The Science of Slip Resistance: Safe Outdoor Flooring for UK Families

Outdoor spaces are highly exposed to extra moisture and water accumulation from watering the plants. At this point, UK homeowners need to prioritize safe flooring in their outdoor space to prevent any chance of injury for themselves and their loved ones. Every UK citizen is quite accustomed to its dull nature, wet, moisture-filled air, and winter frost that makes the floor more slippery and dangerous for everyone. This condition is hazardous for homes with kids and pets. 

General outdoor spaces are an inevitable part to ignore, as they are the only possible pathway to the house. So, as the owner of the house, it is your responsibility to find a way to make it safe to walk on. This is where science, or dare we say the magic of science, can save the day. Slip resistance is not just based on the packaging; it is a whole schema to measure the level of safety of the material. 

Confused about the whole concept of slip resistance of anti-slip outdoor tiles? This piece will help you understand it better.

Slip Resistance and Testing Standards

The main concept of slip resistance is used to measure the safety of the floor. This is done by examining the tiles on the basic safety requirement standard. These standard anti-slip tiles for outdoor​ usage in the UK are commonly preferred as the pendulum test value, also called PTV.

Pendulum Test Value or PTV

This test involves the usage of a pendulum attached with a rubber slider to emulate the pressure of human Heel walking on the surface. The measurement after the result showcases how slippery it can be after getting wet or dry. On the PTV rating scale, 36 or higher is considered to be safe for outdoor usage. The other primary measure for checking tile safety is the R rating. The R rating is mainly used on porcelain and stone tiles, etc. In the R rating, a low rating is considered R9, while a high slip resistance is considered R13.  The most common safety R rating for UK spaces is R11.

UK Weather for Outdoor Flooring Safety

Everyone knows that the UK climate is highly unpredictable, consisting of many unwanted temperature changes, sudden downpours, sometimes windy, and sometimes frosty weather. This unpredictability leads UK homeowners to look for resilient exterior non-slip tiles for their outdoors. 

With sudden rain, water can accumulate on the floor, leading to a thin layer of water on the surface, making it lose friction and become slippery. This condition of the anti-slip outdoor tiles makes them hazardous, especially for children and the elderly. 

Without the anti-slip outdoor tiles, your outdoor floor can cultivate moss and algae, leading to health issues and a sloppy-looking garden area. This is where it is essential to make all of your outdoor areas, from pathways and patios to poolside areas, safe and non-slippery. You need to add textured surfaces or anti-slip outdoor porcelain tiles. 

Actively avoid sloppy-looking and dangerous outdoor places by investing in good-quality outdoor anti-slip tiles.

Materials for High-Quality Anti-Slip Outdoor Tiles in the UK

There are diverse outdoor tiles available in the market that claim to be anti-slip outdoor tiles; however, not all tiles are equally safe. This is due to the variety of materials they are made with. Some materials are naturally slip-resistant due to their porous structure and density. Let's look into one of the most preferred materials for slip-resistant outdoor floors in the UK.

Porcelain paving 

One of the most prominent examples of that is porcelain paving, which is, by no doubt, one of the highest in-demand outdoor flooring options. 

It has both texture and density, making it have a higher slip rating of R11. This is not only slip-resistant but also stain-resistant.

Natural stone

This is the second-best option if you are looking for exterior non-slip tiles. Natural stones such as sandstone come with moderate slip resistance when installed properly. It comes with a rough surface that helps induce friction, indirectly reducing slipperiness.

Concrete paving

Concrete paving can also have induced self-slip resistance as it has a somewhat granular texture; however, it is still dangerous when wet. 

Wood

Last but definitely not least, decking is also a popular anti-slip tile for outdoor​ floors; however, you need to invest in a high-quality treatment. Without proper treatment, it can be easily slippery with a little amount of water, compromising the anti-slip properties, and it will definitely wear during rainy and humid seasons.

Features Fostering Slip Resistance

Slip resistance does not mainly rely on the material but rather on the whole formation itself. This means it also depends on the design of the tiles. Most outdoor tiles originally come with textured surfaces, raised grooves, or patterns that create friction for people working on them. 

Most tiles that offer R11 level slip resistance are noted to be tiles that come with wider joints and grooved surfaces. This is due to the traction they create under the feet.

The next most crucial design aspect is the drainage of the flooring. The design should have a better drainage mechanism to drain water rather than accumulate it on the surface and become slippery. A good quality exterior flooring always comes with a high drainage facility for safety purposes. The manageable yet straightforward design feature can also help you choose exterior non-slip tiles for your home efficiently and quickly, without any hassle or confusion.

Effect of Maintenance on Outdoor Flooring 

If not maintained adequately, even the high slip resistance would wear out and become slippery over time. In order to keep your flooring looking pristine and safe from dirt, fungi, and moss, it is important to have a standard cleaning routine.  

Regular sweeping and jet washing can help you maintain the overall look and friction of the outdoor tile surface. You can go a little step further and get your floors seasonally treated to maintain a high fraction. 

Porcelain

If you have chosen anti-slip outdoor porcelain tiles​ for your outdoor space, you are in good hands, as they require minimal maintenance compared to other materials.

Natural Stones 

When it comes to natural stone, you need to get it in the field to regain its water absorption properties and get rid of the buildup of mass. This anti-slip treatment can be done on a yearly basis or a monthly basis, as per your desire. 

Wood

Within all materials, wooden decks require more attention and maintenance with a yearly renewal of anti-slip coating. If you are a homeowner with a big family of children and pets, then your priority should be maintaining your outdoor spaces to keep them looking fresh and safe.  

Final thoughts

All in all, many factors make a tile the perfect anti-slip outdoor tile option for your UK home, such as design and composition, along with the layout it is settled in. Among all outdoor flooring materials, anti-slip outdoor porcelain tiles ​or slabs are considered to be one of the safest and most practical options for the big homes of the UK. 

So if you are looking for some good quality non slip paving options or anti-slip outdoor tiles for your UK home, look no further than Pave Direct, as they have everything that you need to have a safe home.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to high slip resistance, what is the safest outdoor flooring option I can choose for my UK home?

One of the most preferred slip-resistant outdoor flooring options is porcelain paving or porcelain tile floors, as it comes with a porous surface, does not hold water and is easy to maintain for an extended period of time.

Do all of the outdoor tiles come with a slip rating?

Unfortunately, not all outdoor tiles come with the slip rating. You need to look for credible suppliers, such as Pave Direct, that have a vast catalogue with their R rating and PTV score. 

Can I make my already installed wood decking slip-resistant?

Yes, you can do so by incorporating groove boards and anti-slip coating; however, you will have to maintain them thoroughly over time to maintain their non-slip qualities.

How often should I clean my outdoor tiled space?

You can have a weekly maintenance routine consisting of light cleaning with a groom and rag, along with the deep seasonal clean.

Would the slip resistance of my tile floor be affected over time?

Yes, a lot of external factors can produce slip resistance on the surface. This can be a result of wear and tear, dirt, and mass accumulation, etc.