Investing in This Type of Tiled Floor in Your Bathroom Could Future-Proof Your Home for 30 Years By Realtor.com

For many homeowners, aging-in-place design and safety upgrades are top of mind. If you’re one of them, it may be time to upgrade your bathroom floors with ceramic tile. 

Thanks to digital glazing and other technology advancements that increase slip resistance when wet, ceramic tiles pair durability, aesthetic appeal, and safety that can be difficult to find with other flooring options.  

If you’re looking for a unique yet effective way to future-proof your home, ceramic tiles are definitely worth exploring.

How new ceramic tile advancements have made bathrooms safer 

Older traditional ceramic tiles become dangerously slippery when wet. But according to a recent Forbes article, some ceramic tiles now have a magical power: They can increase grip when exposed to water, reducing the risk of slipping. So, how exactly does this work?

Slip-resistant ceramic tiles work due to their microscopic textures.

“The surface of these tiles has what I like to call 'valleys and peaks.' When wet, the valleys fill with water. As you step on these valleys, your shoe or foot embeds itself in these valleys and interacts with the water in a way that creates greater surface cohesion. As a result, slip-resistant tiles create more traction and reduce the risk of falls,” says Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel in St. Louis.

Older tiles intended for wet spaces typically lack a glaze or polish. According to Borcherding, tile manufacturers have leveraged the natural porosity of stone to create slip-resistance. These tiles pale in comparison to modern anti-slip technology that is specifically engineered for slip resistance.

Bathrooms, shower rooms, and curbless showers can all benefit most from newer ceramic tiles as they’re some of the most accident-prone areas of any house. In fact, research has found that 80% of all falls at home occur in the bathroom.

What is digital glazing—and why it matters

At its core, digital glazing helps make tiles safer. “All Over or “In/Out,” is a type of digital glazing process that transforms slabs of baked clay into finished tiles with a special silicate that allows for optimal slip resistance. 

The silicate boosts the surface tension of water on the tile, creating a suction phenomenon that raises coefficient of friction or COF, which is the system tile manufactures and others use to gauge slip resistance.

While these tiles remain smooth to the touch, they immediately reduce slip danger the moment they’re introduced to water.

“Smart ceramic tiles are ideal for bathrooms, but they’re also a smart option for spa-style wet spaces, barrier-free showers, and even steam rooms in luxury buildings. You get comfort and elegance at no sacrifice to safety,” explains Alan Dewberry, tile expert and owner of the Tile Factory Direct in Suwanee, GA.

How ceramic tile stacks up on cost and lifespan 

You may be surprised to learn that ceramic tile is actually more affordable than other flooring types.

“Ceramic tile is typically the least expensive option when compared to porcelain, vinyl, and other natural stones,” says Borcherding.

In terms of durability, ceramic tile can easily last longer than 50 years if properly installed and maintained. Also, it also doesn’t require much maintenance, whereas natural stone and porcelain do, for example.

The future-proof factor: why ceramic tile adds long-term value 

Ceramic tile offers a huge advantage for homebuyers and sellers alike.

“Ceramic has been and will continue to be a fantastic tile solution for homeowners. Not only is it incredibly durable and easy to care for, it also looks great,” says Borcherding.

Since it’s resistant to water, mold, and even fire, it’s an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens. As an added bonus, it can mimic other types of flooring like concrete and marble, taking any room to the next level and allowing for seamless transitions between rooms.

Put simply, ceramic tile is one of the only flooring products that offers the best of everything for everyone.

"Call Eli Torres at (832) 430-2107, for your home buying and selling needs."

Source: www.realtor.com