Floor slip ratings explained
Floor slip ratings are an important factor when choosing flooring for your home, especially if you share your space with pets. Slip resistance is an important factor, not just for humans but also for our four-legged companions. But how do you ensure a floor is truly safe? In this article, we’ll look at why R ratings fall short and why the pendulum test, using the TRL rubber slider, is the most reliable method for assessing slip resistance—particularly for dogs.
What are R ratings?
R ratings, also known as ramp ratings, are often used to indicate a floor’s slip resistance. These tests involve walking on a flooring sample at increasingly steep angles to measure how slippery it is. Floors are rated from R9 (the least slip-resistant) to R13 (the most slip-resistant).
However, R ratings have significant limitations:
- Dry conditions only: R ratings are typically tested in dry environments, so they don’t reflect real-world scenarios involving wet surfaces, spills, or damp paws.
- Human-specific focus: These tests are designed for human footwear, meaning they don’t account for bare feet or dog paw pads.
- Inconsistent results: R rating outcomes can vary depending on the testing conditions, angles, and methods used.
The pendulum test: A standard recognised by the HSE
The pendulum test is considered the gold standard for measuring slip resistance and is officially recognised by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). What makes this test so reliable is its ability to replicate real-life conditions, including wet surfaces.
Here’s how the test works:
- A pendulum arm swings a rubber slider across the flooring surface to measure friction.
- The TRL rubber slider is used, as it closely mimics the texture and grip of a dog’s paw pads, making it an accurate way to assess slip risk for pets.
- Testing is done on both wet and dry surfaces to evaluate performance in all conditions.
- The results are expressed as a Pendulum Test Value (PTV). A score of 36 or higher is considered a low slip risk in wet conditions.
Compared to R ratings, the pendulum test provides more reliable and consistent results, particularly for households with pets or areas where floors are likely to get wet.
Floor slip ratings of common flooring types
Not all flooring materials offer the same level of slip resistance. Below are typical PTV scores for popular flooring options:
- Laminate flooring: While cost-effective and stylish, laminate often performs poorly in wet conditions, with PTV scores below 20. This makes it a high-risk option for both pets and people.
- Hardwood flooring: Although attractive and natural, hardwoods generally achieve PTV scores of 25–30 in wet conditions, which is safer than laminate but still not ideal for pets.
Why PawSafe flooring is different
At Floors for Paws, we’ve developed flooring that’s designed with your entire household in mind—including your pets. Our PawSafe Domestic flooring achieves a wet PTV of 48, making it one of the safest options on the market.
Benefits for dogs:
- Better grip: A wet PTV of 48 reduces the risk of slips and falls, even during sudden movements or playful zoomies.
- Designed for paws: The TRL rubber slider ensures testing reflects how a dog’s paw interacts with the surface, providing optimal grip and safety.
- Perfect for all ages: From puppies to senior dogs with mobility challenges, PawSafe flooring supports their comfort and movement at every stage of life.
Why a high wet PTV matters for pets
Dogs rely entirely on their paw pads for traction. Unlike humans, they don’t have footwear to protect them or improve their grip. Flooring with a high wet PTV can reduce slip-related injuries, ease joint strain, and prevent the risk of skidding—ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety by choosing high floor slip ratings.
Choosing flooring with a high wet PTV means making your home safer not only for your pets but for the entire family. It gives your pets confidence to move freely, even on wet surfaces.
Conclusion
Slip resistance should be a key consideration when selecting flooring, especially if you have pets. While R ratings are commonly used, they don’t provide the accuracy needed to reflect real-life conditions. The pendulum test, conducted with the TRL rubber slider, offers the most reliable measure of slip resistance for both humans and pets.
PawSafe Domestic flooring is designed with your pet’s safety in mind. With a wet PTV of 48, it delivers superior grip and peace of mind for you and your furry friends.
Ready to make your home safer for everyone? Click here: Floors for Paws today to learn more!