Questions for your Tiler
As a trusted distributor of high-quality porcelain and ceramic tiles, we’ve compiled answers to the questions we frequently receive from clients, along with essential enquiries to discuss with your professional tiler.
Whether you’re curious about selecting the right tile for your space, understanding maintenance needs, or ensuring a smooth installation process, our goal is to provide you with comprehensive information.
This section also highlights key questions you should ask a tiler before hiring, ensuring you make informed decisions and achieve flawless results in your project
Time served tilers will always have completed a 4 year apprenticeship. If they have only completed a 6 week college course recently, this doesn't mean they are not qualified however you need to double check they have the skillset to complete your job!
There are a few differences between commercial and residential jobs and the finish you can be left with. If a tiler usually completes commercial jobs, just make sure to show them your space first and if they are happy to complete the job and give you the finish you desire
If you are wanting large format tiles in your space, these typically require a tiler with knowledge of the product/format and the skillset to complete the job. They also may require more equipment and if necessary, more tradesmen to complete the job - especially if they are our large format slabs. Always inform your tiler of the size of tiles you are wanting to go for to make sure they have everything necessary to complete the job.
To keep the integrity of the tiles and to ensure correct and long lasting fitment, we recommend your tiler uses a 'back butter' technique. This means spreading adhesive on the wall with a trowel, and also spreading a thin, flat, layer on the back of the tile. Having at least 95% surface covered ensures long lasting adhesion. Adhesive should NEVER be dot and dabbed on a tile or wall.
Does your tiler have a prep plan for the walls? If it is an old property, does it require any plastering? If the tiler removes the existing tiles, is there a possibility of hidden costs for preparation for tiling or it is all included in the initial quote?
2018 Legislation brought in calls for every new wet area (bathroom, shower room) to be fully waterproofed and tanked prior to fitting tiles. If it is not done, this could affect your insurance!
You can see the full guidance and requirements of the standard here: BS 5385-1:208 - Wall and Floor Tiling
Questions about Slip Resistence
When buying tiles for your home, safety is just as important as aesthetics. One crucial aspect of tile safety is slip resistance, especially in areas prone to getting wet, like bathrooms and kitchens. The Pendulum Slip Test is a standard method used to measure how slippery a tile is, helping consumers make informed decisions. Here’s a simple guide to understanding this test and what it means for you.
What is the Pendulum Slip Test?
The Pendulum Slip Test is a widely recognized method for assessing the slip resistance of flooring materials, including tiles. It’s named after the pendulum device used in the test, which mimics the action of a foot slipping on a surface. The test measures the friction between the tile and the pendulum’s rubber slider, providing a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) that indicates the tile’s slip resistance.
How Does the Test Work?
The test involves swinging a pendulum across the tile’s surface. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Zeroing the Machine: Before starting, the machine is calibrated to ensure accurate readings.
- Swinging the Pendulum: The pendulum is swung across the tile three times initially, and then five more times. The average of the last five swings is taken as the PTV.
- Testing in Different Directions: The test is repeated with the tile positioned in different directions to account for varying slip risks.
- Wet and Dry Conditions: The test is conducted on both dry and wet tiles to simulate real-world conditions. The machine is recalibrated each time to maintain accuracy.
What Do the Results Mean?
The PTV is a numerical value that indicates the level of slip resistance. Here’s a simple breakdown of what the numbers mean:
- 0-24: High slip risk
- 25-35: Moderate slip risk
- 36+: Low slip risk
For most home environments, a PTV of 36 or higher is recommended, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. This ensures a lower risk of slipping and provides peace of mind for you and your family.
Why is the Pendulum Slip Test Important for Consumers?
- Safety First: Knowing the slip resistance of a tile helps you choose safer options for your home, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Informed Decisions: The PTV provides a clear, standardized measure of slip resistance, making it easier to compare different tiles.
- Compliance with Standards: Many building regulations and safety standards require a minimum level of slip resistance, especially in public and commercial spaces. While these may not always apply to private homes, adhering to them can enhance safety.
Practical Tips for Choosing Tiles
- Check the PTV: Always look for the PTV when shopping for tiles. Aim for a PTV of 36 or higher for wet areas.
- Consider the Environment: Think about where the tiles will be used. High-traffic areas and places prone to spills need higher slip resistance.
- Ask for Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask tile suppliers or professionals about the slip resistance of their products. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
Summary
The Pendulum Slip Test is a valuable tool for ensuring the safety of your home’s flooring. By understanding the test and its results, you can make informed choices that enhance both the safety and beauty of your living spaces. When buying tiles, always consider the PTV and choose options that provide the best slip resistance for your needs. Happy tiling!
When selecting tiles for your home, safety is a key consideration, especially in areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. One important measure of tile safety is the R rating, which indicates the slip resistance of a tile. Here’s a straightforward guide to understanding R ratings and what they mean for you as a consumer.
What Are R Ratings?
R ratings are a standardized measure of a tile's slip resistance, determined through the Oil-wet Ramp Test. The test involves a person walking on a tile surface coated with oil while the incline of the ramp is gradually increased. The angle at which the person starts to slip is recorded, and this angle determines the R rating of the tile.
The R Rating Scale
The R rating scale ranges from R9 to R13, with higher numbers indicating greater slip resistance. Here’s a breakdown of what each rating means:
R9: Suitable for dry areas with minimal slip risk. These tiles are generally used in living rooms and bedrooms.
R10: Offers moderate slip resistance, suitable for areas that may occasionally get wet, such as hallways and kitchens.
R11: Provides good slip resistance, making these tiles ideal for bathrooms and other areas that frequently get wet.
R12: High slip resistance, suitable for commercial kitchens, laundry rooms, and other areas with significant water exposure.
R13: The highest slip resistance, perfect for very wet environments like public showers, swimming pools, and industrial areas.
Why Are R Ratings Important?
Safety: Knowing the R rating helps you choose tiles that reduce the risk of slipping, ensuring a safer environment for you and your family.
Informed Choices: The R rating provides a clear, standardized measure of slip resistance, making it easier to compare different tiles and select the best option for your needs.
Compliance: Many building regulations and safety standards require specific levels of slip resistance, especially in public and commercial spaces. While these may not always apply to private homes, adhering to them can enhance safety.
Practical Tips for Choosing Tiles
Check the R Rating: Always look for the R rating when shopping for tiles. For wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, aim for an R rating of R11 or higher.
Consider the Environment: Think about where the tiles will be used. High-traffic areas and places prone to spills need higher slip resistance.
Ask for Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask tile suppliers or professionals about the slip resistance of their products. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
Conclusion
Understanding R ratings is essential for making safe and informed choices when buying tiles for your home. By considering the R rating, you can ensure that each room in your home is both functional and safe. Whether it’s the moderate slip resistance of R10 tiles for your kitchen or the high slip resistance of R13 tiles for your shower, the right choice can make all the difference.
By following these guidelines, you can create a safer and more beautiful home. Happy tiling! 😊
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask our friendly team!
