Once it’s dry, your deck will have a textured surface that will prevent it from getting slick. The INSL-X Sure Step is specifically meant for high-traffic areas like decks, porches, and stairs. And I’ll try to respond to any comments or questions in the comments box below as quickly as I can. Slippery deck surfaces are sometimes caused by algae growth on wood and other organic surfaces. This is more common if your decking is … My deck looked brand new and slipping was no longer a hazard! It couldn’t be simpler. If it dries completely, then the sand won’t have anything to stick to. Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint. Winter conditions, like snow and ice, also have the potential to damage decks. Pressure washing will remove any protective coating currently keeping your deck protected, so it’s important to replace it if you want your deck to retain maximum longevity. This includes dirt, pollen, leaves, and anything else that tends to build up on your deck. Just like any other type of tape, anti-slip tape comes in a roll. Before you or someone you love gets hurt, it’s a good idea to nip your slippery deck problems in the bud with one of the 11 solutions I’ve provided. Use a stiff broom, and remove debris before it gets wet, when possible. You simply paint them on like any other type of coating or paint. While this might look great, it’s not the best choice when it comes to providing traction and grip. With the advent of composite decking, being hailed by some as a better alternative to wood decking, has it addressed the issue of deckings being slippery? Once you move them, your deck is the same as it was before. This is best left for the major once or twice a year cleanings that will restore your deck to its former glory. However, unlike painting your deck or adding non-slip tape, the mats won’t change the look of your deck. The only problem with a waterproof deck coating is that it will need to be reapplied every few years or seasons to ensure that your deck is still waterproof. It should be a very simple process. This is easy to do. When weather conditions are perfect, your deck is an excellent place to relax outdoors and enjoy the sun and fresh air. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll need to wait for a clear, dry day to apply decking tape for best results, and you’ll need to remove any fungal growth and other debris before you apply it.Whichever you choose, anti slip decking tape and strips both create a safer, more grippable surface for you to walk on. From non-slip coatings and paints to effective methods to clean algae off a wood deck, one of these methods is sure to be your slippery decking cure. These are similar to the mats used in restaurants to provide the non-slip surface they need in the kitchen where things can get very slick and slippery. Audio Playback Not Supported. Share them with us on our Facebook and Twitter social channels and we’ll add them to this blog with a credit. Abrasive, non-slip decking strips are the more permanent solution, as they need to be screwed into the surface of your decking (this works best in decking with grooved boards, but check the dimensions and widths of all strips before you buy). Worst, this problem can equally affect natural wood and composite decking. Fortunately, composite decking is much more durable and easier to care for in the winter than traditional wood. Clean your Deck Annually This is perhaps the most important step in preventing a slippery deck surface. Is Trex decking slippery in winter? Because of this, you’ll want to remove the mats when not in use, which can be a bit of a hassle. Simply take whatever paint you plan to use and add sand at a ratio of 4:1 paint to sand. Cuprinol 2.5 Litre Garden Shades. It’s 80-grit, which will provide tons of grip and ensure that no one slips on your deck again. Protecting your Decking in the Slippery Winter Months Typically, over the winter months, temperatures are lower and a lack of sunlight allows algae to form on the surface of your decking. Just paint it on and let it dry. On the other hand, this is a permanent addition that won’t go anywhere and only takes a few minutes to install. Easier said than done, we know, but it’s so worth it. Traction on slippery surfaces is a plus and a huge safety factor but the sand grit will grind into the decking and . Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. These coatings are very easy to apply. Now you know how to stop decking being slippery in winter (and all year-round, too) you can step out with confidence, knowing you’re protected against any nasty slips and trips. One easy solution is to use rolled roofing or shingles on your steps to add plenty of traction and grip. Here at Arnold Laver, we stock a range of sturdy, high-quality anti-slip decking boards to help you create the ultimate non-slip decking that will last for years and years to come. You might have noticed that there’s a small gap between each of your decking boards. Or maybe buying it from a store seems too expensive. Arnold Laver Co Ltd , Registered in England. Allow it to sit for 20 or 30 minutes so that it can kill the algae and mold. The key factor in preventing slippery decking is to ensure that the deck surface is kept clean and surface deposits such as mildew, algae and fine mosses are kept at bay. Is Composite Decking Slippery in the Winter? Just take the mold and mildew killer and spray or mop it onto your deck surface. Make sure you thoroughly clean the deck and allow it to dry before you attempt to apply anti-slip tape. If you found this article helpful, please feel free to share it with others who might need help preventing their decks from becoming a slippery mess! Just as importantly, it sticks extremely well and won’t fall off in a few days like other tapes. First, is to prevent the deck from getting slick in the first place, which is what we’re going to discuss next. Anti-slip decking is made with pre-treated timber that is resistant to fungal growth and insect attacks, and features built-in abrasive strip inserts that blend in with an attractive, natural look. Second, you must get a very even application of sand. Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care. You can buy outdoor rubber grip matting as a quick and easy way to make decking non-slip. This will provide you with plenty of traction, even when your deck gets slick. This site uses cookies to provide and improve your shopping experience. For decks that are high off the ground, the work should be done by a professional. Western Red Cedar decks are loved for their unmatched beauty and many homeowners with wood decks are familiar with the regular maintenance needed to keep wood decks looking their best. It can dry up your deck, causing it to crack and split if the snow is heavy, then the cold water from the melted snow can cause the wood of your deck to shrink. This will seal in the first coat and provide some added durability, ensuring that none of your grippy sand gets removed when it’s walked on. Brush Away Fungus and Leaves The first port of call for stopping your decking from being (or becoming) slippery is to remove the most common substances that cause the surface to become slick. It’s got a five-year warranty that guarantees your deck will stay waterproof for at least five years between coats. I am thinking sand, but not sure if that will harm the paint that is on the stairs. How to Prevent a Deck From Getting Slippery, 1. To make your deck safe for walking again, you’ll need to remove that algae and mold. For many people, it’s not the entire deck that’s a problem. Arnold Laver Co Ltd , Registered in England. This works great for roads and driveways, but the salt can wreak havoc on your decking material and destroy it prematurely. First, mix one cup of the powdered laundry detergent with one quart of the oxygen bleach in two to three gallons of water. Now we’ve discussed ways to prevent your deck from becoming slippery. Remember, don’t use salt on your deck to melt the ice. Owatrol Decking Paint. While in the midst of brutal winter storms, your deck is probably not your first priority but still will need to be made passable and safe until the spring weather and warmer temperatures make it your favorite place once again. Ice forms underneath the snow, so if you remove the snow, it’s much more difficult for ice to form in the first place. 4.2 out of 5 stars 22 ratings. You can use a roller or brush and apply it to your deck the way you’d apply any other type of paint. This is best attempted by doing small sections at a time, about two feet by two feet. That’s a lot of bang for your buck! Thus, you'll want to use an ice melt for wood steps as well as your deck. The only problem with mats is that they can hold water against your decking material. In areas that experience snow and frigid temperatures, decks may be inaccessible. Dull, gray winter skies often don’t allow the moisture to dry properly; and that leads to algae forming and that’s the cause of most of the slippery conditions. And you can’t use salt to get rid of the ice because the salt will destroy your decking. But there are a few caveats to this. Note: if you have composite decking, grit salt is safe to use. On the one hand, this can damage the wood beneath by making screw holes in each piece of decking. Any kind of winter precipitation can play havoc with a wood deck, especially if you have any steps or a ramp as part of the structure. flakesmeangreen: What’s the safest ice control to use on wooden decks? Harder pressures than this can damage the wood or composite material that your deck is covered with. Like the idea of non-slip paint, but prefer a DIY approach? As a result the decking can become slippery. Avoid using metal implements or anything sharp to scrape away the debris, as this can scratch and damage your timber further, which can lead to rotting. To apply non-slip paint to your deck, you’ll first need to wash your deck thoroughly and allow it to dry so that the paint has a clean surface to stick to. Ask Your Own Home Improvement Question. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to regularly sweep all of the leaves and debris and remove them from your deck! In winter, decks made of lumber are more likely than their composite counterparts to be slippery. If you’ve been struggling with a slippery deck, trying to figure out how to make decking non slip, then I’ve got some excellent slippery deck solutions for you. Treat your slippery deck before Icy weather. Another quick and easy way to make decking non slip is to use specially-made abrasive strips or non-slip decking tape. A power washer will easily remove anything that’s sticking to your deck and making it slick, including the dirt, debris, leaves, and even the mold, algae, and mildew. Now we know exactly why the deck gets so slick. This can cause them to prematurely age and rot. It’s also an inexpensive solution that does a lot of the work for you. Not everyone is up for the DIY approach of my first suggestion, so instead, you can opt for the store-bought solution that kills algae, mildew, and mold. Slippery Deck? Once mixed, simply paint it onto your deck like you would apply any other paint. A thorough cleaning each year, ideally with a pressure washer, will allow the natural wood grain (or simulated wood grain on composite decks) to provide extra traction and slip-resistance. My wooden deck gets very slippery in the winter with water or ice and I would like to know what I could do to make the deck safer. When pressure washing your deck, make sure to use no more than 1,300 PSi. Slips and falls can be expensive! Sweep the deck with a stiff-bristled yard brush. All of that moisture can freeze and create an icy layer on top of your deck that’s just asking for an accident to happen. The next step to eliminating the moisture that allows algae and moss to grow on your deck is to ensure that your deck is draining properly. I like the Envelor Home and Garden Anti-Fatigue Commercial Rubber Mats. Either way, it’s an issue that needs solving. Clean your Deck Annually This is perhaps the most important step in preventing a slippery deck surface. Before we start discussing solutions to your slippery deck problems, it’s important to understand why your deck is slippery in the first place. Installing a specially-designed anti-slip deck will eliminate the need for all of the above preventative measures. Before winter hits, apply a coat of paint and traction grit on slippery wood steps. You don’t