Is composite decking slippery?

When it comes to building materials for outdoor spaces, traditional wood is a good choice. The new composite decking material looks very nice and is more durable. But more people are hesitant about it because many homeowners think composite deck materials are very slippery. So is composite decking slippery? In the next article, we will discuss composite decking slip resistance and how to make composite decking less slippery.

Is composite decking slippery

The composite decking material is a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic. Making it a perfect alternative to traditional wood. Its plastic component easily resists water damage, rot, and insect damage, making it an economical alternative. While composite materials offer the best slip resistance of any building material. But you may still need some maintenance and care to ensure composite decking slip resistance.

Factors that affect composite decking slip resistance

It is important to note that even the most slip-resistant decking can become very slippery under certain conditions. In general, composite decking is more resistant to slippage in wet conditions than traditional wood. However, the following factors can affect the slip resistance of a composite deck surface

Water on the deck surface

Water accumulation is one of the most important factors that can cause a deck to become slippery. Although the wood fibers in composite decking materials will absorb water, some water will remain on the surface of the deck. This can lead to a decrease in the slip resistance of the deck.

Dirt and debris

Over time, some dirt and debris can build up on the deck, and the accumulation of dirt over time can cause safety problems for you and your family. Not only does this make the deck look unclean, but it can also promote the growth of mold and algae. Another important reason why outdoor decks become slippery is the buildup of mold. While mold cannot grow naturally on composite decking, it will grow on fallen leaves, pollen, and dirt. When this debris and debris is left on the deck, it is possible for this mold to grow on the surface of the composite deck, resulting in a smoother surface.

Winter

During the harsh winter months, you can’t avoid a smooth deck no matter what materials are used. When both water and ice collect on the surface of your composite deck boards, it can cause the deck to freeze, creating a slicker surface. Trying to remove snow and ice from the surface of your deck can be difficult and can damage your deck. To prevent this from happening, you can use ice melt to melt the snow and ice from the surface of composite deck boards. Or use a plastic shovel to remove ice from the deck.

Old composite deck

Composite decking has evolved to have the same grip as solid wood. However, for the older composite decks before, they may not be as slip resistant. For example, older decks would be covered with a plastic sheet, which did not provide any traction.

Also, the durability of the older composite decks is not very good. Rot, mold, and rain can be sealed inside the plastic shell until the deck slowly rots.

Many manufacturers have identified this problem and made adjustments. They have added more texture and pattern to the deck’s surface. This helps increase the deck’s slip resistance and effectively reduces the growth rate of mold and algae.

How to make composite decking less slippery

If you think your composite deck board is very slippery, there are some simple steps you can take to change the situation and prevent it from happening again.

Clean up regularly

Although mold cannot grow naturally on the surface of a composite deck, any surface water and dirt can be a breeding ground for mold and algae. Moisture can accelerate the growth of mold. Therefore, we recommend that you clean and sweep the deck regularly and remove any surface water. It is best to sweep the deck once a week to prevent leaves, debris, and dirt from accumulating on the surface. By cleaning regularly, you can effectively avoid the growth of mold and save the cost of buying expensive mold removal products.

Deep Cleaning

A thorough cleaning twice a year can effectively prevent the growth of moss and mold on the surface of your deck. It’s easy to clean with a hose, deck brush, and cleaner, and doing so will keep your deck from slipping for most of the year. For some hard-to-remove dirt, you can use a pressure washer to clean it. It is important to note that you should not use the washer more than twice a year. Too much cleaning may cause wear and tear on the deck surface.

Maintain proper drainage of the deck

You need to have the deck properly installed and make sure the composite decking can drain properly. Make sure the middle of each deck is clean so that water can drain to the ground in a timely manner. This will prevent water from collecting on the surface of the composite decking and grow mold and mildew.

Anti-slip coating for composite decking

If you want to get to the root of the problem of non-slip decking, you can apply an additional protective coating to the surface of composite decking. The anti-slip coating can effectively improve composite decking slip resistance. make sure the deck is clean and spotless before starting the project, then apply it with a roller or brush. Once dry, you will have a more slip-resistant outdoor deck.

Non-slip mats for composite decking

If you don’t want to make permanent changes to your deck, then consider adding non-slip mats to your deck. Cover the top of the composite deck with them to prevent slips and falls. And you can always remove them to enjoy the original outdoor deck.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you choose composite decks as your building material, then you don’t have to worry about it being very slippery. However, in some specific cases, it may form a smooth surface. Therefore it is very important to keep the surface of your deck clean and clear. Even if your deck appears to be very slippery, there are ways you can avoid and prevent it. Regular cleaning, deep cleaning, and anti-slip mats can effectively prevent and avoid the problem of your deck becoming slippery and can provide you with a safer outdoor living space.