This will allow you to get an even spread. It’s also an inexpensive solution that does a lot of the work for you. Then, if the rubber matting option really doesn’t suit you, you CAN sprinkle a little grit salt onto your decking, as long as you remember to rinse it off as soon as the ice and snow have melted away. These coatings are very easy to apply. 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. These oils are usually natural and contain compressed particles to create a rougher, non-slip surface. Click to see full answer. Just paint it on and let it dry. It should be a very simple process. This will provide you with plenty of traction, even when your deck gets slick. Another quick and easy way to make decking non slip is to use specially-made abrasive strips or non-slip decking tape. It’s made durable to hold up to regular abuse and foot traffic. You can even add detergent or other cleaning solutions to your pressure washer to get even more out of it. In areas that experience snow and frigid temperatures, decks may be inaccessible. But you can avoid this if you use my favorite wood waterproofer, the Eco Advanced Wood Siloxane Waterproofer. Then, using a mop or a sprayer, coat the entire deck in your solution. Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint. Is Composite Decking Slippery in the Winter? If you want to benefit from this improved service, please opt-in. 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. As mentioned, when the leaves and debris pile up, it holds moisture to the deck, which creates a breeding ground for the mold and algae that can make your deck so slick. Anti-slip inserts can fit over your deck boards and stick into the cracks between boards to hold them down. Traction on slippery surfaces is a plus and a huge safety factor but the sand grit will grind into the decking and . ICE CARPET MAT - Winter Weather Snow Safety - Non Slip Walkway Over Snow Brand: ICE CARPET MAT. Mats just lay on top of your decking and provide plenty of traction. Mix it together. Material: Other: Item Weight: 1.88 Pounds: Brand: ICE CARPET MAT: About this item This fits your . One of my favorite mold, mildew, algae, and moss removers, is the Wet&Forget solution. Is Trex decking slippery in winter? As the algae and mold grow, they create even more moisture, which can help grow more algae, or it can turn into ice. We sweep the insides of our homes regularly to prevent the dirt and mess from building up. Clean your Deck Annually This is perhaps the most important step in preventing a slippery deck surface. 4.2 out of 5 stars 22 ratings. On the other hand, this is a permanent addition that won’t go anywhere and only takes a few minutes to install. 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. When the weather gets really cold and the snow and ice set in, your decking can become a miniature ice rink overnight. All the above ideas are great but next time you need to replace the steps use the new recycle plastic wood. It is these deposits that cause slipperiness in wet weather on any outdoor surface; even stone flags. Scrub Away the Algae With a Homemade Solution, 10. Is composite decking anti-slip? Slippery decks can be a hazard at any time of year, but winter weather can aggravate an already dangerous situation. That’s a lot of bang for your buck! The only problem with mats is that they can hold water against your decking material. Plus, it’s still extremely easy to apply. 11 Effective Ways How to Make Decking Non Slip Why decking becomes slippery. 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. Mould can make the deck slimy and slippery, which is a safety hazard. 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. All types of decking will get slippery when icy, but composite decking seems to worsen in winter than natural wood. Whenever the dirt and debris build up on your deck, these drainage spaces can fill up, preventing the water from draining properly. Long wear, appearance and low maintenance are among the reasons … 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. 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. Wood is perhaps the most slippery surface when covered in ice and can lead to nasty injuries sustained in falls. You simply paint them on like any other type of coating or paint. Sweep the deck with a stiff-bristled yard brush. After you apply it, allow ample time for it to dry. 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. But weather conditions aren’t always perfect, and the adverse weather can turn your deck into a slippery mess that can be potentially dangerous. 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. What I like best about the Wet&Forget solution is that it doesn’t require any power washing or even brushing. 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. 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. Well, there are two approaches to preventing a slippery deck. Your deck will now have traction in all weather conditions. Slippery Deck? Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. Preferably something that can be laid down during the winter and stored away for the summer. • A build up of algae on the timber is a common cause • Rotting vegetation and autumn leaves are contributing factors • All these things are made worse by damp environments, with little sun • Colder, longer winters also bring snow and ice • Decking must be cleaned 2 to 3 times a year to keep your deck safe . This can cause them to prematurely age and rot. Install Shingles or Rolled Roofing on Slippery Steps, 11. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. Pressure washing can actually damage your deck if done too much. When pressure washing your deck, make sure to use no more than 1,300 PSi. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. 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. Thanks. Before we start discussing solutions to your slippery deck problems, it’s important to understand why your deck is slippery in the first place. It was cost-effective, easy to install, and the results were great. Just make sure you get an even coating everywhere. Just like any other type of tape, anti-slip tape comes in a roll. This is easy to do. 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? It couldn’t be simpler. My wife recently slipped and injured her back so I want to ensure this doesn't happen again. Just stick two screws in each one and you’re done! And what about that bonus long-term option we promised … ? This one is guaranteed to stick for at least 60 days, providing you with at least two months’ worth of worry-free deck walking. You can use a roller or brush and apply it to your deck the way you’d apply any other type of paint. Winter weather is typically wet, and wet timber is a breeding ground … Simply take whatever paint you plan to use and add sand at a ratio of 4:1 paint to sand. You might have noticed that there’s a small gap between each of your decking boards. Then, using the spreader, evenly apply the sand to the stained area and move on to the next section. If even dirt, water, and algae start to build up, the texture will give you grip and prevent your deck from becoming so slippery. 