Slippery Composite Decking Like most materials, composite decking has undergone an evolution, getting progressively better over time. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. TimberTech maintains its color and elegance for years without the need of annual painting or staining. These are algae or fungal growth, molds, or mildew, which can make the surface slippery. Composite decking is maintenance free Decking can get especially slippery in damp environments. Lastly, if you’re looking for a little extra slip resistance for high traffic areas, steps or other areas of concern, consider a marine grade anti-slip product, such as Rust-Oleum Marine Anti-Slip Additive. And it resists mildew, warping and insects, removing the need to replace rotting, uneven or termite-damaged boards. Most brands of composite decking have textured finishes to make them slip-resistant. This gives plastic wood decking an advantage over other decking materials. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant. Water absorption also led to problems with mold and mildew, making the deck even more slippery. For composite decking, use warm water and a non-bleach dish soap with a regular kitchen sponge to get rid of any substances. Promptly sweeping leaves from your deck – particularly after storms and rain – will prevent the buildup of moisture on the deck surface and the growth of mold, mildew, and algae. | Slip Resistant decking Composite decking is made from a combination of recycled wood and pe/pvc. Here is a comprehensive article on how to make your Trex decking less slippery . When the weather is nice, your deck becomes a hub of activity, the perfect place to entertain friends and family outdoors. Our composite decking boards are incredibly low-maintenance, and only require a sweep with a stiff brush to remove any debris from the surface. Ask a Question, how to make your Trex decking less slippery, Some are made in part with eco-friendly recyclables, like bamboo, Can be more expensive per-foot than natural wood, Some brands with a smooth cap are slippery, especially when wet, Some brands look “fake” and are not as attractive as natural wood, Can be prone to algae, mold or mildew, if the composite absorbs water. List of the Cons of Composite Decking. MacLumber, headquartered in Bamberg SC, is a manufacturer and supplier of plastic lumber used for decking and other outdoor areas. Algae is the top cause of a slippery deck, and the ⦠These areas may be slippery when wet. Whether your deck is made of natural wood or composite decking material, each can be just as slippery as the other under the conditions described above. Fiberon Paramount Decking has a high slip resistance when tested according to ASTM F 1679 with a dry/wet rating of.85/.82. Afterwards, scrub the deck boards with a scrub brush attached to a wood or broom handle (this makes the process much easier and faster). However, we would still recommend cleaning non slip decking to keep it looking its best. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant. Water and ice accumulation from rain and snow may create slippery conditions on any deck surface. A deck is an extension of your living space. The right ice and snow melts can help prevent scratches and slippery surfaces on your composite deck. If you leave your decking untreated, it can become incredibly sleek and can cause dangerous slips and falls. Their best-known product is called NyloDeck; not made of wood nor PVC, but instead recycled carpet fiber. The cost of composite decking is a significant factor to consider. Install Shingles or Rolled Roofing on Slippery Steps. TimberTech also offers a 25-year warranty coverage, and that warranty can be transferred to a second homeowner. One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet. Composite decking has an anti-slip or non-slip surface that makes you stay standing even when it is wet. Slippery decks can be a hazard at any time of year, but winter weather can aggravate an already dangerous situation. Install a Non-slip Deck. TimberTech®, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Wilmington OH, is a leading manufacturer. These products tended to absorb moisture, making them easy to slip on. Easier said than done, we know, but itâs so worth it. I know that not all composites are like that and some that are textured, that have a grain pattern to them, are not going to be as slippery. Often the stairs leading up to a deck provide an emergency entrance and exit to the home and must be kept accessible for safety reasons. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant. This helps make it slip resistant. Composite decking lasts, on average, 25-30 years with only minimal upkeep in comparison to natural wood decking. Note that composite decking is unlike wood decking because it does not become slippery easily. Q. Long-lasting and low-maintenance, backed by 40 ⦠But it’s also susceptible to mold, mildew, and regular wear and tear. Is WPC composite decking slippery when wet ? Terms of use, Preparing & Protecting Your Deck for Winter, How to Remove Ink Stamps from Pressure Treated Lumber. And it was very, very damp and humid and I was amazed at how slippery that surface got. The composite decking industry endured some growing pains early on, but materials continue to improve and the number of quality products on the market increases each year. Now there are more than 50 composite decking products available. âIf there is an ADA requirement for slip resistance, an appropriate type of paint with grit or grit additive can be applied. Use a broad fanning nozzle with the power washer to avoid causing damage to paint or wood stain. This may seem harmless at first, but the longer you wait to clear debris off your deck, the longer moisture will stick around, providing the conditions for mold, mildew, algae and moss to grow and cause a slippery