Here is a question we get asked a lot. After all it’s shiny and smooth, it should be slippery right? But what do the facts say? What are the minimum standards, does it meet them?

First let us consider the standards. Flooring slip resistance is measured by Coefficient of Friction. We will be looking at the DCOF or Dynamic Coefficient of Friction, this is the measurement of friction when one is already in motion. This is generally the standard looked at by architects and designers when specifying floors. The standard for this measurement is 0.42 for commercial areas.

So how does Polished Concrete score? An independent study done by the Tile Council Of North America shows that not only does it meet the threshold it well exceeds it. This study averaged numbers between 0.49 and 0.58. With some numbers reaching as high as 0.61. Another study commissioned by the Concrete Polishing Association Of American done at Clemson University showed similar results across all different aggregate exposure and gloss levels. In fact most all DCOF test done on polished concrete exceed 0.50, this is well above what is considered to be a high traction floor,

So in conclusion not only is polished concrete a more cost effective flooring it also counts towards preventing slip and falls.

If you are interested in installing Polished Concrete anywhere in the Maritimes give us a call today for a free quote. 506-962-2522

Author: Wes Hoover Sources: Tile Council Of North America Inc., CPAA/ASCC