Reduce Slip, Trip & Falls On Trex And Synthetic Wood Decks

It’s not wood, so it shouldn’t be expanding and moving the same, right? It actually moves more AND more unexpectedly than wood decks.

We purchased our current home, as new, nearly 18 years ago. It came with a deck that was made with early type (uncapped?) composite decking. The spindles and posts were also made of the same material. The home builder was so impressed by the product he wished that he had used it for the large deck, he had recently built, on his own home. I was excited about having something touted as being “maintenance free.” Over the years I have power washed it to keep the vegetation (moss? algae?) at bay. For the most part it has held up well and we have enjoyed the deck.

How To Prevent Slippery Wood Deck Surfaces

First, you could use heavy rubber mats, like the ones used in commercial kitchens, in the most highly trafficked areas. Second, you could apply our Grit Tape to the most slippery areas. Grit tape will definitely improve traction, but it’s obviously going to be very visible because it is black. Both are imperfect solutions, but they just might save a slip or fall that sends a loved one to the hospital. Anti-slip mats are very useful on decks wherever slips are likely including next to hot tubs, outsider doors and on landings.

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. 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. Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery. With composite decking, you don’t have to worry about this problem.

Decking & Railing Duos

Synthetic wood continues to grow in popularity, especially for use on backyard decks and other outdoor structures. Also known as composite lumber or synthetic decking, synthetic wood is typically made of wood shavings that are bound together by a glue and pressure, much like pressed wood. These planks are then sheathed in plastic or a compound containing a combination of plastic, resin and wood fiber. The quality of the sheathing often determines how much or little moisture the synthetic wood board will absorb and thus how susceptible it might be to slip and fall conditions. Composite decking can also get a little slippery in the moisture climate, please create a dry space room to install the composite decking.

Clear Leaves And Debris From Your Deck:

Both products feature a “cap,” which is an extra, added layer of protection that helps make them more durable and longer-lasting. When did you purchase the home and was the deck recently done. If there is mold, you will have a problem with virtually all warranties. I returned all the uncut boards to the lumber yard for credit.

This is an unavoidable process that happens due to UV rays, weathering, and high foot traffic. Severe scratches and deep gouges are common issues with composite deck products. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant.

Sunlight will fade the color of a plastic deck board and eventually cause its surface to turn chalky. "A redwood-color deck can become too hot to walk on barefoot," says Cynthia Kravitz, vice president of Phoenix Recycled Plastics. "When you hose it down, though, the heat dissipates instantly." The biggest advantage to using all-plastic decking is that it needs virtually no maintenance. It can't absorb moisture and so isn't vulnerable to decay because it's made entirely from recycled polyethylene or virgin PVC.

Don’t forget to sweep away the falling leaves and other large garbage, creating a clean composite decking board. You can click this article to know how to clean composite decking. Totally, clean composite decking is less slippery, with natural wood texture surface. Ideally, you can use the pressure washer to brush the decking floor. Extra traction and slip-resistance are provided by the basic cleaning and maintenance work. All types of decking will get slippery when icy, but composite decking seems to worsen in winter than natural wood.

Some composite decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb. Just like the mold, this issue is unpredictable and hard to understand which decking will have problems and which will not. If you are looking for a little more slip resistance for your high foot traffic areas, then apply anti-slip strips. Some products are typically formulated either with sand or aggregate mixed into resin or paint. Molds do not grow on composite decks, but pollen, leaves or other debris on decks can cause mold. It is important to note that soap and water are used daily for regular cleaning to keep the decking clean.

Scrub Away The Algae With A Homemade Solution

• This does not only apply with composite decking but also for other outdoor surfaces as well.
• There are some composite decking products that are designed to reduce slipping.
• During winter, when composite decking becomes wet, water can get into the crevices and grooves of the surface which hardens into ice.
• Uneven surfaces caused by a bad installation work can collect water at some portions of the decking which can harden into a big chunk of ice.

One great way to do this is by making your own algae-killing solution at home. Now we’ve discussed ways to prevent your deck from becoming slippery. But what should you do if your deck is already a slick hazard that’s waiting to make someone fall?

To clean off dirt or spilled food, simply hose off the boards or wash them with soap and water. Mildew can be scrubbed off with a deck cleaner or detergent that contains bleach. Plus, plastic decking can be thinner and lighter than wood or composite decking.

Thoughts On the Problems With Composite Decking

are slip and fall accidents, and as we brace ourselves for the winter, we . Rock salt and calcium chloride are safe to use on composite decks but. With winter upon us and snow and ice everywhere you should be aware how to . snow and ice on a PVC or composite deck is a calcium chloride-based “ice melt. Traction on slippery surfaces is a plus and a huge safety factor but the sand.