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How Sealers, Treatments and Cleaning Products Can Alter the Dynamic of Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) of Floor Tile

EFFECT OF SEALERS/TREATMENTS ON DCOF FOR TILE WALKING SURFACES (FLOORS) Tile is one of the most durable, timeless and functional surface materials that can be installed. It is used for both floor and wall applications in both commercial and residential applications and often used for wet areas such as showers, pool decks, etc. Its aesthetic options are highly varied as well including both glazed and unglazed formats. Given the diversity of use, function and appearance, not all tiles are created equal nor designed for all applications. This letter is designed specifically to address those tiles used on floor installations. While glazed porcelain tile requires no sealer/treatment, some manufacturers are applying nano sealers or topical waxes/sealers at the factory prior to shipment for some polished and even some unpolished porcelain (through-body) tile. Other manufacturers are recommending that a penetrating/impregnator sealer be applied to these tiles prior to or after installation. This is done or recommended for several reasons based on the manufacturer and tile (series) they produce:

• Protective treatment for shipment/transportation • Act as grout release prior to grouting; especially where a contrasting grout color will be used • Seal the tile from various contaminants such as coffee, oils, food, etc.

While some of these are meant to be removed after installation, others are meant for more long term use and benefit. Topical waxes/treatments will certainly alter the natural slip resistance of the tile while most penetrating/impregnator sealers will not, as by their nature, they are absorbed into the existing porosity of particular tile and any excess is wiped/buffed off per manufacturer’s directions.

The manufacturer of the treatment could be asked to provide the DCOF test results with any applied or recommended sealers, waxes or treatments to the requesting party. Refer to ANSI A326.3 for more information.

Some of the concerns when applying a Sealer/Treatment to floor tile are: • May show wear patterns (if topical or a surface sealer/finish is used) • May alter the DCOF (if topical or a surface sealer/finish is used) • May peel off over time if tile is non-porous and sealer does not penetrate tile (if topical or a surface sealer/finish is used) • Could attract dirt since sealer will be sitting on top (if topical or a surface sealer/finish is used and or if a penetrating/impregnator sealer is misapplied) Care should be taken when applying a treatment of any kind to the manufactured tile you are using. With the exception of polished porcelain, where in almost every case the tile manufacturer would require sealing prior to grouting, the above mentioned problems could result. It is important to consult the manufacturer of the surface sealer/treatment product you are using to: a) Make sure it is designed for the type of tile you are using. b) Thoroughly clean the tile surface of any contaminants prior to application of any surface treatment products. c) Following manufacturer’s instructions for application is critical as improper application of certain products that otherwise would not affect DCOF may adversely change the natural slip resistance. EFFECTS ON WARRANTY Tile manufacturers offer a warranty that the tile is free of manufacturing defects in accordance with recognized standards (ISO or ANSI). While applying any kind of treatment to the tile most likely will not void the tile manufacturer’s warranty for physical characteristics like breaking strength or dimensional characteristics, altering the surface will change the dialogue with the tile manufacturer in respect to cleaning, maintenance, stain resistance, gloss, and other surface characteristics that would be altered by a surface treatment. Most importantly, the DCOF of the tile as reported by the tile manufacturer will no longer be applicable.

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

Chapter 1 | Pre- and Post-Installation Considerations

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