Moisture-prone areas require floors that aren’t just durable, but also waterproof and slip resistant. Tile flooring is an excellent choice for wet areas.
Poor wet area design and construction can lead to damage in building structure, finishes and fixtures. With the right flooring, wet areas can be healthy, safe and comfortable.
Easy to Clean
Tile floors resist stains and mildew well, so they’re ideal for high-moisture areas. Unlike carpets, they don’t need specific cleaning products and are easy to sweep or mop. If a spill happens, clean it up right away with an absorbent cloth to prevent staining. Mildew and mold spots can be easily wiped away, and watermarks are also no problem for tile surfaces.
It’s a good idea to dry-clean (sweep or vacuum) your tile floor at least twice a week, and spot clean it once a week. This helps remove grit that can grind into your tiles and dull the finish over time. For best results, rinsing your mop or microfiber cloth in clean water after each use and wringing it out thoroughly is recommended. This ensures that you’re not continuing to mop your floors with dirty water and re-applying dirt. Using a floor sealant can also help keep your tiles protected and looking their best.
Water Resistant
One of the main reasons homeowners choose tile flooring is because it stands up to moisture very well. Unlike wood floors that warp or carpets that foster mold growth, tiles create a non-porous barrier against water and humidity.
Ceramic and porcelain tile, which are both made from fine clay fired at high temperatures, don’t allow any water penetration. They also offer a range of colors, designs, and sizes that can match any interior style. If you opt for textured tile, this will also provide a more secure footing in wet areas.
Other waterproof flooring options include luxury vinyl and concrete. However, these are not as effective at standing up to moisture as the above choices because they have a lot of seams where moisture can seep down. When properly sealed, though, these materials will keep their resistance to water and humidity for years to come. They can even resist the effects of UV rays, which can fade other types of flooring.
Slip Resistant
Unlike wood floors that may warp or carpets that foster mold growth, tile resists moisture. It’s one of the most popular flooring options for areas that are frequently exposed to water and humidity.
When wet, tiles are extremely slip resistant due to their glazed, non-porous surface. Many tiles also have a rough texture that provides extra grip even when wet. Additionally, some porcelain and ceramic tiles are available with a grit additive added to the surface that makes them even more slip-resistant.
The degree to which a floor is slip-resistant is typically rated by manufacturers using a standard Co-Efficient of Friction (COF). Look for the COF rating on your new tile floors before making your purchase. The higher the COF rating, the more slip resistant your tile will be. You can find COF ratings published by most tile manufacturers and retailers. Generally, textured and matte finishes have a higher COF than glossy tiles.
Durable
Tile flooring is highly durable, even in wet areas. With proper installation, it can withstand spills and other forms of moisture damage for decades. It’s also less prone to cracking and fading, making it more long-lasting than wood or carpet.
Most tile is fired in kilns at high temperatures, eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to a variety of health problems. It also won’t trap dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens like some other types of floors might.
There are many different kinds of tile flooring options, so you can get the perfect look for any space in your home. Ceramic tiles, for example, are highly water-resistant and come in a wide range of colors and styles to complement any decor. Textured and perforated tiles are ideal for wet areas as they provide more secure footing and allow water to drain quickly. You can also use natural stone tile to add a luxurious touch to your bathroom or living space.