The Dangers of Wet Marble Floors

Slip-and-Fall

• The main danger of wet marble floors is slipping and/or falling. Because marble features such a smooth surface, when moisture is applied, the floor loses its grip, and individuals wearing non-grip shoes, or those who are barefoot, may slip and fall. While not every fall causes injuries, if the room features furniture or sharp corners, a fall may result in serious injury to the head or other body parts.

Drying the Floor

• If moisture is present on marble flooring, it is imperative the floor be dried as quickly as possible to reduce the likelihood of a slip-and-fall. To safely dry marble floors, gather a bath towel, or a roll of paper towels, and carefully walk toward the wet area. When you are within arm's distance of the wet spot, slowly drop to your knees and with the towel or paper towels blot the water away from the marble. Once most of the moisture is removed, use a dry towel to wipe the area completely dry. Make sure no one walks on the marble until the moisture is completely dry.

Prevention

• Preventing wet marble floors may be done by safeguarding the area from moisture. If there is a window near the floor, make sure the window does not leak during rainstorms, and is fully shut during such weather events. In bathrooms, place water-absorbing rugs at the entrance/exit of a shower, bathtub and in-front of sinks and toilets. In common areas of the home, place area rugs in-front of doorways that lead outdoors. This prevents a slip-and-fall due to wet shoes or feet.

Considerations

• While marble is a beautiful addition to any home or building, its placement should be deeply considered. In areas of a home where water is or may be present, such as kitchens, bathrooms or foyers, the use of marble flooring may not be the safest choice. If marble is used in one of these locations, safety precautions must be taken to prevent moisture from accumulating on the floors. This is especially important in commercial buildings, as a customer slip-and-fall could result in a safety lawsuit.