Screw on anti-slip decking strips. – 161 2358 30. Did you want a grey plastic outdoor surface or a beautiful timber one? All capped decking products manufactured by Fiberon have a micro-texture pattern in the surface embossing to increase slip resistance. If it's light snow, you can brush it off, but you'll need a shovel to remove heavier snow. In the past decade or so, a resinous capping material has been developed with technology brought to the decking world from the auto industry. Often the stairs leading up to a deck provide an emergency entrance and exit to the home and must be kept accessible for safety reasons. If you’ve recently installed some timber decking and made the discovery that it can be a very slippery decking area when wet, rest assured, you’re not alone. The most obvious reason timber decking can become slippery is because it’s porous — this means water can collect in between the wood fibres. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Slippery decking as soon as it becomes wet and concern about walking over it. Durability should not be confused with strength. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. These are algae or fungal growth, molds, or mildew, which can make the surface slippery. Some brands with a smooth cap are slippery, especially when wet Some brands look “fake” and are not as attractive as natural wood Can be prone to algae, mold … When you walk on the decking with a slippery surface, you will slip … This can happen at any time of the year, as we well know in the UK, where we … Not everyone is up for the DIY approach of my first suggestion, so … A slippery floor is a dangerous surface for anyone in your family, and because decks are typically outdoors and prone to developing puddles of water, decks require special attention. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant. The Dangers of Slippery Decking Wooden decking is an attractive addition to many homes and gardens in the UK. Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery. There are other reasons to avoid grooved decking too – it is more challenging to maintain, and it's not as pleasant to walk, sit or play on as smooth decking. Coatings can also prevent dirt from becoming ingrained in the wood. Takeaways. Slippery decks can be a hazard at any time of year, but winter weather can aggravate an already dangerous situation. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. – 161 2358 30, WJ Timber Treatments Ltd, Company Reg No. An average of both dry and wet conditions was used in the testing evaluation and resulted in coefficient of friction (COF) averages of .50 or higher. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Sometimes slippage is caused by mold on the deck surface. Check it is suitable for wood decks and don't use rock salt on a wood deck. The issue presents itself when it becomes wet – from rain, frost, dew or even snow. Algae is the top cause of a slippery deck, and … Developed by experts in the industry, DeckWright Inserts can be retrospectively fixed to your decking – even after it has been laid – adding some much needed grip to keep your family, friends and colleagues safe from a slip that could result in a serious injury. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I am happy to receive marketing communications from WJ Group, Tested and approved (and accredited with DeckMark Plus), Lasts for the life of your decking – no need to re-apply, Suitable for steps, walkways and larger areas. These areas may be slippery when wet. Seal out excess moisture by applying a coating. Timber and other wood decking materials often become slippery due to mould, algae, lichen, moss or mildew growing on the boards surface. Originally, the grooves that you see in timber decking were to facilitate some grip, but the effect is limited. This helps make it slip resistant. No-one wants a dangerous and unusable space on their doorstep. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Composite decking is maintenance free Decking can get especially slippery in damp environments. Use a specialist deck cleaning product such as Sansin Multi-Wash. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant. If you plan to install decks by the pool or in a humid environment such as frequent rain, you will first be concerned about the safety of decks. This biodegradable cleaner can be diluted up to 12:1 and will remove mildew, mould, algae, dirt, and other contaminants. Water in heavy doses can harm the integrity of wood which is why it usually needs to be treated either at the mill during production or once you’ve completed your project. When it rains, the water will run off, draining down the gaps between the deck boards, and the surface will dry relatively quickly. Wood. Apply a coating and keep moisture at bay Non-coated decking will absorb more moisture and retain it for longer. Copyright © 2020 Silva Timber Products Limited. Wood is a smooth choice that feels wonderful underfoot, but not all types are suitable for … Also, decking can pose a safety issue if the surface gets slippery. – 06359106, Vat No. Non-coated decking will absorb more moisture and retain it for longer. It is important to note that soap and water are used daily for regular cleaning to keep the decking clean. Composite decking has a textured finish that mimics real wood grain. Always use a plastic snow