Whether your home already has a deck or you plan to install one, safety remains the top priority for your outdoor living space. During the process of choosing the best material to build your deck with, you might ask, “Is composite decking slippery when wet?” While all decking materials can develop a slick surface when wet, you can prevent slips and falls by making informed decisions about the deck brand, style, and installation.
As a top-rated composite decking contractor in San Antonio, TX, our team at All Pro Decks & Patios explains how slippery composite decking is and how you can keep your deck safe with professional installation.
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Why Is My Composite Deck Slippery?
If you’ve recently stepped out on your composite deck and wondered why it felt a little slippery, the problem could originate from many sources. From unsavory weather conditions to composite decks built with older materials, a number of factors contribute to a slippery deck.
Little to No Texture
Composite deck manufacturers use whorls, ridges, and other textures to help shoes gain traction as they cross the boards. These textures often look similar to natural wood grains and knots so your deck maintains an organic appearance.
If your composite deck doesn’t have this texturing, or if years of use have caused it to degrade, your boards may become slippery during rain or snow. Trusted composite decking brands like Deckorators place warranties on their boards to protect homeowners against faulty texture designs.
Dirt and Debris Accumulation
Leaves, dirt, and other natural debris can accumulate quickly on any deck. Neglecting to remove debris quickly enough can lead to mold or algae development, which can cause respiratory problems besides a slippery surface. Keeping your composite deck clear of any debris reduces the chances of plant or fungi growth.
Ice or Snow
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Anything coated in ice or snow ends up slippery, including your composite decking. If you have ice or snow build-up on your deck, use a non-metal shovel to scrape away the excess. Don’t try to chip away at thick, frozen layers, as this could accidentally damage the composite boards beneath.
Older Generation
Composite board technology has improved in recent years, with each new model proving more durable and less slippery than the ones before. Early generation boards had little texture, leaving them vulnerable to slippery surfaces. Modern generations of composite decking contain more anti-slip measures, including more textures that prevent slips and falls.
How to Prevent a Slippery Composite Deck
Keeping your deck safe starts by ensuring a slip-resistant surface. Learn how you can prevent a slippery composite deck with the tips below.
Choose Boards with Texture
When choosing your composite boards, look for ones that have plenty of texture to provide a good grip during wet or dry weather. Many of these textures include grooves and whorls similar to natural wood, while others go for a more man-made look. Whichever you choose, the most important feature consists of a non-slip surface that contributes to your and your guests’ safety.
Remove Surface Water
Most people ask, “Is composite decking slippery when wet?” want to know if rain causes composite boards to become slick and unsafe. Because composite decks resist moisture, water tends to pond up between the textured surfaces of the boards. You can use a broom to sweep away excess water and ensure that your deck maintains as much traction as possible, regardless of the weather.
Establish Proper Drainage
Proper composite deck installation leaves room between the boards for water to drain, ensuring that water won’t pool on your deck. Some decks have a drainage system beneath them to transfer drained water away from the home’s foundation. If you notice water accumulating on your deck, sweep it off and call a professional deck company to see if you can improve your deck’s drainage.
When you have a deck installed by All Pro Decks, our team ensures proper drainage during construction so you never have to worry about this particular problem.
Clear Ice and Snow Properly
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While you can use a non-metal shovel to scrape away snow or ice build-up, the best way to avoid this problem is to ensure it doesn’t occur in the first place. Composite decking sometimes scratches from abrasive materials, but salt lacks the strength to damage your boards. Pouring rock salt on your composite deck keeps snow from icing over and helps melt ice or snowy layers.
Once the salt melts the ice and snow, use a non-metal shovel to carefully remove it. Only use rock salt sparingly so you don’t harm nearby plant life.
Keep Your Deck Clean
Make cleaning your deck a regular part of your seasonal routine. Pressure wash composite boards to remove build-up or debris, and regularly sweep to keep dust from accumulating. Not only will a cleaner deck resist water, ice, and snow better, but you’ll increase the lifetime of your composite boards.
Top Brands for Beautiful Non-Slip Composite Deck
Deckorators remains the best brand for non-slip composite decks. With multiple options for colors, patterns, and textures, homeowners can find the perfect composite decking boards when they order materials from Deckorators. Deckorator composite boards withstand excessive water exposure, making them a great choice for hot tubs, spas, or pools.
Other popular composite board brands include Trex, Fiberon, and Timber Tech, each of which offers various board colors and textures. Whatever brand you choose, you can rely on your composite deck to deliver a safe, slip-resistant surface with professional installation and routine maintenance.
Build a Safe Composite Deck with All Pro Decks & Patios
When you build a new deck for your home, you want to ensure that you, your family, and your guests will experience a safe, slip-free surface regardless of the activities taking place. Homeowners concerned about wild weather or watery entertainments like pools or hot tubs often ask, “Is composite decking slippery when wet?” With proper installation and care, your composite deck should remain slip-resistant regardless of the weather conditions or splashed water.
As a Deckorators Certified Pro Elite Contractor,All Pro Decks & Patios can help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams, complete with customized design and professional construction. Our expert builders know how to design and build safe, slip-resistant composite decks that look great and last for years. Learn about our custom deck designs and our professional comparison of decking materials by scheduling an appointment or calling All Pro Decks & Patios in San Antonio, TX, at (210) 801-9093.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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