Before designing the decoration of a work, thinking about the safety of the family is essential. Thus, choosing a non-slip floor is essential, especially in large areas. But before purchasing a model, it is important to know tips and its specifications. For this, the architect Francine Libardi, from Studio Nonawill provide information necessary to ensure safety and to help you maintain the desired aesthetic in your project.
What is non-slip flooring?
A non-slip floor is one that offers better grip when walking, whether barefoot or with shoes on. Libardi complements, saying that “it is a coating that has a finish with a higher coefficient of friction, that is, it has a rougher surface. This material is used for environments that require greater slip resistance”. And for each type of space there is a floor with a specific coefficient according to ABNT standards.
ABNT standard for non-slip flooring:
- Coefficient less than 0.4: suitable for installations in dry areas;
- Coefficient 0.4 to 0.7: recommended for places that need slip resistance, such as ramps, steps, bathrooms and swimming pools;
- Coefficient 0.7: used in places where there is a risk of slipping, such as outdoor uphill and sloping areas.
The information provided by the professional is part of NBR 13.818, technical standards responsible for the standardization of certain products, approved by ABNT. So, don’t forget to consider these terms when thinking about your project.
What are the types of non-slip flooring?
The different types of coefficient floors can meet the necessary safety measures and also guarantee a very personalized look. “Each material has a specialty and, because of that, it is important to evaluate the environment where the floor will be installed, the project premise and the client’s budget”, explains the architect. Check out some suggestions for floors recommended by the architect:
- Indoor environments (dry areas): “Porcelain floors with a polished, satin and natural finish are the most suitable for this type of environment. Another option is vinyl floors – which can be applied directly to the subfloor – and laminates, which are wood-based, widely used in intimate areas”, guarantees the professional;
- Indoor environments (damp or wet areas): for the architect, wet areas must be treated with special attention, since it is an environment with a higher risk of falls and slips: “we need to be aware of the roughness of the material, such as floors with a higher coefficient. There are several sizes and finishes available on the market, offering greater customization to the project, such as more porous porcelain tiles, hydraulic tiles and burnt cement”;
- Outdoors: for balconies, garages, backyards and swimming pools, the professional indicates the materials that are most popular: natural stones, rough granites, porcelain tiles with a higher coefficient of friction and waterproof floors. The latter deserves special attention, as “impermeable floors are made with a junction of several pebbles, guaranteeing the percolation of water in their voids. The aesthetics are interesting and the result for the outdoor area is incredible.”
When choosing a floor for very wet areas, it is necessary to remember that the material will not guarantee waterproofing by itself: “a dry joint floor (rectified) and the application of acrylic grout guarantee an extra barrier of protection against infiltration”, concludes the architect.
5 tips for choosing non-slip flooring
When defining which type of non-slip flooring will be included in your project, make sure that the step by step indicated by Libardi is followed:
- Evaluate the friction coefficient of the material you want to choose;
- Consider the flooring composition to understand the durability of the chosen model;
- Consider the floor finish, to ensure a pleasant aesthetic that matches the style chosen for the environment;
- Understand the context of the project and what composition it will make with the surroundings, as this step will also meet the planned aesthetics;
- Respect your budget, whether on a project signed by an architect or a choice made independently.
When choosing the material in the store, pay attention to all the information offered on the label of each product. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask an attendant for help, ok?
Is it possible to turn ordinary flooring into non-slip flooring?
According to Libardi, it is important to understand its properties in order to change the original characteristics of a floor, so as not to compromise its durability: “it is not possible to change the characteristics of a porcelain tile with a polished, satin or natural finish, as they came from the factory”. She adds that “it is even possible to transform a polished granite through a sanding process. This will make it rougher, lessening the risk of slipping, but only a professional can do that.”
Since this is a transformation that must promptly meet safety standards, Libardi recommends that this type of civil intervention be carried out by a qualified professional: “the replacement of a common floor with one with a higher coefficient can be done quickly, if considered floor on floor”, he recommends. Even if burnt cement or vinyl is applied on the already installed floor, it is necessary to apply a specific preparation for each type of environment.
Questions about non-slip flooring
As it is a material with precise technical specifications, the choice of a non-slip floor can generate common doubts, especially in relation to day-to-day maintenance. Francine Libardi answers the most frequently asked questions about the product. Read:
Tua Casa – What is the best non-slip flooring?
Francine Libardi: The best non-slip flooring is the one that, in addition to meeting the technical requirements, delivers the desired aesthetic function, whether neutral, woody or pigmented.
What is the average price of a non-slip floor?
The market value varies greatly depending on the brand, size and model. But it is possible to consider an average for a non-slip porcelain floor of R$170 per m².
What products and techniques are needed to perform floor cleaning?
Porcelain tile cleaning should be carried out according to the indication of each manufacturer, ranging from the application of neutral detergent with a damp cloth to specific products for porous surfaces rubbed with a broom.
Is it possible to install a non-slip floor over another floor already installed in the environment?
Yes, but only if the floor is in good condition. What should be considered is the use of specific mortar for this execution. And of course, count on a good professional for the application.
Can you wash the non-slip floor?
If the material is a porcelain tile, we can, yes, make use of water, as this material offers resistance.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation or maintenance to maintain the non-slip floor’s durability. This way you will guarantee an intact material for a lifetime.
Videos about non-slip flooring
What is the best flooring for outdoor areas? How to turn smooth flooring into non-slip flooring? Is there some sort of feature to include on smooth floors so they stop slipping? All these doubts will be answered in the selection of videos below, just press play:
Types of external non-slip flooring
Find out which non-slip floors are suitable for installing outdoors, especially the best models to be exposed to the weather. See its main advantages and the appearance of each of them.
Non-slip floors x transforming smooth flooring into non-slip floors
In this video you will learn about the main models of non-slip flooring for all residential areas, and as a bonus, the architect offers tips on how to transform the already installed floor into non-slip.
How to make your floor non-slip
With just one liquid product, the vlogger shows step-by-step how to turn a smooth outdoor floor into a non-slip one. The result is surprising. But always remember to consult a professional before doing the procedure.
Whether it’s a porcelain tile for a pool or a hydraulic tile for the kitchen, the perfect non-slip flooring is one that keeps the whole family safe, without having to change the desired aesthetic of the house. Therefore, look for the ideal material with care and without haste so that your project has 100% use and satisfaction.
