One great way to do this is by making your own algae-killing solution at home. But it can get even worse in winter. 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. flakesmeangreen: What’s the safest ice control to use on wooden decks? Debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt holds moisture against the deck, creating the right environment for algae to get a foothold. You don’t even have to scrub the algae off with this solution. I prefer the EdenProducts Heavy-Duty Anti-Slip Traction Tape. It is these deposits that cause slipperiness in wet weather on any outdoor surface; even stone flags. 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. 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. You might have noticed that there’s a small gap between each of your decking boards. 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). Mix it together. 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. There are several reasons why your deck could be getting so slick, and they can even work with each other to compound your issue and make your deck even slicker. Long wear, appearance and low maintenance are among the reasons … It’s very easy to apply and extremely durable once it has cured. As the algae and mold grow, they create even more moisture, which can help grow more algae, or it can turn into ice. First, the debris of all kinds starts to fall onto your porch, blown by the wind from nearby trees, plants, and more. 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. 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! What is the best anti slip decking paint? You can use a brush, roller, or even a sprayer. Not to worry! 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. Either way, it’s an issue that needs solving. Now we’ve discussed ways to prevent your deck from becoming slippery. You can make the solution yourself or buy a pre-made formula. Unfortunately, composite or conglomerate decking usually leads to slippery surfaces, especially when How to Prevent Slippery Wood Deck Surfaces. To prevent this, simply clear out the spaces between decking boards to ensure they can drain properly. 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. This includes dirt, pollen, leaves, and anything else that tends to build up on your deck. For a low deck, you may be able to replace the connectors yourself. One easy solution is to use rolled roofing or shingles on your steps to add plenty of traction and grip. You don’t have to run out during a snowstorm and shovel it off as it lands, but head out the next morning and remove the snow from the deck. 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. These are an especially great choice on slippery deck steps. Some decks can be slippery even when they’re not wet. Moreover, they’re built to withstand many years of adverse weather conditions and won’t get damaged by sun, rain, or wind. After the second coat dries, you’re all done! Not everyone is up for the DIY approach of my first suggestion, so instead, you can opt for the store-bought solution that kills algae, mildew, and mold. Ask Your Own Home Improvement Question. Mats can also be used to cover the entire deck, giving you a complete solution that anti-slip tape or anti-skid strips. 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. My porch and deck stairs get slippery in the winter with freezing rain, ice, and snow. Yes, the biggest problem of winter, heavy snow. When you see leaves and dirt building up, it’s a good idea to remove them and prevent the moisture buildup from occurring. Slippery Deck? To apply non-slip paint to your deck, you’ll first need to wash your deck thoroughly and allow it to dry so that the paint has a clean surface to stick to. Now your slippery deck problems are done! Thus, you'll want to use an ice melt for wood steps as well as your deck. While in the midst of brutal winter storms, your deck is probably not your first priority but still will need to be made passable and safe until the spring weather and warmer temperatures make it your favorite place once again. You can even add detergent or other cleaning solutions to your pressure washer to get even more out of it. The best decking paints. By performing certain regular maintenance to your deck, you can greatly reduce or even eliminate the chances of your deck getting slippery this year. While this might look great, it’s not the best choice when it comes to providing traction and grip. It’s dead-simple. Cuprinol 2.5 Litre Garden Shades. 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. Since you need to seal or stain your deck after a good cleaning to prevent damage, you can easily make your deck non-slip when you add one extra step. 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. And you can’t use salt to get rid of the ice because the salt will destroy your decking. Or maybe buying it from a store seems too expensive. I’ve had good luck with several of these methods, but my favorite was adding sand to a deck paint. 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. 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. All the above ideas are great but next time you need to replace the steps use the new recycle plastic wood. 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. A slippery deck can be a real liability. 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. 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. After applying your sealer or stain, you’ll simply add sand to it. Ice forms underneath the snow, so if you remove the snow, it’s much more difficult for ice to form in the first place. So what now? Winter weather is typically wet, and wet timber is a breeding ground … It should be a very simple process. With decks, it's best to shovel early and often to prevent ice buildup. These PlowSite members discuss their experiences with deicing wood decks. To protect your decking and ensure it doesn’t get more damage from the elements, you’ll want to seal your deck once you’re finished removing the algae. These coatings are very easy to apply. However, I wouldn’t recommend jumping to this solution first all the time. While non-slip paints and varnishes work well in the short term, they tend to start flaking off before long. Maybe you like the idea of making your own non-slip paint with sand, but you don’t want to paint your deck. This site uses cookies to provide and improve your shopping experience. The only problem with mats is that they can hold water against your decking material. Apply the sealer or stain first. On the other hand, this is a permanent addition that won’t go anywhere and only takes a few minutes to install. Slippery deck surfaces are sometimes caused by algae growth on wood and other organic surfaces. I am thinking sand, but not sure if that will harm the paint that is on the stairs. Algae will not grow on composite materials, but pollen, leaves and other yard debris may cause mold or mildew, particularly if trees are near. Ice melt for wood decks: Make sure deicer products are designed for your type of deck (wood or composite decking). These mats are a great temporary solution to get you safely through the winter months and, though they’re not the prettiest of options, they’re ideal for the colder seasons when you’re spending less time in the garden. Anti-slip inserts can fit over your deck boards and stick into the cracks between boards to hold them down. When snow falls on your deck, it can create big problems. Learn how to prevent and treat a slippery outdoor deck at Decks.com. They’re super durable and can withstand any weather conditions. Treat Your Deck With a Waterproof Coating, EdenProducts Heavy-Duty Anti-Slip Traction Tape. 