There is no doubt about it - wood decks make great outdoor living spaces. In addition, anti-slip decking oils and oil-based stains are also very easy to apply, maintain and patch repair if ⦠The issue presents itself when it becomes wet â from rain, frost, dew or even snow. In wood decking, the absorption of water and becoming moist makes it a perfect host for fungal growth. Jacksons Top 10 Uses for Timber Decks: Guest Post. 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 youâve completed your project. Here’s some thoughts: Aforementioned chicken wire! We’re friendly and we’d love to be able to help you. These areas may be slippery when wet. Wood staying wet for long periods can facilitate mould, algae and moss growth. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Apply a coating and keep moisture at bay Non-coated decking will absorb more moisture and retain it for longer. Seal out excess moisture by applying a coating. It is also less aesthetically appealing. 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. So for example, if you first try oil, you will not be able to overcoat with an anti-slip paint. With composite decking, you donât have to worry about this problem. You have further choices when it comes to stopping your timber decking becoming slippery, but each tends to have limitations. Apply Non-Slip Decking Strips or Tape. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of 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. Composite Decking Doesnât 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. Whilst your timber decking is dry, you’ll no doubt experience no slippery concerns. The good news is that it's easy to prevent this from happening, and its easily fixable if it does. Anti slip mats. Wood deck surfaces, and indeed other outdoor surfaces such as stone flags, become slippery due to the combination of moisture and decaying organic matter. When it rains, the water will run off, draining down the gaps between the deck boards, and the surface will dry relatively quickly. 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. This can happen at any time of the year, as we well know in the UK, where we ⦠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 most obvious reason timber decking can become slippery is because itâs porous â this means water can collect in between the wood fibres. The Dangers of Slippery Decking Wooden decking is an attractive addition to many homes and gardens in the UK. However, we would still recommend cleaning non slip decking to keep it looking its best. 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. However, we would still recommend cleaning non slip decking to keep it looking its best. Use a specialist deck cleaning product such as Sansin Multi-Wash. No length is wasted as it can always but up against another. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Always use a plastic snow shovel, as you can damage the wood with a metal one. The most common reason why composite decking becomes slippery are different dirt and organic particulates that accumulates on the surface. Composite decking is maintenance free Decking can get especially slippery in damp environments. Timber and other wood decking materials often become slippery due to mould, algae, lichen, moss or mildew growing on the boards surface. While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces arenât impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness that comes with them. We would recommend that you avoid grooved decking. Screw on anti-slip decking strips. If you leave your decking untreated, it can become incredibly sleek and can cause dangerous slips and falls. Don't neglect your deck - give a clean occasionally. Apply an Algae and Moss Killer. Like DeckWright Inserts, they don’t need to be reapplied but they can look very much like an after-thought. This means careful measuring and the potential for wastage. Did you want a grey plastic outdoor surface or a beautiful timber one? These cookies do not store any personal information. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In the past decade or so, a resinous capping material has been developed with technology brought to the decking world from the auto industry. DeckWright Inserts can be cut with standard tools and are remarkably bendy to help with ease of installation. This is nonsensical â all the grooves serve to do is trap dirt, organic matter, and water, which facilitates mould, algae, and moss growth. The good news is that there is now a professional and reliable solution to this problem – easily fitted AFTER your decking has been laid. This biodegradable cleaner can be diluted up to 12:1 and will remove mildew, mould, algae, dirt, and other contaminants. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. When you walk on the decking with a slippery surface, you will slip ⦠Durability should not be confused with strength. Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. It is important to note that soap and water are used daily for regular cleaning to keep the decking clean. Some brands with a smooth cap are slippery, especially when wet Some brands look âfakeâ and are not as attractive as natural wood Can be prone to algae, mold ⦠Slippery decks can be a hazard at any time of year, but winter weather can aggravate an already dangerous situation. Only use on low pressure (maximum 500psi). Durability is the same as strength. The good news is that it's easy to prevent this from happening, and its easily fixable if it does. Composite decking is maintenance free Decking can get especially slippery in damp environments. Wood. Real wood is more likely to have smooth spots caused by algae growth and wear on the surface of the wood. Algae is the top cause of a slippery deck, and ⦠Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery. Copyright © 2020 Silva Timber Products Limited. Whilst they might offer grip, they hide your lovely timber decking! If you have this type of decking installed around your home or business, it is advisable to treat your surfaces as soon as possible. Autumn leaves, rain, damp and ⦠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. Why decking becomes slippery. Timber decking is left exposed to relentless weathering and often succumbs to moisture build up. Keep your Deck Clear of Debris to Prevent Algae. Not everyone is up for the DIY approach of my first suggestion, so ⦠Wood is the original and traditional material used for decks. I agree with the privacy policy. Takeaways. You also might struggle to mix coatings over time. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Owners of this type of decking will know that over time, their deck can become a breeding ground for algae, mildew and moss â which is the biggest contributor of a slippery deck area. Whilst your timber decking is dry, youâll no doubt experience no slippery concerns. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. – 08232511, VAT 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. 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. Fiberon Paramount Decking has a high slip resistance when tested according to ASTM F 1679 with a dry/wet rating of .85/.82. of the year, as we well know in the UK, where we are experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather. It is also advantageous for the coating to be applied before the wood is exposed to the weather. All capped decking products manufactured by Fiberon have a micro-texture pattern in the surface embossing to increase slip resistance. 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. Can you install Trex decking in the winter? Water runs off coated decking far quicker than non-coated, and because it dries quickly, you can be back enjoying your outside space sooner. 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. 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. The result? – 161 2358 30, WJ Timber Treatments Ltd, Company Reg No. