Slippery tiles are, by their very nature, dangerous. One slip can cause a minor injury or put you in hospital with a more serious, potentially life-changing injury. It is worth noting that nearly one in three older Australians has experienced a fall in the last year and that 70% of these falls happen at home.
Regardless of your age, if you have a slippery floor, it’s time to take a closer look at the floor and fix the slippery tiles.
1. Replace the floor
This may seem like a drastic solution, but, in the long term, it is more economical and is the safest option. Tiles are naturally smooth to help repel water, which means they are naturally slippery, and the polished surface compounds the issue. You can lift the tiles to expose the subfloor. This is likely to be concrete, allowing you to add your choice of epoxy floor coatings. This type of floor is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It’s a mixture of resin and hardener. In fact, once it has set it will be very difficult to damage it.
The floor also has a natural anti-slip additive that ensures good grip and dramatically reduces the likelihood of tripping while using it. Epoxy floor coatings are also waterproof, very easy to clean and maintain, and impervious to stains and grease. In short, it’s worth trying for peace of mind.
2. Use Mats
If you’re not ready to commit to a new floor then you can invest in non-slip mats. These can be placed in strategic positions across your slippery floor and will help to prevent you from slipping over. The mats usually have a heavy rubber backing to prevent them from sticking. Of course, they will need to be cleaned periodically. You should also note that they will affect the interior design of your home.
3. Floor Treatments
There is an array of compounds on the market that can be applied to slippery tiles to make them less slippery. You’ll need to visit your local store to choose your preferred type of floor treatment. It will then be important to follow the instructions on the container and apply the treatment to the floor. It will help.
4. Anti-slip Treads
In commercial applications, anti-slip treads are a practical solution. They adhere to the floor and give you grip as you walk. Of course, these are not generally the most attractive option in your home. However, they are a cost-effective and practical solution that may be the best option for you in the short term.
Final Thoughts
Making the floor non-slip is the most important criterion. The best way to do this is to replace the floor with one that is designed to be anti-slip, such as epoxy flooring. If this isn’t an option yet then you should use mats and treads until your budget allows the complete floor replacement. Not only will it help to ensure your floor looks great and reflects your personal style, but it will also last for years.
Also read: A Quick Guide To The Best Kinds of Bathroom Floor Tile
