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If you are considering installing a composite deck, you may be wondering if it is slippery when wet. This is a valid question, as no one wants to slip and fall while enjoying a summer BBQ on their new deck. The answer to this question depends on the brand of composite decking that you choose. Some composite decks are more slippery than others when they get wet. It is important to do your research before making a purchase so that you can choose a brand that will meet your needs and expectations. We will discuss the issue of deck slipperiness and provide information on some of the most popular brands of composite decking.
Composite decking is generally made from a combination of wood and plastic. This material can be slippery when wet, especially if it does not have an anti-slip coating or finish. However, the slipperiness of the deck depends on the specific brand that you choose. Some composite decks are designed to be slip-resistant, while others may require additional treatment in order to reduce their slip potential.
What Is a Composite Deck?
Composite decking is a fantastic blend of wood fibers and plastic, often made from recycled materials. Composite decking is a product that looks just like wood, but won’t rot or splinter due to insect damage. It’s also less prone to fading or warping when compared with regular wooden decking. Composite material isn’t absorbent which means it has a lower risk of slipping in wet conditions – making your outdoor space safe for all members of your family.
Reasons Why a Composite Deck Might Be Slippery
- Algae and Mold Growth: Composite decking that is moist, in shade, high humidity or rain-prone climates are especially susceptible to slippery surfaces caused by the growth of mold and algae. If left unattended, not only will these organisms discolor your deck but they can weaken its structural integrity as well. To avoid this issue altogether proactive maintenance must be taken now to ensure a safe and beautiful outdoor space.
- Poor Drainage: It is essential to ensure that your composite decking is installed properly and equipped with adequate drainage to avoid the risk of slipping. If not, water will accumulate on the surface, making it dangerously slippery as a result. By taking this precautionary step now you can enjoy an enjoyable outdoor experience without the worry of injury or accidents.
- Debris: To maintain safety, it’s essential to routinely clean your composite deck of leaves, dirt, and other pollutants. If layers of debris become too thick, this can make the surface slick when wet — a potentially hazardous situation! But with regular maintenance and cleaning, you’ll be able to prevent buildup on your deck and reduce any risks associated with slippery conditions.
- Snow and Ice: When temperatures drop, composite decks coated in snow or ice can become dangerously slippery. While shoveling the deck is an obvious solution to reduce slip-and-fall risks, it’s important to use the right tools and techniques so as not to harm the surface of your deck. Clearing away moisture before it has a chance to freeze will also help create a safe environment for you and your family.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the surface of a composite deck can become dull and worn from daily use, leading to an increased risk of slipping. But with proper maintenance and cleaning habits, you can minimize any wear or damage your deck may experience—but eventually, it may need sanding or refinishing to restore its texture for optimal safety.
- Smooth Surface: When it comes to composite decking, the safest way to go is with a textured surface. Texturing your composite deck not only enhances its appearance but reduces slipperiness that can occur when smooth surfaces are used. When shopping for composites, be sure you pick an option with a textured finish and keep yourself safe on the sundeck.
- Footwear: Slipping on composite decking is more likely when wearing high heels or smooth-soled shoes. To avoid this, it’s important to wear footwear with good traction – particularly after rainfall or if the surface contains debris. This will help ensure you stay safe and secure while walking on a composite deck.
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How To Make Composite Decking Less Slippery
- Clean the Deck: Keep your composite deck safe and secure with regular cleaning and maintenance. Start with a powerful deck cleaner solution to remove any dirt, grime, or algae residing on the surface area of the board – use a stiff-bristled brush for hard-to-reach areas. Then rinse away any remaining residue with a garden hose before allowing time for it to dry out completely. Taking these steps helps diminish slippery surfaces.
- Apply a Non-Slip Coating: To ensure the safety of you and your family, consider adding a non-slip coating to your composite decking. You can find coatings designed for this particular material and in an array of colors that match its hue. It’s crucial to select a product explicitly made for composites as well as follow the instructions from the manufacturer when applying it.
- Add Anti-Slip Tape: Increase the safety of your deck with anti-slip tape – especially in high-traffic areas, such as stairs and entryways. This textured tape ensures superior traction while its removable nature allows you to easily replace it whenever necessary.
- Install Traction Mats: Keep your deck safe and slip-free with traction mats! Tailored to fit in any high-traffic area, these mats are made of multiple sizes and materials to ensure a secure grip. Plus, they’re completely removable for easy cleaning whenever desired.
- Choose Textured Decking: When shopping for composite decking, it is essential to select a product with a textured surface that offers a reliable grip and minimizes slipperiness. This patterned surface can be invaluable in areas that experience heavy foot traffic or are commonly exposed to moisture, ensuring maximum safety and comfortability.
