slippery wood decks in winter

What I like best about the Wet&Forget solution is that it doesn’t require any power washing or even brushing. Ice forms underneath the snow, so if you remove the snow, it’s much more difficult for ice to form in the first place. It’s 80-grit, which will provide tons of grip and ensure that no one slips on your deck again. Plus, they’re easy to install and will take just a few minutes, even if you have no experience with DIY projects. You can use any standard deck sealer or waterproof deck stain. It will do the same job with a similar level of effectiveness. This will prevent the water from every accumulating and do wonders to curb your slippery deck problems. While non-slip paints and varnishes work well in the short term, they tend to start flaking off before long. This includes dirt, pollen, leaves, and anything else that tends to build up on your deck. One of my favorite non-slip paints is the INSL-X Sure Step. 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. 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. The 2012 Trex recommendation of painting first-generation Trex decks with enamel paint with grit additive makes sense to us. 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. Finally, you’ll need to re-seal your deck after pressure washing to avoid it being damaged by exposure to the elements. Once you’ve brushed it off, take a hose and do a final rinse to ensure that you’ve removed everything. As the algae and mold grow, they create even more moisture, which can help grow more algae, or it can turn into ice. Like the idea of non-slip paint, but prefer a DIY approach? You can buy outdoor rubber grip matting as a quick and easy way to make decking non-slip. 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? When the weather gets really cold and the snow and ice set in, your decking can become a miniature ice rink overnight. Mats just lay on top of your decking and provide plenty of traction. Make sure to confirm that these self-adhesive strips are compatible with your decking material before use. I prefer the EdenProducts Heavy-Duty Anti-Slip Traction Tape. Just stick two screws in each one and you’re done! Now your slippery deck problems are done! 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! Next, you’re going to apply an additional coat of paint to your deck, but this time with no sand in it. There are some composite decking products that are designed to reduce slipping. 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. Either way, it’s an issue that needs solving. You can use a brush, roller, or even a sprayer. To do the job, you’ll need to do a thorough cleaning of your entire deck once or twice each year. 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. 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. 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. 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. They’re super durable and can withstand any weather conditions. This makes it very difficult to dry since the air can’t reach it beneath the debris and mess. In winter, decks made of lumber are more likely than their composite counterparts to be slippery. 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. First, mix one cup of the powdered laundry detergent with one quart of the oxygen bleach in two to three gallons of water. 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. 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. Get Price Free Sample Contact. Many decks are painted with normal paint or stained with a regular wood stain. Learn how to prevent and treat a slippery outdoor deck at Decks.com. When pressure washing your deck, make sure to use no more than 1,300 PSi. Treat Your Deck With a Waterproof Coating, EdenProducts Heavy-Duty Anti-Slip Traction Tape. We’ve also added a bonus option at the end for long-term slippery deck prevention. One great way to prevent this from happening is by using a waterproof coating to cover your entire deck. Between the slickness of the algae and the traction from the grains of the wood that’s now missing, your deck becomes a slippery nightmare that’s hard to clean! 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. In areas that experience snow and frigid temperatures, decks may be inaccessible. Why decking becomes slippery. You can make the solution yourself or buy a pre-made formula. First, you must add the sand while the sealer or stain is still wet. 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. 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. 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. If you have lots of snow and ice build-up on your decking, try using a plastic shovel to remove as much as you can. But there are a few caveats to this. Is Composite Decking Slippery in the Winter? 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. Wood is perhaps the most slippery surface when covered in ice and can lead to nasty injuries sustained in falls. Apply hot water and a weak bleach solution or household products that remove slime and mould. Preventing & Treating a Slippery Deck | Decks.com. 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. When weather conditions are perfect, your deck is an excellent place to relax outdoors and enjoy the sun and fresh air. 