-Tile product meets the requirements of the customer's preferred test method (if other than ASTM C1028) prior to product selection. Be sure to test competitor's products under any preferred alternative method for comparison purposes. Dal-Tile does not warrant that any of its products will meet any testing parameter other than that measured by ASTM C1028.

No floor tile is "slip proof.