Information on slip resistance, slip inhibition and evaluation groups in natural stone
Natural stone tiles are not only stylish, they can also make an important contribution to safety – provided they are chosen appropriately and cared for correctly.
While there is no such thing as absolute slip resistance, choosing a floor with a slip-inhibiting surface can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. Factors such as the condition of the floor or its care play a role. A clean surface is decisive here, because dirt and water can make any floor slippery, whether natural stone, parquet or ceramic.
With the right cleaning and care, slip-inhibiting surfaces retain their functionality and provide a secure footing – in every situation. Choosing the right floor covering is therefore an investment in safety and comfort.
Let us advise you and find the ideal natural stone floor that not only looks beautiful but is also optimally suited for use in your home or business.
Slip inhibition in private households
In Germany and Europe there is no standard for the slip inhibition of a floor in the private sector. Therefore, anyone may install a floor with a surface of their choice in the private area.
A polished surface is the most commonly used floor covering. It looks beautiful, is easy to clean and, as natural stone, is very durable and sustainable. In return, the slip inhibition is somewhat lower than that of a honed or brushed surface.
The reason is that a honed or brushed surface is somewhat rougher than a polished surface. A rough surface increases the slip inhibition. What is decisive in a private household is that the floor is safe to use.
Slip inhibition in public spaces
For public areas such as hotels, stairwells, landings, offices and public facilities of all kinds, there are regulations for slip inhibition. These are divided into evaluation groups for areas walked on with shoes and without shoes.
Areas walked on with shoes are divided into groups R9 to R13. Areas walked on without shoes, i.e. barefoot, are divided into groups A, B and C.
The classification into groups R9 to R13 indicates the static friction value at a certain angle of inclination. Groups A, B and C provide information for the barefoot and wet area.
Evaluation groups
Here we give you an overview of the evaluation groups. The higher the numbers and letters, the stronger the slip inhibition of the covering. The higher the slip class, the rougher the surface. This leads to increased effort for the care and maintenance of the floor surface.
Slip inhibition with shoes
In a test, a person stands on an oiled surface. The angle of inclination is continuously increased. The angle of inclination at which the person begins to slip determines the slip inhibition class.
Up to 10 degrees corresponds to class R9; an angle of inclination over 35 degrees defines the highest slip inhibition class, R13. To keep the tests comparable, the person wears safety shoes.
In practice, the effect depends on further factors, such as the material and the profile of the shoe sole, the weather conditions and any contamination.
Slip inhibition class R9 – angle of inclination 6 to 10 degrees
Area of use in public buildings: sales areas, entrance areas, stairs
Slip inhibition class R10 – angle of inclination >10 to 19 degrees
Area of use in staff rooms, toilets, commercial storage rooms
Slip inhibition class R11 – angle of inclination >19 to 27 degrees
Area of use in outdoor entrances and stairs, garages, walkways
Slip inhibition class R12 – angle of inclination >27 to 35 degrees
Area of use in large kitchens and special rooms (industry)
Slip inhibition class R13 – angle of inclination >35 degrees
Area of use in slaughterhouses
Slip inhibition without shoes / barefoot
The test is identical, only without shoes. The surface is a solution of water and soap. For class A, the inclination must be over 12 degrees without the person slipping on the floor.
Evaluation group A – minimum angle 12 degrees
Use in changing rooms, dry barefoot walkways, rest zones
Evaluation group B – minimum angle 18 degrees
Use in showers, wet barefoot walkways, pool surrounds
Evaluation group C – minimum angle 24 degrees
Use in areas leading into the water or located in the water
The applications or areas of use mentioned here are only a selection and not exhaustive.
Slip inhibition at Colour of Stone
As we have just described, slip inhibition is an important topic for safety in private and public areas. Natural stone at Colour of Stone can be used in all private and many public areas. The slip classes R12 and R13 are mostly only used in industry.
We can offer many natural stones with a high slip inhibition. For projects, we have supplied marble tiles with the slip class R10B for hotel bathrooms.
You need to request these directly from us in theshop. We will be happy to prepare a quote for you.