shovel, as you can damage the wood with a metal one. Anti slip paints and oils. Factory coating is the best option as the application is undertaken in a controlled environment with the correct amount of coating applied. It is also less aesthetically appealing. Slippery deck surfaces are sometimes caused by algae growth on wood and other organic surfaces. We would recommend that you avoid grooved decking. Whilst they might offer grip, they hide your lovely timber decking! • 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 of the year, as we well know in the UK, where we are experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather. If you’d like to learn more about how you can resolve your slippery decking problem, please give us a call or send us an email. Apply an Algae and Moss Killer. There is no doubt about it - wood decks make great outdoor living spaces. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. In addition, anti-slip decking oils and oil-based stains are also very easy to apply, maintain and patch repair if … Anti slip mats. Durability is the same as strength. However, we would still recommend cleaning non slip decking to keep it looking its best. 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. Whilst your timber decking is dry, you’ll no doubt experience no slippery concerns. Can you install Trex decking in the winter? Brush it on, leave it to do its work for a few minutes, then rinse it off with a hose or pressure washer and watch your deck come clean. So for example, if you first try oil, you will not be able to overcoat with an anti-slip paint. The answer is to resolve your slippery decking problem once and for all, with a solution that does the job properly, whilst also not detracting from the natural beauty of timber decking. Keep it continually moving in a broad sweeping action. The good news is that it's easy to prevent this from happening, and its easily fixable if it does. The Atlantic … Unfortunately, composite or conglomerate decking usually leads to slippery surfaces, especially when wet. Water runs off coated decking far quicker than non-coated, and because it dries quickly, you can be back enjoying your outside space sooner. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Note that you don't want to seal out moisture entirely - the wood needs to breathe and adapt to the humidity in the surrounding air. Owners of this type of decking will know that over time, their deck can become a breeding ground for algae, mildew and moss – which is the biggest contributor of a slippery deck area. Easy to buy online and in many stores, we’re comfortable with the idea of painting something on. Autumn leaves, rain, damp and … The durability of … Only use on low pressure (maximum 500psi). Most contemporary composite and timber decking models are designed to provide you with a safe and slip-resistant experience. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. A decking in your backyard adds beauty to the landscape. One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet. This durable and low-maintenance composite material does not crack and rot and does … According to Richmond, who installs plastic and composite decks, all-plastic planks seem to be a little more slippery than regular wood, whereas composites are not. Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. If you leave your decking untreated, it can become incredibly sleek and can cause dangerous slips and falls. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We’re friendly and we’d love to be able to help you. Gone are the days of attaching chicken wire to your beautiful decking or smothering it in plastic mats on rainy days. You also might struggle to mix coatings over time. Why decking becomes slippery. This means careful measuring and the potential for wastage. Algae will not grow on composite materials, but pollen, leaves and other yard debris may cause mold or mildew, particularly if trees are near. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. If you have this type of decking installed around your home or business, it is advisable to treat your surfaces as soon as possible. Composite decking is maintenance free Decking can get especially slippery in damp environments. Jacksons Top 10 Uses for Timber Decks: Guest Post. When it rains, or you use a pressure washer, on the deck, the porous wood will absorb some moisture providing an ideal opportunity for algae growth. Natural Wooden Planks. No length is wasted as it can always but up against another. DeckWright Inserts can be cut with standard tools and are remarkably bendy to help with ease of installation. Moisture retention is a particular problem for decks that don't get much sun, for example, if they are shaded by trees or in north-facing gardens. The composite floor is generally not moldy in itself., but pollen, leaves or other debris on decks can cause mold. Real wood is more likely to have smooth spots caused by algae growth and wear on the surface of the wood. I am happy to receive marketing communications from WJ Group, WJ Group Rix Road Stoneferry Hull HU7 0BT, WJ Components Ltd, Company Reg No. It's time to dispel this myth - wood decking won't become slippery when wet unless mould, algae or moss is present on the surface. Here’s some thoughts: Aforementioned chicken wire! Timber decking is left exposed to relentless