Many people love the look and versatility of porcelain tile floors. What many of them fail to realize prior to putting their new flooring down is that they can create a hazardous situation for anyone who walks on them if they have not been adequately treated with an anti-slip coating. The tiles are already smooth and slick. When they get water or other liquids or debris on them, they can become a real safety hazard.

For many home owners, getting their homes to look just right is the most important aspect of putting down the floor. If they take the next step and apply an Anti Slip coating after the tiles are installed, they can get the beautiful floor that they want without the risk to their family and friends that the slippery surface creates. Unlike the colour, textured coatings that are applied to some surfaces for a similar purpose, a clear coating will dry invisibly to leave the beautiful design of the porcelain tiles shining through.

After the expense of purchasing and installing the porcelain tiles, homeowners may prefer the option of a “do-it-yourself” project that will reduce their expense in comparison to having an anti-slip coating applied professionally. Fortunately, it is possible to buy the coating and the tools separately or in a kit and apply them easily yourself. Some of the benefits a coating will provide include:

•           Reduces the risk of slip and fall injuries

•           Easy to apply

•           Odourless

•           Not visible after drying

•           Durable coatings last as long as five years

•           Safe to apply when water-based applications are used

•           Little or no mixing

•           Creates an easy-to-clean surface

•           Easy maintenance, requires only cleaning after application

Falls are serious business, particularly for seniors, the most frequent victims of injuries from falling. Broken bones and other serious injuries can occur from a simple fall at floor level. The kitchen and bathroom are the most likely places for falls to occur since they are also more likely to have water or other types of spills in the floor. These are also the rooms of the home that are most likely to have porcelain tile flooring. It is essential that the flooring in these rooms have at least a single layer of anti-slip coating applied. In areas where there is a lot of traffic, two or more coats may be required.

These types of floors are not only a safety risk in the home, but in some businesses as well. Although porcelain tile may be chosen for a business for the same reasons that many homeowners do, it also offers easy cleanup that can’t be attained with carpeting or other flooring materials. More businesses are learning the importance of adding anti-slip coating to the floors where their customers walk as a means to prevent slip and fall accidents. The coating provides traction to pedestrians to prevent slipping even in areas where there is a lot of contact with water, such as the area around swimming pools. If you want to get the beauty and versatility from a porcelain tile floor in your home or business, applying a coating to prevent falls should be the final step in the installation process.