WOMAG – New In/Out Technology Tiles

Most homes are a hive of activity and rushing is inevitable. While slips and falls can occur anywhere, they most often happen at home. Subsequently, one of the highest-rated concerns amongst homeowners is how to proof their homes against slip-and-fall accidents.

More often than not, people believe that they should then install non-slip tiles in their homes. Another common misperception is that matt tiles, which are slightly textured, are slip-resistant. In both instances, this is not the case.

Maintenance and upkeep is another major concern amongst homeowners when it comes to their flooring choices. Matt tiles are easier to maintain, while non-slip tiles with their rougher texture make upkeep a much harder household chore.

The latest innovation in porcelain tiles – In/Out Technology Tiles – addresses both these concerns and is set to change the way homemakers decide on flooring options for their homes. These specially manufactured tiles have a matt finish when dry, immediately become non-slip when wet, but have the added benefit of hassle-free maintenance.

As the first to bring In/Out Tile Technology to South Africa, WOMAG offers some guidance on all you need to know about the tile of the future.

Not Any Tile Will Do. Know the Difference.

You may wonder whether In/Out Technology isn’t just another tile touting to be slip-resistant.

“Most definitely not,” says Oren Sachs, Managing Director of WOMAG. “What makes In/Out Technology Tiles a true game-changer is its manufacturing process. The newly developed glaze forms part of the actual structure of the tile. It’s not merely a surface coating add-on that can wear off over time.”

Sachs adds that when homeowners are concerned about their floors being slippery, they think that non-slip tiles are the only solution, or they’re led to believe that matt tiles offer another form of slip-resistance. “It’s time for us to dispel the myths of slip-resistant flooring.”

He explains that matt tiles are slightly textured and not completely smooth to the touch. Because of their finish, many people think that it will be slip-resistant when wet, but they aren’t. Although matt tiles are easy to clean and usually used in the bathroom or kitchen, it is important to remember that unless they are In/Out Technology Tiles, matt tiles cannot be considered slip-resistant and should not be used in functionally wet areas – areas where there is activity on excessively wet floors.

In contrast, non-slip tiles have a rough finish that provides a slip-resistant surface when wet or dry. As these tiles are rough, they are difficult to clean but are perfectly suited for use outside and around the pool. Despite popularly held beliefs, non-slip tiles are not needed in the kitchen or bathroom, and should ideally only be used in functionally wet areas like an area surrounding a swimming pool where people could be running or playing.

In comparison, In/Out Technology Tiles were developed to be matt when dry, but their unique manufacturing process turns them non-slip when wet.

“The result is a functional yet stylish tile which can be used throughout your home. It provides a chic look to the interior and exterior of your home with the added benefit of safety that a non-slip tile will provide, while also eliminating the hassle of cleaning that comes with roughly textured tiles,” Sachs concludes.

Four Reasons to opt for In/Out Technology Tiles:

Playing Safe:
Protect your family and pets from slipping. In/Out Technology Tiles are ideal not only for functionally wet areas but throughout your home, making every living area safe against slips. Kitchens, showers, pool areas and any wet area where children might play, or the elderly may be at risk of slipping. Create an effortlessly safe home.

Fuss-Free Floors:
In/Out Technology Tiles make choosing flooring for your home simple as you can use it everywhere, even around your pool. These low maintenance tiles only require the usual day-to-day cleaning with no special cleaning methods necessary, making it a great fuss-free option for the home.

Penny-wise Porcelain:
The price of tiles is not determined by their finish alone. Other factors such as size also come into play. In/Out Technology Tiles are extremely well-priced, especially when compared to other tiles in similar sizes without the innovation. In/Out Technology Tiles are hardworking and a cost-effective solution for both residential and commercial projects.

Functionally Stylish:
The range allows you to create a seamless look with the same finish and colour tone throughout your home. Whether it be for your indoor living spaces, bathrooms and walk-in shower areas; straight through to outside entertainment areas and swimming pool surrounds. The innovation and design of In/Out Technology Tiles make them both functional and stylish.

WOMAG Tile Tips

The team at WOMAG also offers the following tips when considering tiles for your next project:

• Don’t use matt tiles in functionally wet areas, especially large format ones. They become slippery when wet.
• Don’t use non-slip tiles indoors. They are difficult to clean and will make day-to-day maintenance and cleaning very difficult.
• Always ask questions and remember not all porcelain tiles are made for a floor application. Some are only made for walls because they are softer and not meant to handle foot traffic.
• Don’t skip a dry layout before installing your tiles, especially tiles with movement in their design. A dry layout should be done to evaluate how best the design will create a visually appealing flow. Porcelain tiles have limited faces so to avoid disappointment it is important to ensure you or your tiler does a dry layout first.

Safe, seamless, easy-to-clean and effortless in style. That’s In/Out Technology Tiles in a nutshell. WOMAG has a range exclusively available to them which includes beautiful wood-, stone- and marble-looks which marry gorgeous designs and practical functionality. The new and exclusive In/Out Technology Tiles are available in WOMAG showrooms nationwide or visit their website for more information.

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