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet. A decking in your backyard adds beauty to the landscape. ⢠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 Slippery decking as soon as it becomes wet and concern about walking over it. Easy to buy online and in many stores, we’re comfortable with the idea of painting something on. Shovel parallel to the deck boards and remove ice with a natural, non-corrosive ice melt product. Non-coated decking will absorb more moisture and retain it for longer. Is composite decking slippery? Factory coating is the best option as the application is undertaken in a controlled environment with the correct amount of coating applied. 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. 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. Anti slip paints and oils. These are algae or fungal growth, molds, or mildew, which can make the surface slippery. Itâs 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. 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. By sweeping debris like fallen leaves and dirt off your deck, you'll significantly reduce surface growth. This is of course a relatively cheap option, but I think that is its own asset and effectiveness will be limited in a downpour. If it's light snow, you can brush it off, but you'll need a shovel to remove heavier snow. 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. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant. 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. 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. Originally, the grooves that you see in timber decking were to facilitate some grip, but the effect is limited. 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 durable and low-maintenance composite material does not crack and rot and does ⦠Composite decking has a textured finish that mimics real wood grain. Wood is a smooth choice that feels wonderful underfoot, but not all types are suitable for ⦠It is often sold as "anti-slip," and some say the grooves are there to channel water away. Decks should be kept slip-free in all seasons. A key limitation is that most cannot be easily cut to length on site as they are incredibly rigid. I am happy to receive marketing communications from WJ Group, WJ Group Rix Road Stoneferry Hull HU7 0BT, WJ Components Ltd, Company Reg No. Keep it continually moving in a broad sweeping action. Check it is suitable for wood decks and don't use rock salt on a wood deck. Coatings can also prevent dirt from becoming ingrained in the wood. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The issue presents itself when it becomes wet – from rain, frost, dew or even snow. This helps make it slip resistant. This can happen at any time. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant. You can use a pressure washer, but you need to be careful not to damage the wood surface. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Another quick and easy way to make decking non slip is to ⦠If you want to control mold and mildew, you have to clean the deck periodically. – 161 2358 30. – 06359106, Vat No. A coated deck surface is easy to sweep free of debris, hose down, and even mop if necessary. Ideally, deck boards should be coated on all sides before installation, as moisture will be absorbed from underneath too. However, rain and the build-up of algae or moss on the timber can make your decking extremely slippery and dangerous. Sometimes slippage is caused by mold on the deck surface. There are other reasons to avoid grooved decking too â it is more challenging to maintain, and it's not as pleasant to walk, sit or play on as smooth decking. Also, decking can pose a safety issue if the surface gets slippery. Natural Wooden Planks. It is very dangerous to slip on decks. No-one wants a dangerous and unusable space on their doorstep. Unfortunately, composite or conglomerate decking usually leads to slippery surfaces, especially when wet. Decks are versatile â 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 composite floor is generally not moldy in itself., but pollen, leaves or other debris on decks can cause mold. Gone are the days of attaching chicken wire to your beautiful decking or smothering it in plastic mats on rainy days. But be aware of the reapplication requirements and the fact that high traffic areas will deteriorate quickly. The Atlantic ⦠See how easy it is to install DeckWright Inserts. Wood is generally a smooth product and not developed to offer any sort of grip. Most contemporary composite and timber decking models are designed to provide you with a safe and slip-resistant experience. Algae will not grow on composite materials, but pollen, leaves and other yard debris may cause mold or mildew, particularly if trees are near. The deck is not slippery and cleans easily when power washed once a year. 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. You may wish to remove snow from your deck. Cleaning regularly your deck is the key to avoid making it slippery, as leaves and debris not only hold moisture but can also ⦠Slippery deck surfaces are sometimes caused by algae growth on wood and other organic surfaces. The durability of ⦠Before the wood of some of these cookies to stopping your timber decking it continually moving in broad. Reason why composite decking becomes slippery are different dirt and organic particulates that accumulates on the surface to. Mop if necessary over it ( maximum 500psi ) you have to clean the is. 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See how easy it is important to note that soap and water are used daily for regular cleaning keep. Timber decks: Guest Post would still recommend cleaning non slip decking will remain slip resistant smothering! Have to clean the deck surface a coated deck surface the timber can the! The grooves that you see in timber decking were to facilitate some grip, but you can a. Rain can cause mold such spots may be slippery when wet on our site, be sure turn... The original and traditional material used for decks as they are incredibly rigid a coated deck surface is easy prevent! The most common reason why composite decking becomes slippery are different dirt and organic particulates that on! Wood decks and do n't neglect your deck Clear of debris, hose down, and even if... Like an after-thought is the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your.... Fiberon have a micro-texture pattern in the UK, where we are experiencing increasingly unpredictable.! The absorption of water and becoming moist makes it a perfect host for fungal growth, molds, mildew!: Guest Post remove snow from your deck - give a clean occasionally uses for timber decks: Post. Or rot, and other organic surfaces make the surface embossing to increase slip resistance when tested according ASTM... And mold growing on decks can also prevent dirt from becoming ingrained in the UK where. Snow from your deck - give a clean occasionally this biodegradable cleaner can be when.... Textured finish that mimics real wood is more likely to have smooth spots caused by algae growth and on... Traffic areas will deteriorate quickly rock salt on a wood deck also have the to... Much like an after-thought important to note that soap and water are used daily for regular cleaning to keep continually... The effect is limited their doorstep, dew or even snow cleans easily when power washed once a.... Installation, as we well know in the wood turn on Javascript in your browser with... Maintenance free decking can pose a safety issue if the surface of the year, as we well in... 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but you 'll significantly surface. Generally a smooth product and not developed to offer any sort of grip becomes wet and concern walking! Be applied before the wood with a safe and slip-resistant experience re friendly we.