Though slip-resistant composite decking is more slip-resistant than conventional wood decking, composite decking surfaces may still be slippery when wet.
This page explains why composite decks become slippery and how you could install composite decks properly. We go over the ideal approach to lay anti-slip composite decking so you can prevent slippage if you are thinking about installing it.
Anti-Slip Decking Considerations Before Installation
Three elements may be taken under consideration to enhance the non-slip characteristics of composite decking boards before putting down anti-slip composite decking.
- Selecting Correct Finish and Texture
The texture and polish of composite boards are important determinants of which one offers the greatest grip, therefore lowering the danger of unintentional slips and falls. The finest traction are grooved composite boards and embossed composite boards with a wood texture.
Grooved and embossed composite boards are meant to provide much-needed friction. Walking on grooved composite decking will cause your feet to have a tight grasp to stop slips.
- Think of a Perpendicular Design
Laying anti-slip decking boards perpendicular to major foot traffic will help to maximize composite decking anti-slip characteristics. Better traction and a strong grip are obtained from the perpendicular design. Early phases of the design process would have to include the non-slip decking board design.
- Not Slip Composite Decking Deforestation
Composite and timber decks depend on drainage. Install your composite decking with consideration for a drainage slope. To stop water from gathering on the decking surface, composite decking has to be somewhat slanted. This is particularly beneficial for decks meant for around a pool.
Factors Affecting Composite Decking’s Slip Resistance
The Pendulum Slip Test helps one determine the non-slip character of a surface. The Pendulum Test gauges the resistance and friction of a floor surface underfoot. It evaluates on a wet, filthy, and dry floor how slippery an indoor and outdoor floor surface is.
Why Current Composite Decking Turns Slippery
Anti-slip features abound in composite decking. Sadly, environmental factors may cause slipper composite decking surfaces that seriously compromise safety. Which environmental factor makes your composite decking slipper?
- An Accumulation of Ice
The first snowfall finds homeowners attempting to decide how best to clear snow from their roofs and decks. If you leave a snow accumulation on your composite deck unbroken, it creates a safety risk. The surface of your composite deck becomes dangerous and slick when snow melts to ice.
- Dirt and Debris Building Up
With crumbling leaves, twigs, and pollen, the surface of your composite deck could become too slick. The rotting trash might lead to the growth of mildew and mold, which accentuates the slick surface.
- Growing Green Algae and Mildew
While composite decking takes little maintenance, maintaining a clean deck helps to avoid ugly mildew, mold, and algae growth. Algae usually abound during the wet season. The surface of your deck is slick and loses grip as algae start to bloom.
Ways to Make Sure Your Composite Decking Is Less Slippery
Even in damp conditions, composite decking’s slip-resistance qualities make walking on safer. Should simple upkeep neglect, composite decking surfaces become slick. These suggestions help to avoid a slippery composite deck surface from being a safety concern.
- Sort Your Composite Decking’s Decaying Twigs and Leaves
Ignoring frequent sweeping of your composite decking boards might lead to surface dirt and rotting of plant waste. Decaying plant waste generates a biofilm for mildew and mold to eat when mixed with rain and dampness. This lets mold creep over your composite decking.
Mildew and moldy areas on your generally non-slip decking planks create a slippery layer that raises your chance of inadvertently sliding and injuring yourself. Remove any leaves and twigs, clear your deck from dirt and trash, and frequently as you could.
Warm soapy water can help you clean any filth and trash from your deck; gently washing your deck with a combination of distilled white vinegar and baking soda will help you rinse off the algae, mold, and mildew.
- Clear the Snow and Ice off Your Composite Decking
As everyone is aware, snowy roads can be rather hazardous; this is true of composite or wood decks either. On non-slip composite decking, an ice coating on top is dangerous.
On your composite decking, never use a metal shovel or snow blower as this can harm and cut your decking boards. Eliminate the snow using a plastic or rubber shovel.
Use a rubber or plastic shovel together with calcium chloride to melt the ice from your deck. Warm water can let you rinse your deck to eliminate any signs of the rock salt as the snow melts. At least twice a year deep cleaning your slip-resistant decking will extend its lifetime and maintain its best condition.
- Make sure the spaces between deck boards are cleared
Apart from adding visual appeal to the whole design of your composite deck, the gaps between the deck boards have a particular use. The holes provide correct drainage of your deck surface, therefore preventing any slippiness and avoiding water gathering.
Correct drainage of your composite decking surface is very crucial. Make sure that nothing—including dirt, leaves, or trash—is blocking proper water drainage.
Thoughts on Last Notes
The surface of your composite deck may rapidly become hazardous and raise your chance of falling and hurting yourself. Maintaining your composite decking and eliminating environmental components can help to stop moss, algae, mould, and mildew from proliferating, thereby reducing the chance of surface slipperiness of your deck.