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). One of my favorite non-slip paints is the INSL-X Sure Step. Not to worry! If it dries completely, then the sand won’t have anything to stick to. 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. Instead, it’s generally the stairs that are making the most issue, causing people to slip and fall. This will prevent the water from every accumulating and do wonders to curb your slippery deck problems. It’s important that you have a completely clean and dry surface for the tape to stick to. But it can get even worse in winter. You’ll just pull off the amount you need and stick it onto the deck. When you see leaves and dirt building up, it’s a good idea to remove them and prevent the moisture buildup from occurring. Note: if you have composite decking, grit salt is safe to use. To prevent this, simply clear out the spaces between decking boards to ensure they can drain properly. 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. 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. A slippery deck can be a real liability. In the winter, however, this may no longer be the case. Now we’ve discussed ways to prevent your deck from becoming slippery. Once finished, allow it plenty of time to dry completely. But there are a few caveats to this. Use a stiff broom, and remove debris before it gets wet, when possible. Easier said than done, we know, but it’s so worth it. My deck looked brand new and slipping was no longer a hazard! 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. Or maybe buying it from a store seems too expensive. 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. Make Less Slippery - Click Here. But they all provide tons of traction that doesn’t diminish when they’re wet. 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. Treat Your Deck With a Waterproof Coating, EdenProducts Heavy-Duty Anti-Slip Traction Tape. Once you’ve brushed it off, take a hose and do a final rinse to ensure that you’ve removed everything. Also, remember to push snow parallel to your deck boards. Owatrol Decking Paint. You can buy outdoor rubber grip matting as a quick and easy way to make decking non-slip. And this is a compounding problem. With decks, it's best to shovel early and often to prevent ice buildup. Now your slippery deck problems are done! 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. Get Price Free Sample Contact. The process is essentially the same, minus the steps that involve mixing your solution. Often the stairs leading up to a deck provide an emergency entrance and exit to the … 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. These PlowSite members discuss their experiences with deicing wood decks. Will I have slippery decking in the winter? Like the idea of non-slip paint, but prefer a DIY approach? 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. Wood and composite decking will react differently to deicing than the property’s concrete or stone sidewalks. For decks that are high off the ground, the work should be done by a professional. Yes, the biggest problem of winter, heavy snow. However, unlike painting your deck or adding non-slip tape, the mats won’t change the look of your deck. Clean your Deck Annually This is perhaps the most important step in preventing a slippery deck surface. 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 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. Learn how to prevent and treat a slippery outdoor deck at Decks.com. Remember, don’t use salt on your deck to melt the ice. They also fill the grains of your decking that are supposed to provide traction. 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. Share them with us on our Facebook and Twitter social channels and we’ll add them to this blog with a credit. Treat your slippery deck before Icy weather. 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. 2. 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. Third, you’ll need to do this in small sections. There are quite a few of these anti-skid strips on the market, but my favorites are the Grip Strip Black Treads They’re durable and will hold up for season after season of inclement weather conditions. Apply hot water and a weak bleach solution or household products that remove slime and mould. 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. Ask Your Own Home Improvement Question. Sign up for all the latest news, products and special offers : Garden Improvements: How to Add Value to Your Home. All of that debris holds moisture, which it traps against the wood of your deck. Even decks made of Western Red Cedar, one of the best performing wood species for outdoor applications, need occasional maintenance to keep them in top shape. After letting it sit, take a stiff-bristled broom and scrub down your deck, removing all of the algae and moss. But you’ll have a pretty difficult time trying to cover an entire deck with an even coating of sand, especially when it’s wet and you can’t walk on it! Debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt holds moisture against the deck, creating the right environment for algae to get a foothold. 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. 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. Just apply it, let it work, then rinse it off and your deck will be free of the algae and mold that was making it slippery! This is particularly important after rainstorms because they tend to blow a lot of mess and debris onto the deck. But no matter which solution you choose, they’re all going to make a big difference. An anti-slip decking oil, on the other hand, will not crack or peel and is easy to replenish when needed. Well, the same works for your deck as well. ... composite decking slippery winter - Outside Wpc Deck Snow and Ice Removal on Composite Decks. 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. 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. Arnold Laver Co Ltd , Registered in England. Installing a specially-designed anti-slip deck will eliminate the need for all of the above preventative measures. 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. Slips and falls can be expensive! Allow it to sit for 20 or 30 minutes so that it can kill the algae and mold. While non-slip paints and varnishes work well in the short term, they tend to start flaking off before long. Unfortunately, composite or conglomerate decking usually leads to slippery surfaces, especially when How to Prevent Slippery Wood Deck Surfaces. The INSL-X Sure Step is specifically meant for high-traffic areas like decks, porches, and stairs.