- Add Railings: Installing railings on a composite deck offers additional stability, minimizing the risk of slips and falls. These safeguards can be put up along stairs or in other high-traffic areas for secure grasping. To guarantee your family’s safety, it is essential to select a robust railing system that ensures long-lasting durability.
How To Apply Anti-Slip Coating or Finish on Your Composite Deck
Tools You Will Need:
Applying an anti-slip coating or finish to a composite deck can help reduce slipperiness and increase traction.
- A deck cleaner
- Stiff bristle brush
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Masking tape
- Anti-slip coating
- Non-slip additive
- Paint roller or brush
- A container for mixing the coating
Here are the steps to follow:
- Clean the Deck: Before applying the coating, it is crucial to cleanse your deck with a powerful cleanser and a firm-bristled brush. Subsequently, rinse off the deck using a garden hose and let it dry thoroughly.
- Sand the Surface: Sand your deck with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure that the coating adheres properly and creates a uniform finish. This will help you achieve an even, polished look for your outdoor space.
- Mask Off the Area: Adorn areas on the house, railing, or plants with masking tape to ensure that your chosen coating does not accidentally spread.
- Mix the Coating: Carefully combine the anti-slip coating following the manufacturer’s specifications. Make sure to mix thoroughly to guarantee a complete combination of components for maximum efficiency.
- Apply the Coating: Grab your brush or roller and start to evenly spread the coating in sections, taking extra care to make sure there are no clumps, drips, or runs. Don’t forget any stairs and other high-traffic areas – you must cover them all thoroughly! With this method, you can be confident that each inch of the deck is sealed with a protective layer for long-term durability.
- Add Texture: To make sure your coating is non-slip, it’s best to act quickly and sprinkle on an additive while the surface is still wet. Roll or brush this in evenly to create a textured finish. You should work expeditiously as it will dry out fast.
- Allow to Dry: To ensure a successful finish, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and let the coating dry completely. Depending on temperature and moisture levels this may take anywhere from several hours up to overnight.
- Apply a Second Coat (Optional): To ensure maximum protection and slip resistance, apply a second coat of anti-slip coating to the deck following the first layer. Doing so will provide additional safety for your surfaces.
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How To Maintain a Composite Deck
Maintaining a composite deck is important to ensure its longevity and overall appearance. Here are eight ways to maintain a composite deck:
- Regular Cleaning: To maintain a safe and clean deck, use a specially formulated cleaner along with a stiff bristle brush on regular basis. This will help to keep the dirt, grime, and mildew at bay while preventing any potential slipping hazards that may be caused by these substances.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: To maintain the appearance and integrity of your deck, refrain from using bleach, chlorine, or any other abrasive chemicals. These can strip away colorings and cause irreparable damage to the surface.
- Sweep Debris: To preserve the safety of those walking on your deck, it is essential to use a broom or leaf blower to oust any leaves, dirt, and other debris. This will ensure that organic material does not accumulate and create a slippery surface.
- Avoid Heat Sources: To prevent discoloration and damage to your deck, you must avoid placing hot items like grills or fire pits on its surface.
- Address Spills Immediately: It is essential to clean up any spills as soon as they occur to forestall staining or discoloration. For this purpose, use a gentle soap and water solution on the affected area.
- Trim Surrounding Vegetation: For an attractive deck that is free of debris, it’s crucial to prune any overhanging plants or trees. Not only will this give your outdoor space a tidy look, but it’ll also keep leaves and sticks from dripping onto the surface below – thus protecting its integrity and avoiding unattractive staining.
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly, it is important to inspect your deck for any visible signs of damage like splits or chipping. If you find any such indications, repair them quickly so that the situation does not worsen.
- Use Furniture Pads: Place furniture pads beneath the chairs and tables’ legs to avoid damaging your deck with scratches or dents.
Popular Composite Deck Brands Review
To help you make an informed decision when purchasing a composite deck, let’s take a look at some of the most popular brands and their ratings for slipperiness when wet:
1. Trek Decking
Known as one of the most durable and slip-resistant composite decks available, Trek Decking is rated as low-slip potential when wet.
Features
- Has a built-in anti-slip finish, which helps to reduce the risk of slips and falls when power washing or wet.
2. Azek Decking
Azek is another popular composite deck material with a low-slip potential when wet.
Features
- Has a textured finish, which helps to add grip and provide a more secure footing.
3. Timbertech Decking
Timbertech is known for its durable and slip-resistant composite decking. This material has a low-slip potential rating when wet.
Features
- Can be customized with a variety of colors, styles, and textures to suit any outdoor living space.
4. Veranda Decking
Veranda Decking is designed for long-lasting performance, but it does not have an anti-slip finish or coating to reduce slipperiness when wet.
Features
- Available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can find the perfect match for your outdoor living space.
These are just a few of the most popular brands of composite decks available. As you can see, some are more slip-resistant than others when wet. It is important to keep this in mind when making your purchase so that you can choose a brand that best meets your needs and expectations.