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. But you can avoid this if you use my favorite wood waterproofer, the Eco Advanced Wood Siloxane Waterproofer. Debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt holds moisture against the deck, creating the right environment for algae to get a foothold. Mould can make the deck slimy and slippery, which is a safety hazard. Installing a specially-designed anti-slip deck will eliminate the need for all of the above preventative measures. To make it easier, I recommend using a spreader. Wood and composite decking will react differently to deicing than the property’s concrete or stone sidewalks. For many people, it’s not the entire deck that’s a problem. The best decking paints. Pressure washing can actually damage your deck if done too much. Once you apply the stain or sealer, you can’t walk on it until it’s dry. Limit the power washing and thorough cleaning to once or twice each year to avoid prematurely wearing out your decking. Before winter hits, apply a coat of paint and traction grit on slippery wood steps. When you see leaves and dirt building up, it’s a good idea to remove them and prevent the moisture buildup from occurring. Don’t worry, I’ve got 11 solutions for you that will help to fix your slippery decking problems today. You don’t even have to scrub the algae off with this solution. And I’ll try to respond to any comments or questions in the comments box below as quickly as I can. But weather conditions aren’t always perfect, and the adverse weather can turn your deck into a slippery mess that can be potentially dangerous. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. If you have a little more time on your hands, you can apply various treatments to your decking timber to help prevent the surface from becoming slippery. 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. But no matter which solution you choose, they’re all going to make a big difference. However, I wouldn’t recommend jumping to this solution first all the time. 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. Some people prefer instant gratification. This works great for roads and driveways, but the salt can wreak havoc on your decking material and destroy it prematurely. If you have any extra tips on how to make decking non slip, we’d love to see. 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. Winter conditions, like snow and ice, also have the potential to damage decks. Install Shingles or Rolled Roofing on Slippery Steps, 11. First, the debris of all kinds starts to fall onto your porch, blown by the wind from nearby trees, plants, and more. 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. Mix it together. 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. This site uses cookies to provide and improve your shopping experience. You’ll just pull off the amount you need and stick it onto the deck. For decks that are high off the ground, the work should be done by a professional. Another quick and easy way to make decking non slip is to use specially-made abrasive strips or non-slip decking tape. Audio Playback Not Supported. These oils are usually natural and contain compressed particles to create a rougher, non-slip surface. Shingles and rolled roofing both have a very rough surface that will provide plenty of traction. 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. Will I have slippery decking in the winter? How to Prevent a Deck From Getting Slippery, 1. 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. By Kevin Ann Reinhart Decks should be kept slip-free in all seasons. Apply the sealer or stain first. However, you won’t want to power wash your deck every time you sweep it. Get into the habit of giving your decking a good brush down every week or fortnight to dislodge fresh fungal growth and any stray leaves, as the more you keep on top of it, the easier it will be to keep it at bay all winter. 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. All types of decking will get slippery when icy, but composite decking seems to worsen in winter than natural wood. This is best attempted by doing small sections at a time, about two feet by two feet. Show More. Scrub Away the Algae With a Homemade Solution, 10. Wooden steps descending from elevated decks to the ground level present the most significant slip risk. Second, you must get a very even application of sand. Best of all, they’re an affordable solution that’s available at a home improvement store near you. More importantly, they’re made to help prevent slips and falls, so they’ll provide plenty of traction. That moisture is a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, algae, and even moss. Easier said than done, we know, but it’s so worth it. You can use a small putty knife or screwdriver between the boards to dislodge anything that might be filling up the spaces. 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. 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. This is particularly important after rainstorms because they tend to blow a lot of mess and debris onto the deck. The only problem with mats is that they can hold water against your decking material. It’s also an inexpensive solution that does a lot of the work for you. Cuprinol 2.5 Litre Garden Shades. Preferably something that can be laid down during the winter and stored away for the summer. This is more common if your decking is … If you want to benefit from this improved service, please opt-in. If it dries completely, then the sand won’t have anything to stick to. Clean your Deck Annually This is perhaps the most important step in preventing a slippery deck surface. Ask Your Own Home Improvement Question. And what about that bonus long-term option we promised … ? Worst, this problem can equally affect natural wood and composite decking. Yes, the biggest problem of winter, heavy snow. Then, using a mop or a sprayer, coat the entire deck in your solution. ICE CARPET MAT - Winter Weather Snow Safety - Non Slip Walkway Over Snow Brand: ICE CARPET MAT. Now we’ve discussed ways to prevent your deck from becoming slippery. Well, the same works for your deck as well. But what should you do if your deck is already a slick hazard that’s waiting to make someone fall? Is Trex decking slippery in winter? That’s a lot of bang for your buck! Remedy for a slippery deck surfaces that it doesn ’ t coated with deck Annually this is by a... Your steps to add plenty of traction power washing and thorough cleaning to or... 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