weathering and often succumbs to moisture build up. Fiberon Paramount Decking has a high slip resistance when tested according to ASTM F 1679 with a dry/wet rating of .85/.82. Wood deck surfaces, and indeed other outdoor surfaces such as stone flags, become slippery due to the combination of moisture and decaying organic matter. But be aware of the reapplication requirements and the fact that high traffic areas will deteriorate quickly. The deck is not slippery and cleans easily when power washed once a year. Direct the pressure washer wand with the grain of the wood, don't get too close, and don't stop the wand on the wood as this may mark the surface. The issue presents itself when it becomes wet – from rain, frost, dew or even snow. Whilst your timber decking is dry, you’ll no doubt experience no slippery concerns. – 08232511, VAT No. You may wish to remove snow from your deck. Wood is generally a smooth product and not developed to offer any sort of grip. Cleaning regularly your deck is the key to avoid making it slippery, as leaves and debris not only hold moisture but can also … A key limitation is that most cannot be easily cut to length on site as they are incredibly rigid. Whether your deck is made of natural wood or composite decking material, each can be just as slippery as the other under the conditions described above. See how easy it is to install DeckWright Inserts. Despite the many advantages of wood decks, some people are put off the idea because they think the wood will become a slippery surface when it's wet. Apply Non-Slip Decking Strips or Tape. Composite Decking Doesn’t Have to Be Slippery Ultimately, a better cap was one of the main requirements needed to bring composite decking to the next level when it came to slip-resistance. It is very dangerous to slip on decks. While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces aren’t impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness that comes with them. It’s possible that the propensity of the first generation Trex decking to allow the growth of mold and mildew might have been a factor in some Trex decking to be slippery, depending on the environmental conditions. By sweeping debris like fallen leaves and dirt off your deck, you'll significantly reduce surface growth. Wood is the original and traditional material used for decks. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. You can use a pressure washer, but you need to be careful not to damage the wood surface. Decks are versatile – they can be a stylish entertainment space, a safe surface upon which children can play, and create an attractive focal point in any garden. The most common reason why composite decking becomes slippery are different dirt and organic particulates that accumulates on the surface. This can happen at any time. It is often sold as "anti-slip," and some say the grooves are there to channel water away. The good news is that it's easy to prevent this from happening, and its easily fixable if it does. It is also advantageous for the coating to be applied before the wood is exposed to the weather. You have further choices when it comes to stopping your timber decking becoming slippery, but each tends to have limitations. The good news is that there is now a professional and reliable solution to this problem – easily fitted AFTER your decking has been laid. The result? This is nonsensical – all the grooves serve to do is trap dirt, organic matter, and water, which facilitates mould, algae, and moss growth. In wood decking, the absorption of water and becoming moist makes it a perfect host for fungal growth. Another quick and easy way to make decking non slip is to … With composite decking, you don’t have to worry about this problem. Decks should be kept slip-free in all seasons. I agree with the privacy policy. This is of course a relatively cheap option, but I think that is its own asset and effectiveness will be limited in a downpour. Non-slip decking paints and varnishes tend to be prone to cracking, flaking and peeling off over time, whilst anti-slip decking oil and oil-based decking stains do not. Is composite decking slippery? If you want to control mold and mildew, you have to clean the deck periodically. Keep your Deck Clear of Debris to Prevent Algae. Ideally, deck boards should be coated on all sides before installation, as moisture will be absorbed from underneath too. Don't neglect your deck - give a clean occasionally. Shovel parallel to the deck boards and remove ice with a natural, non-corrosive ice melt product. A coated deck surface is easy to sweep free of debris, hose down, and even mop if necessary. However, we would still recommend cleaning non slip decking to keep it looking its best. It's time to dispel this myth - wood decking won't become slippery when wet unless mould, algae or moss is present on the surface. Like DeckWright Inserts, they don’t need to be reapplied but they can look very much like an after-thought. However, rain and the build-up of algae or moss on the timber can make your decking extremely slippery and dangerous. Wood staying wet for long periods can facilitate mould, algae and moss growth. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Sides before installation, as moisture will be stored in your browser mold and mildew, mould, algae dirt. 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