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. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock. Simply take whatever paint you plan to use and add sand at a ratio of 4:1 paint to sand. A Cost-Effective Solution. Once you’ve brushed it off, take a hose and do a final rinse to ensure that you’ve removed everything. 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. But not everyone wants to put that much time and energy into their deck. However, there’s still no 100% anti-slip composite decking. Instead, a better remedy for a slippery deck in winter may be grip strip tape. Fortunately, composite decking is much more durable and easier to care for in the winter than traditional wood. Currently unavailable. But they all provide tons of traction that doesn’t diminish when they’re wet. Slips and falls can be expensive! If this sounds like you and you don’t want to wait 30 minutes for the solution to take effect or you don’t want to sweep the algae off the deck with a broom, then you might try a power washer instead. If you prefer the look of stain or even just a natural wood finish, there’s still a way to create your own non-stick surface using sand and either a deck stain or sealer. Shingles and rolled roofing both have a very rough surface that will provide plenty of traction. You can use a roller or brush and apply it to your deck the way you’d apply any other type of paint. The INSL-X Sure Step is specifically meant for high-traffic areas like decks, porches, and stairs. We’ve also added a bonus option at the end for long-term slippery deck prevention. ... composite decking slippery winter - Outside Wpc Deck Snow and Ice Removal on Composite Decks. Next, you’re going to apply an additional coat of paint to your deck, but this time with no sand in it. Treat your slippery deck before Icy weather. You simply paint them on like any other type of coating or paint. Why decking becomes slippery. Once you apply the stain or sealer, you can’t walk on it until it’s dry. Now we know exactly why the deck gets so slick. Like the idea of non-slip paint, but prefer a DIY approach? That’s four parts paint for each part sand. Then, using a mop or a sprayer, coat the entire deck in your solution. One of my favorite non-slip paints is the INSL-X Sure Step. If you want to benefit from this improved service, please opt-in. Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. Mats just lay on top of your decking and provide plenty of traction. 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. That’s it! 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. Get Price Free Sample Contact. Make Less Slippery - Click Here. Whenever the dirt and debris build up on your deck, these drainage spaces can fill up, preventing the water from draining properly. Just make sure you get an even coating everywhere. Arnold Laver Co Ltd , Registered in England. Use a stiff broom, and remove debris before it gets wet, when possible. This will allow you to get an even spread. This works great for roads and driveways, but the salt can wreak havoc on your decking material and destroy it prematurely. Keep in mind, anti-skid strips are a bit raised, so they can present a small tripping hazard. I know rock salt isn’t good for it, but I don’t know what is. The 2012 Trex recommendation of painting first-generation Trex decks with enamel paint with grit additive makes sense to us. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And I’ll try to respond to any comments or questions in the comments box below as quickly as I can. Just sink a couple of screws into each strip and your stairs will have tons of traction! 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. 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. Just head out once the sun shows its face again and sweep up any mess that has blow onto your deck during the storm. Thanks. This can cause them to prematurely age and rot. 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. 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. One of my favorite mold, mildew, algae, and moss removers, is the Wet&Forget solution. Allow it to sit for 20 or 30 minutes so that it can kill the algae and mold. Best decking paint: enjoy freshly coloured decking with all the benefits of a non-slip coating. Once you move them, your deck is the same as it was before. By Kevin Ann Reinhart Decks should be kept slip-free in all seasons. Just stick two screws in each one and you’re done! That’s a lot of bang for your buck! Some people prefer instant gratification. Well, there are two approaches to preventing a slippery deck. This is best attempted by doing small sections at a time, about two feet by two feet. • 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 will prevent the water from every accumulating and do wonders to curb your slippery deck problems. After you apply it, allow ample time for it to dry. Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint. My deck looked brand new and slipping was no longer a hazard! Is composite decking anti-slip? But weather conditions aren’t always perfect, and the adverse weather can turn your deck into a slippery mess that can be potentially dangerous. In areas that experience snow and frigid temperatures, decks may be inaccessible. 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. Install Shingles or Rolled Roofing on Slippery Steps, 11. Clean your Deck Annually This is perhaps the most important step in preventing a slippery deck surface. My wife recently slipped and injured her back so I want to ensure this doesn't happen again. It’s extremely effective at killing and removing all algae, mold, and more. First, you must add the sand while the sealer or stain is still wet. You can use a small putty knife or screwdriver between the boards to dislodge anything that might be filling up the spaces. This is best left for the major once or twice a year cleanings that will restore your deck to its former glory. 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. Slippery decks can be a hazard at any time of year, but winter weather can aggravate an already dangerous situation. Limit the power washing and thorough cleaning to once or twice each year to avoid prematurely wearing out your decking. Firmtread Anti Slip Coat. Is Composite Decking Slippery in the Winter? Also, remember to push snow parallel to your deck boards. It’s made durable to hold up to regular abuse and foot traffic. We sweep the insides of our homes regularly to prevent the dirt and mess from building up. Painting or staining your deck can be a lot of work and it can completely change the looks of your deck. Installing a specially-designed anti-slip deck will eliminate the need for all of the above preventative measures. When this happens, you’ll get water pooling and excess moisture that can lead to a slick deck surface in the near future. Pressure washing can actually damage your deck if done too much. Mould. This makes it very difficult to dry since the air can’t reach it beneath the debris and mess. You can buy outdoor rubber grip matting as a quick and easy way to make decking non-slip. 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. Wood and composite decking will react differently to deicing than the property’s concrete or stone sidewalks. 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. Then, using the spreader, evenly apply the sand to the stained area and move on to the next section. 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.