Co-Efficiency Standards for Ceramic Tile

Slip Resistance

• Slip resistance on flooring or other surfaces simply means that individuals may walk on it with little danger of slipping. The co-efficient of ceramic tile refers to slip resistance, dealing with the common measurement unit of the co-efficient of friction. This measurement is done either at rest, or static, or in motion, or dynamic. According to the United States Access Board, regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, "The static coefficients of friction measured according to the four major ASTM-standard testing procedures have never been correlated by research, although a considerable body of data exists." The ASTM was formerly called the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Necessary Slippage

• A certain amount of slippage is needed for walking. Those with certain gait restrictions, who drag their feet somewhat when walking, actually require additional amounts of slippage on a surface. Very high co-efficients of friction on a surface might prove a drawback for people with disabilities trying to navigate it.

ADA Recommendations

• Under the ADA, recommended co-efficient of friction of 0.6 or more for walking surfaces, including ceramic tile whether indoors or out. For those in wheelchairs using ramps, the recommended co-efficient of friction is 0.8. While cities may include these co-efficients in local building codes to comply with ADA regulations regarding accessibility, no actual law specifies the co-efficient of friction for ceramic tile or other types of flooring.

ASTM Determinations

• Ceramic tile manufacturers adhere to the ASTM C1028 - 07e1 testing method for determination of co-efficient of friction for their product. The ASTM notes that several factors affect slip resistance, including the degree of shoe wear; stride length; spillage, such as water, dirt or oil on the surface; tile finish; and a person's mental and physical condition. It states that its testing methods are viable for ceramic tile testing in the laboratory, but may not determine slip resistance in actual conditions in the field. It determines the co-efficient of frictions under dry and wet conditions of the ceramic tile.