have to run out during a snowstorm and shovel it off as it lands, but head out the next morning and remove the snow from the deck. One great way to do this is by making your own algae-killing solution at home. If you’d prefer a cheaper alternative that you can make at home, then you might try creating your own non-slip paint with some play sand. To protect your decking and ensure it doesn’t get more damage from the elements, you’ll want to seal your deck once you’re finished removing the algae. Pressure washing your decking, the use of wood cleaners, gritted paint or tape offer only a short-term solution to the problem, and need to be repeated at regular intervals. Whenever the dirt and debris build up on your deck, these drainage spaces can fill up, preventing the water from draining properly. If your deck is slick and slippery, you probably already have algae, mold, and/or mildew building up. Plus, it’s still extremely easy to apply. One of my favorite mold, mildew, algae, and moss removers, is the Wet&Forget solution. Painting your wooden deck with anti-slip coating will prevent water from penetrating into the wood and makes your cleaning more comfortable in the winter season. Third, you’ll need to do this in small sections. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Apply hot water and a weak bleach solution or household products that remove slime and mould. Best decking paint: enjoy freshly coloured decking with all the benefits of a non-slip coating. Once finished, allow it plenty of time to dry completely. We’ve also added a bonus option at the end for long-term slippery deck prevention. Pressure washing can actually damage your deck if done too much. Often the stairs leading up to a deck provide an emergency entrance and exit to the … Winter weather is typically wet, and wet timber is a breeding ground for slippery algae and fungus growth. What is the best anti slip decking paint? Just stick two screws in each one and you’re done! Regularly sweeping your deck to avoid the buildup of debris and dirt is a great idea, but it’s not going to keep your deck surface completely clean. Once you apply the stain or sealer, you can’t walk on it until it’s dry. You can even add detergent or other cleaning solutions to your pressure washer to get even more out of it. As there is a saying Prevention is better than Cure, treat the deck of your house even before its damaged. They’ll grow in the wetness, creating a slick layer of growth on your decking material. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. Wood and composite decking will react differently to deicing than the property’s concrete or stone sidewalks. But what should you do if your deck is already a slick hazard that’s waiting to make someone fall? Don’t worry, I’ve got 11 solutions for you that will help to fix your slippery decking problems today. After you apply it, allow ample time for it to dry. The metal tools can damage and open up weak points in your decking, while the harsh chemicals in grit salt can also corrode your timber and metal hardware if left to sit for days. It will do the same job with a similar level of effectiveness. And what about that bonus long-term option we promised … ? Painting or staining your deck can be a lot of work and it can completely change the looks of your deck. Mold, mildew, moss, pollen or algae growing on a wooden deck in the shade or in a moist climate can become slippery, posing a special risk to elderly homeowners or guests. If this sounds like you and you don’t want to wait 30 minutes for the solution to take effect or you don’t want to sweep the algae off the deck with a broom, then you might try a power washer instead. So, let’s get started: The first port of call for stopping your decking from being (or becoming) slippery is to remove the most common substances that cause the surface to become slick. This is an especially good option for those with existing decking that’s on its last legs, or those looking to install a brand new deck from scratch. No deck is safe from the perils of moisture and ice. There are several reasons why your deck could be getting so slick, and they can even work with each other to compound your issue and make your deck even slicker. To prevent this, simply clear out the spaces between decking boards to ensure they can drain properly. Finally, you’ll need to re-seal your deck after pressure washing to avoid it being damaged by exposure to the elements. As the algae and mold grow, they create even more moisture, which can help grow more algae, or it can turn into ice. Slippery decking can pose a serious safety risk, particularly in winter when you add sub-zero temperatures, ice and snow to the already-wet conditions. After the second coat dries, you’re all done! It is these deposits that cause slipperiness in wet weather on any outdoor surface; even stone flags. You can use a brush, roller, or even a sprayer. All you have to do is nail the shingles or rolled roofing onto your steps, the same as they’d be installed on a roof. Assuming the enamel paint with a grit additive will adhere to your particular Trex product, that’s a reasonable for a first-generation Trex deck where nearly the entire surface is slippery. They’re super durable and can withstand any weather conditions. There are some composite decking products that are designed to reduce slipping. This will prevent the water from every accumulating and do wonders to curb your slippery deck problems. Some decks can be slippery even when they’re not wet. My wife recently slipped and injured her back so I want to ensure this doesn't happen again. More importantly, they’re made to help prevent slips and falls, so they’ll provide plenty of traction. Whether your deck... 【Get Price】 ### Reduce Slip, Trip & Falls on and Synthetic Wood Decks. By performing certain regular maintenance to your deck, you can greatly reduce or even eliminate the chances of your deck getting slippery this year. Then, using a mop or a sprayer, coat the entire deck in your solution. Maybe you like the idea of making your own non-slip paint with sand, but you don’t want to paint your deck. However, I wouldn’t recommend jumping to this solution first all the time. 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