Then, using the spreader, evenly apply the sand to the stained area and move on to the next section. 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. My deck looked brand new and slipping was no longer a hazard! Preventing & Treating a Slippery Deck | Decks.com. If even dirt, water, and algae start to build up, the texture will give you grip and prevent your deck from becoming so slippery. Don’t worry, I’ve got 11 solutions for you that will help to fix your slippery decking problems today. Painting or staining your deck can be a lot of work and it can completely change the looks of your deck. Simply lay yourself a narrow walkway using the mats, which are designed to withstand all weather conditions, and then store them away for next year once the weather dries up again in the spring. They also fill the grains of your decking that are supposed to provide traction. While non-slip paints and varnishes work well in the short term, they tend to start flaking off before long. These gaps are meant to allow for expansion and contraction of the boards, but they’re also meant to allow water and moisture to drain out, so they don’t sit on your deck and allow anything to grow. 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. A slippery deck can be a real liability. Once you apply the stain or sealer, you can’t walk on it until it’s dry. To create your mold killer, you’ll need powdered laundry detergent (the kind that’s free of ammonia), oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach), and water. Treat your slippery deck before Icy weather. Limit the power washing and thorough cleaning to once or twice each year to avoid prematurely wearing out your 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. Once you’ve brushed it off, take a hose and do a final rinse to ensure that you’ve removed everything. Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint. And I’ll try to respond to any comments or questions in the comments box below as quickly as I can. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. They’re super durable and can withstand any weather conditions. To prevent this, simply clear out the spaces between decking boards to ensure they can drain properly. Anti-slip inserts can fit over your deck boards and stick into the cracks between boards to hold them down. It’s got a five-year warranty that guarantees your deck will stay waterproof for at least five years between coats. Unfortunately, composite or conglomerate decking usually leads to slippery surfaces, especially when How to Prevent Slippery Wood Deck Surfaces. But there are a few caveats to this. 4.2 out of 5 stars 22 ratings. While this might look great, it’s not the best choice when it comes to providing traction and grip. 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. Debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt holds moisture against the deck, creating the right environment for algae to get a foothold. You can use a roller or brush and apply it to your deck the way you’d apply any other type of paint. It’s important that you have a completely clean and dry surface for the tape to stick to. 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. Allow it to sit for 20 or 30 minutes so that it can kill the algae and mold. Show More. Once mixed, simply paint it onto your deck like you would apply any other paint. It’s 80-grit, which will provide tons of grip and ensure that no one slips on your deck again. Having an anti-slip deck installed means long-term peace of mind and an easy life; ideal if you don’t have time to scrape and scrub your decking every time it rains or snows. Make sure to confirm that these self-adhesive strips are compatible with your decking material before use. 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. Once it’s dry, your deck will have a textured surface that will prevent it from getting slick. After letting it sit, take a stiff-bristled broom and scrub down your deck, removing all of the algae and moss. Show Less. Just head out once the sun shows its face again and sweep up any mess that has blow onto your deck during the storm. Fortunately, composite decking is much more durable and easier to care for in the winter than traditional wood. The only problem with mats is that they can hold water against your decking material. Like the idea of non-slip paint, but prefer a DIY approach? Install Shingles or Rolled Roofing on Slippery Steps, 11. That’s it! 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. All types of decking will get slippery when icy, but composite decking seems to worsen in winter than natural wood. First, the debris of all kinds starts to fall onto your porch, blown by the wind from nearby trees, plants, and more. 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. 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. 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. Yes, the biggest problem of winter, heavy snow. 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. 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. You don’t even have to scrub the algae off with this solution. You can buy outdoor rubber grip matting as a quick and easy way to make decking non-slip. If your deck seems to be slippery too often, then the problem might be what it is or isn’t coated with. Wood and composite decking will react differently to deicing than the property’s concrete or stone sidewalks. Since you need to seal or stain your deck after a good cleaning to prevent damage, you can easily make your deck non-slip when you add one extra step. Is Trex decking slippery in winter? Installing a specially-designed anti-slip deck will eliminate the need for all of the above preventative measures. Ice forms underneath the snow, so if you remove the snow, it’s much more difficult for ice to form in the first place. Keep your Deck Clear of Debris to Prevent Algae Algae is the top cause of a slippery deck, and the key is to prevent it from growing. Make sure to shovel off the snow on your deck and avoid letting it accumulate. If your deck is built with pressure treated wood impregnated with a high-quality water-resistant stabilizer, that will help protect it from the harsh winter weather. I like the Envelor Home and Garden Anti-Fatigue Commercial Rubber Mats. Simply take whatever paint you plan to use and add sand at a ratio of 4:1 paint to sand. Make sure you thoroughly clean the deck and allow it to dry before you attempt to apply anti-slip tape. Cuprinol 2.5 Litre Garden Shades. Plus, it’s still extremely easy to apply. You simply paint them on like any other type of coating or paint. The process is essentially the same, minus the steps that involve mixing your solution. Harder pressures than this can damage the wood or composite material that your deck is covered with. On my stairs, I added strips of non-slip tape to make sure that no one would slip on their way down the stairs and off the deck. One great way to prevent this from happening is by using a waterproof coating to cover your entire deck. Ice melt for wood decks: Make sure deicer products are designed for your type of deck (wood or composite decking). Currently unavailable. Long wear, appearance and low maintenance are among the reasons that some homeowners and builders choose composite materials rather than wooden lumber for decks. This can be difficult to do, especially by hand. These coatings are very easy to apply. One advantage of anti-slip tape is that it’s not raised off the surface of the deck, so it doesn’t present a tripping hazard. Made from hard wearing GRP and guaranteed for 10 years, Safe Tread's anti-slip Decking Strips are a quick and cost-effective long-term solution to the problem of slippery decking and steps. We sweep the insides of our homes regularly to prevent the dirt and mess from building up. 