When purchasing composite decking, one of the most common contentions is whether the decking is too slippery to walk on. Make Your Composite Deck Slip-Resistant – Utilize the Factors Such as the Composition of the Boards to Ensure a Safe and Secure Outdoor Living Space.
Which decking is most slippery?
We can determine the factors that cause a deck to become anti-slip in a similar process to finding out the likelihood of slipping on a deck. One choice that fairs with a lot of unfortunate instances of accidents caused due to slippery surfacing is a timber deck. Due to a deck’s continual exposure to weathering, this can cause a build up of moisture within the creases of the deck boards. Those who own timber wood decking can attest to the boards becoming a breeding ground for algae, moss and mildew, which is known as one of the main contributors to a slippery deck.
What makes composite decking non-slip?
Now we all know nothing is 100% non-slip. That is why we are transparent with you in saying that composite decking boards are ‘slip-resistant’ and not ‘slip-proof’, and we suggest if you come across a company that claims to be completely non-slip, we know what the answer is here.
Another vital factor of ensuring that your boards are slip resistant is the laying position of the decking boards. This is crucial for the bearing of slip resistance on your decking, and upon vigorous testing each finish, we were able to conclude that there is a difference between the horizontal and vertical positioning of the boards. A key suggestion that we know helps reduce the slippiness of a board is laying the decking in the opposite direction to the flow of foot traffic, such as if you step out onto a deck directly from your garden door, the decking should be facing horizontally (sideways) for better grip.
Please consider the laying position of your deck BEFORE laying it during your pre-installation process.
In comparison to timber materials, which ultimately consume the algae build up, the composite decking material make-up creates more resistance towards the growing mildew which can provide you with a little bit more of an affirmation that your decking would not cause injury or any accidents, also upkeeping the consistency of anti-slip throughout the deck life.
Let’s get a little technical. Composite decking must comply with the HSE standard of ‘Low Potential for Slip’ which Deckorum adheres to with its plastic and wood composition of the decking, meaning that it is very resistant to growth which therefore impacts the anti-slip quality of the board. Composite boards must be extensively tested for its Slip Resistance Value (SRV), meaning that the results of the coefficient of friction must be over 36 to determine a low slip prospect.
The texture of the deck boards also aids in the slip resistance of your decking. With a textured surface, this creates grip for foot traffic and garden furniture, and it is also suitable for children and their furry friends! You also wouldn’t have to concern yourself with the likelihood of slipping on a timber deck after leaving the pool, as Deckorum’s composite decking boards have an embossed 3 dimensional engraving as opposed to our competitors that offer merely a print of a wood grain board.
Maintaining your anti-slip deck
To maintain your composite decking’s slip resistant texture, it is crucial that you clean any debris from the deck gaps so that there is no effect on the Slip Resistance Value (SRV). Keeping the standing water to a minimum is also important to lower the impact it could have on an anti-slip deck. To do this, you or your fitter must create a drainage channel so that the water can flow off, of the deck, which means potentially creating an incline. For those cold winter months, dried ice on the deck and snow can also be a slip factor, avoid this with rock salt to melt the snow/ice and use a brush to wipe it off after it has loosened.
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