When selecting tiles for a floor, considering their slip resistance is just as important as their design. The level of slip resistance needed depends on the area you're tiling; a wet room, for instance, requires a tile with a high anti-slip rating due to frequent water exposure. Anti-slip gradings come in two main formats: PTV rating and R rating.
What Is a PTV Rating?
The PTV (Pendulum Test Value) is the British Standard method for assessing a tile's slip resistance. This rating is determined using a pendulum device, which simulates the action of a shoe or a barefoot on the surface. It measures how slippery a surface is and provides a numerical score indicating its slip resistance. The PTV scale is as follows:
- 0-18: Low slip resistance
- 18-25: Moderate slip resistance
- 25-36: Good slip resistance
- 36+: Excellent slip resistance 🏆
For areas with high water exposure, such as wet rooms, a PTV rating of 36+ is recommended to ensure a reliably anti-slip surface.
What Is an R Rating?
The R rating, which stands for 'ramp test', is a European standard derived from the German Ramp Test. This method assesses slip resistance by measuring the angle at which a person begins to slip while walking on an inclined surface coated with oil. The R value indicates the degree of slip resistance and ranges from R9, which has a low level of resistance, up to R13, which provides the highest.
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R9 and R10 values are typically used for domestic areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
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R13 is often recommended by professionals for public wet areas, such as changing room showers and pool surrounds.
PTV vs. R Anti-Slip Ratings: The Difference
While both PTV and R ratings measure slip resistance, they differ in their testing conditions, measurement approach, and rating scales.
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Testing Conditions: PTV assesses performance in both dry and wet conditions, while the R rating primarily evaluates slip resistance under oily conditions.
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Measurement Approach: PTV uses a pendulum to simulate foot movement on a flat surface. The R rating involves a person walking on an inclined plane.
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Rating Scales: PTV provides a numerical value where higher numbers mean better resistance. The R rating categorises resistance into classes (R9 to R13) based on the angle of inclination at which slipping occurs.
