Slip-Resistant Vinyl Flooring – What Is the ‘r Rating’?

When choosing vinyl flooring for your commercial space, it can be quite difficult to decipher which one will best suit your needs. With so many options on the market described in industrial terms such as R10, R11 and R12, it can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the various systems. In this blog post, we take you through the different types of slip-resistant vinyl flooring. �

But First, What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring can be best described as a synthetic flooring material which is made up of several different layers, which makes it highly durable. This is one of the main reasons why vinyl flooring is so popular within a commercial space, as it can withhold the high traffic that these spaces see on a daily basis. Additionally, vinyl flooring can be available in a slip-resistant format, making it a great option for a wide range of industries. If you’d like to find out more about vinyl flooring, check out our previous blog post where we discuss the different types of vinyl flooring and its additional benefits.�

Types of Slip-Resistant Vinyl Flooring

As suggested above, vinyl flooring can be available in a slip-resistant format, which is where the ‘’R Rating’’ comes into play. To keep things simple, the ‘’R Rating’’ basically means ‘’ramp test’’ and it is used to assess the slip resistance of vinyl flooring at numerous inclines. Everyday slip hazards such as water, oil etc are placed on the flooring being tested, where a person then walks backwards and forwards on the flooring. The angle of the flooring is then increased until the subject slips. The higher the number after the ‘R’, the more slip resistant it is.�

R10 Slip-Resistant Vinyl Flooring

While nearer the lower end of the scale, R10 slip resistant vinyl flooring is still a practical and safe option for your commercial space and will remain slip resistant at an incline of 10-19 degrees. R10 flooring is ideal for hallways, kitchens and bathrooms as they can withstand moderate resistance to spillages. Additionally, they are super easy to clean, simply mop with water whenever you notice dirt and scuffs.�

R11 Slip-Resistant Vinyl Flooring

R11 slip-resistant vinyl flooring has a higher slip resistance incline than R10, at 20-27. R11 can be used in rooms where water is constantly seen, such as public wet rooms and swimming pool changing rooms, as R11 vinyl flooring provides high friction. While R11 flooring requires a bit more scrubbing than R10, it is still easily maintained by a floor scrubber and water. With the correct care and maintenance, R11 slip resistant vinyl flooring will retain performance for many years to come.

R12 Slip- Resistant Vinyl Flooring

If you’re in the need of optimum slip resistance in your commercial space, R12 would be an excellent choice for you. It is still slip resistant on a 28 – 35 degree incline, and is perfect for areas which pose a high slip risk, especially on sloped flooring. The use of R11 vinyl flooring is found in many commercial spaces such as hospitals, shared kitchens and many more.�

FW Direct

Here at FW Direct, we stock R10, R11 and R12 slip resistant vinyl flooring, from a wide range of reputable suppliers. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, it’s sure to say we know a thing or two about commercial flooring! If you’re interested in installing slip resistant vinyl flooring, or simply want to know more about it, just give us a call on0333 3660119. Moreover, you can fill out our online enquiry form where a member of our team will be in contact shortly.