SERENISSIMA TILE I ROVERI ROVERE NATURALE R11 RECTIFIED 20X120
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In the construction industry there is a whole encyclopaedia of very specific terms and laws to follow, especially when it comes to flooring. Among the most searched terms are Non-Slip Floor, Anti Slip Tiles, R11, which identify a certain type of tiles that are gaining more and more interest.
Usually, this type of tile is used for outdoor floors because they provide a better grip.
When it comes to choosing the right non-slip tiles, one of the first features to learn to read is the abbreviation that the tile generally has, which indicates the degree of friction and slipperiness of the floor. In most cases you will encounter the letter R followed by a number ranging from 9 to 13.
First of all, what does the letter R mean?
The letter R indicates the slipperiness coefficient depending on the space and the specific requirements of the use. The number next to it indicates the increasing degree of grip.
Please pay attention: this letter is not always indicated because Italian legislation does not provide for it. In fact, this classification method has been established as per German law, which envisages a slightly different procedure for testing tiles compared to that in Italy, which involves a simulation on the surface under examination, according to the BCRA method, an acronym for British Ceramic Research Association.
The BCRA method (or Tortus method, from the name of the first English machine used for this type of test) involves examining the interaction between the portion of floor under examination and a machine with a sliding element that must simulate a shoe. However, this method is quite poor from a realistic point of view, because it involves an initial part of the test with a "clean floor", without being contaminated by external agents.
As far as legislation in Germany is concerned (DIN 51130), the test is carried out on a floor which has been laid and sprinkled with slippery substances, such as oil or grease, and physically walked on by a person. The more resistance the person exerts, the higher the coefficient of friction (and thus the number next to the letter R). The higher the coefficient of friction, easiness of cleaning is established: the rougher it is, the more difficult it is to clean.
Specifically then, what is meant by an R11 tile? It means a type of tile with high adhesion and a slope of 19° to 27°.
According to Italian law, R11 tiles are suitable for both commercial and private environments.
As far as commercial environments are concerned, it is intended for use in food production, medium-sized kitchens for catering, workplaces where water and slippery dirt are heavily present and laboratories.
As far as private environments are concerned, R11 tiles are suitable for outdoor areas such as pavements and driveways. They must therefore be produced from materials that are waterproof and more resistant to weather, frost and extreme heat.
Materials such as stone, concrete and rough-textured porcelain stoneware, which has been a big trend in recent years because of its elegant appearance and easy maintenance, are particularly suitable.
Before laying the tiles, however, it is a good idea to carefully examine the ground for any unevenness or anomalies on which the non-slip tiles are to be laid.
The ideal thickness of the tiles, especially porcelain stoneware tiles, should be between 10 mm and 20 mm, to guarantee greater resistance to external agents, and small tiles should be preferred: larger slabs may not adhere well to the ground.
This brings us to the end of this brief guide to choosing the anti slip tiles which are best suited to the outdoor areas of your home.