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. If it dries completely, then the sand won’t have anything to stick to. These PlowSite members discuss their experiences with deicing wood decks. This is particularly important after rainstorms because they tend to blow a lot of mess and debris onto the deck. This can cause them to prematurely age and rot. This is more common if your decking is … It’s made durable to hold up to regular abuse and foot traffic. 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. Large decking areas are also prone to collecting rotting leaves left over from the autumn months, which create a super-slippery layer of their own. Just take the mold and mildew killer and spray or mop it onto your deck surface. It’s very easy to apply and extremely durable once it has cured. However, unlike painting your deck or adding non-slip tape, the mats won’t change the look of your deck. Knowing how to prevent and treat slippery decking surfaces can make all the difference as the adverse weather conditions begin to close in, so we’ve put together a list of five easy tips on how to stop decking being slippery to help you prevent any nasty slips and falls this winter. There are some composite decking products that are designed to reduce slipping. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. When this happens, you’ll get water pooling and excess moisture that can lead to a slick deck surface in the near future. When the weather gets really cold and the snow and ice set in, your decking can become a miniature ice rink overnight. Algae will not grow on composite materials, but pollen, leaves and other yard debris may cause mold or mildew, particularly if trees are near. That moisture is a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, algae, and even moss. 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. Remember to keep up on the cleaning and prevent the mold and algae from growing in the first place to avoid having this problem again in the future. I’ve had good luck with several of these methods, but my favorite was adding sand to a deck paint. Keep in mind, anti-skid strips are a bit raised, so they can present a small tripping hazard. Often the stairs leading up to a deck provide an emergency entrance and exit to the … And what about that bonus long-term option we promised … ? Just paint it on and let it dry. You’ll just pull off the amount you need and stick it onto the deck. Just make sure you get an even coating everywhere. Ecolife treated wood provides a built-in water repellent that lasts for up to three years and reduces surface cracking and checking by up to 50% compared to ordinary treated wood. A stiff-bristle yard brush is usually all you need to scrape away any unwanted growth and leaves, and won’t damage your timber boards. That’s all great if you’re up for such a challenge and a change. Why decking becomes slippery. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to regularly sweep all of the leaves and debris and remove them from your deck! 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. Slippery Deck? Second, you must get a very even application of sand. 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. This will provide you with plenty of traction, even when your deck gets slick. Moreover, it can handle any adverse weather conditions and will even help protect your deck, improving its longevity overall. Will I have slippery decking in the winter? Maybe you like the idea of making your own non-slip paint with sand, but you don’t want to paint your deck. Shingles and rolled roofing both have a very rough surface that will provide plenty of traction. Arnold Laver Co Ltd , Registered in England. Some decks can be slippery even when they’re not wet. Best of all, they’re an affordable solution that’s available at a home improvement store near you. Apply the sealer or stain first. 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. These oils are usually natural and contain compressed particles to create a rougher, non-slip surface. Mix it together. To make it easier, I recommend using a spreader. 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. Decks can get slippery any time of the year, but they are most susceptible to this problem in the winter when the snow builds up and ice can form on your deck. Your first instinct might be to hack at the ice with a metal shovel or lay down grit salt to melt it all away, but these will not be openly welcomed by your timber decking. Apply hot water and a weak bleach solution or household products that remove slime and mould. Mats just lay on top of your decking and provide plenty of traction. 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. 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. … To do the job, you’ll need to do a thorough cleaning of your entire deck once or twice each year. 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. Not to worry! Also, remember to push snow parallel to your deck boards. 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. I prefer the EdenProducts Heavy-Duty Anti-Slip Traction Tape. You can use a brush, roller, or even a sprayer. Wooden steps descending from elevated decks to the ground level present the most significant slip risk. But what can we do about it? It was cost-effective, easy to install, and the results were great. It comes in multiple colors so you can either paint your deck a brand new color for a nice change, or you can try to match the color to what you currently have. 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. Is Composite Decking Slippery in the Winter? Slippery Wood Decks. Winter weather is typically wet, and wet timber is a breeding ground … Some people prefer instant gratification. If you prefer the look of stain or even just a natural wood finish, there’s still a way to create your own non-stick surface using sand and either a deck stain or sealer. You can even add detergent or other cleaning solutions to your pressure washer to get even more out of it. 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