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Things To Look Out for When Shopping for Composite Decking
When shopping for composite decking, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose a product that is less likely to become slippery when wet. Here are seven things to look out for:
- Slip-Resistant Surface: When selecting composite decking, make sure to find one with a slip-resistant surface that can be achieved through the addition of textured finishes or an appropriate coating. These will not only improve traction but also ensure your safety on top of it.
- Material Composition: When selecting your decking, bear in mind the material composition as this can determine its slip resistance. Look for a blend of wood fiber and/or other materials that provide natural traction to keep you safe from slips or falls.
- Coefficient of Friction: Reach out to the manufacturer and inquire about the coefficient of friction (COF) for their decking products. The higher the COF, the more slip resistance you can expect from your product.
- Weather Resistance: Select composite decking that has been specifically crafted to be utilized outdoors, and will hold up against rain, snow, or other weather without becoming slick.
- Color Selection: If you’re looking to minimize slipperiness on your deck, darker shades are a great option. They tend to absorb more heat and effectively dry the surface of the decking, making it safer for family and friends alike.
- Maintenance Requirements: For a hassle-free exterior at your home, choose composite decking and keep up with regular maintenance. Clean it every once in awhile to avoid dirt or slime buildup that could make the surface slippery and dangerous. With minimal upkeep efforts, you can observe lasting beauty in your outdoor space.
- Warranty: Before settling on a product, make sure to peruse the manufacturer’s warranty with an eagle eye. Many warranties exclude slip and fall accidents from coverage, so it is key to read through all of the fine print to guard yourself against any surprise expenses.
Tips for Using and Enjoying Your Composite Deck Safely
- Always wear proper footwear with good traction when using your composite deck, especially when it is wet.
- Avoid using heavy furniture or equipment on your composite deck, as this can cause damage and increase the risk of slips and falls.
- Keep your composite deck clean and free of debris to prevent slips and falls.
- Use caution when grilling or cooking on your composite deck, as grease and hot surfaces can increase the risk of slips and falls.
- Make sure your composite deck is properly ventilated to prevent mold and mildew growth, which can make the surface slippery and hazardous.
- Check for loose boards or nails and replace them immediately to prevent tripping hazards.
- Use caution when walking on your composite deck during and after rain, snow, or ice storms, as the surface can become slippery.
- Consider installing handrails or other safety features on your composite deck to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Environmental Impact of Composite Decking
- Composite decking is a clever way to repurpose material and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, as it’s composed of recycled wood scraps and plastic bags.
- Compared to traditional wood decking, manufacturing composite decking requires less energy and emits fewer pollutants into the environment.
- By using composite decking, we can reduce the impact of harsh chemicals on our environment by eliminating regular staining and sealing.
- Composite decking is a durable, long-term solution with the potential to last up to 25 years – resulting in minimal replacement and waste.
- Reusing plastic from composite decking at the end of its lifespan is a great way to lessen the accumulation of plastic waste in our environment.
- By using composite decking, we can lessen deforestation and the need for natural wood decking. Together, let’s protect our planet and its resources!
- The use of composite decking can contribute to LEED certification for green building projects.
- Some composite decking products are manufactured using sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, making them a more eco-friendly choice for consumers.
FAQs
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
It can be, depending on the material it is composed of and the surface texture. To reduce slipping when wet, select a product with slip-resistant finishes or coatings, such as textured surfaces.
How can I make my composite decking less slippery?
You can reduce the hazard of slipping on your composite decking by applying a non-slip coating or finish, fixing anti-slip strips to the area, or using a combination of water and vinegar that will boost traction.
Is Trex decking slippery when wet?
Wet Trex decking can be a slippery hazard unless it is regularly cleaned and treated with an anti-slip coating.
Is composite wood slippery when wet?
When wet, composite wood decking can become exceptionally slippery – particularly if the surface is smooth or has not been treated with a non-slip coating or finish.
Is vinyl decking slippery when wet?
Vinyl decking can be particularly hazardous when wet as it often has a smooth texture or lacks any form of slip-resistant coating. To avoid potential slipping and falling, be sure to treat the surface with an appropriate finish.
Does composite decking get slippery in the winter?
Winter weather can cause composite decks to become dangerously slick if snow or ice isn’t already cleared from the surface. To keep you and your family safe, it’s essential to regularly clear away any accumulation of snow or ice as well as use a non-corrosive deicer product that won’t harm the decking material. With these simple precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space all year long.
Conclusion
Composite decking can be slippery when wet, but with the right precautions such as wearing proper footwear and applying a non-slip finish to the surface, it can be enjoyed safely. Composite decking is also environmentally friendly due to its reduced energy consumption during manufacturing and ability to repurpose recycled materials. These advantages help make composite decking an attractive choice for homeowners looking for an eco-friendly option.