deck surface. Is composite decking slippery? These planks are then sheathed in plastic or a compound containing a combination of plastic, resin and wood fiber. DuraLifeâs unique polypropylene and hardwood composite decking is designed to provide superior strength, outperforming other types of composite and PVC decking products. Finish by thoroughly rinsing with a hose and then allowing it to dry. For many people, itâs not the entire deck thatâs a ⦠The best strategy for a slip-resistant deck surface, whether made of wood or composite material, is to perform routine cleaning and maintenance. The most common reason why composite decking becomes slippery are different dirt and organic particulates that accumulates on the surface. With TimberTech you can build a dream wood-composite deck with confidence. Trex manufactures a composite decking to create a low-maintenance, high-performance backyard retreat that can offer you serene outdoors without depleting them over a long period of time. According to Richmond, who installs plastic and composite decks, all-plastic planks seem to be a little more slippery than regular wood, whereas composites are not. Fading and Scratching Trex composite decking products are infused with stain-resistant, fade-resistant color throughout the entire board to minimize the look of any surface scratches, giving uniform color all the way through. Timber decking is left exposed to relentless weathering and often succumbs to moisture build up. This is an especially ⦠If residue or stains persist, try using alcohol wipes. Along the way it picked up a reputation for being slippery, which is fair, since the early generations of composite could be ⦠However, we would still recommend cleaning non slip decking to keep it looking its best. P. 877-328-7389 A thorough cleaning each year, ideally with a pressure washer, will allow the natural wood grain (or simulated wood grain on composite decks) to provide extra traction and slip-resistance. If you live in a moist climate or your deck is shaded, these factors will expedite the growth of these organisms, as they thrive in a damp, dark environment. Itâs even more than redwood or cedar if you use a standard grade of lumber. This is perhaps the most important step in preventing a slippery deck surface. This is partly due to it being made from materials that are resistant to weather, rot and insect damage. This and similar anti-slip products typically contain either sand or aggregates that are mixed into paint or resin to provide extra traction. The above information is great, especially the transferrable warranty, but what about the dangers? Synthetic wood continues to grow in popularity, especially for use on backyard decks and other outdoor structures. Even the buildup of pollen and other debris can create a slippery surface when moisture is present. If you have this type of decking installed around your home or business, it is advisable to treat your surfaces as soon as possible. You can buy commercially available cleaning solutions or create your own by mixing ⅓ cup of powdered laundry detergent (ammonia-free), 1-quart of bleach and 3 gallons of water. Ten years ago, there were 10 choices. Fiberon Sanctuary composite decking offers enhanced high-traction and rich multi-chromatic wood tones. 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. C. Chat With Us A structurally sound composite deck should be designed to withstand a great amount of downward pressure from the weight of snowpack. Trex Company, Inc, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Winchester VA, created, refined and perfected the category regarding composite decking, becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking products. Apply the cleaning solution and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. With composite decking, you donât have to worry about this problem. Whether your deck is made of natural wood or composite decking material, each can be just as slippery as the other under the conditions described above. Real wood is more likely to have smooth spots caused by algae growth and wear on the surface of the wood. The negatives include: Found below are some major manufacturers of synthetic wood and the products they offer into the market. The deck is not slippery and cleans easily when power washed once a year. The 2012 Trex Installation Guide addresses the issue of a slippery composite decking surface in the following manner. Composite decking has a textured finish that mimics real wood grain. Composite decking is one of the most durable decking materials on the market. If a power washer is not available, a wet-mop or pump sprayer will also get the job done. First Generation Composite Decking: Composite deckingâs reputation for slipperiness comes in large part from first generation Trex decking which was quite slipery. However, we would still recommend cleaning non slip decking to keep it looking its best. Some of the manufactured products include high-performance composite decking, PVC (vinyl) decking, and wood/plastic early generation decking.Here is a comprehensive article on how to make your Trex decking less slippery. The best way to ensure your composite decking isnât slippery then is to keep it clean. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. Owners of this type of decking will know that over time, their deck can become a breeding ground for algae, mildew and moss â which is the biggest contributor of a slippery deck area. But how does that help someone who wants to install this product outdoors? Keep your Deck Clear of Debris to Prevent Algae. Composite lumber decking is a great low-maintenance alternative to wood. Can you install Trex decking in the winter? The last thing you want is for your deck to be unsafe, which is why a slippery deck can be a problem. Most people don’t realize, in terms of safety, that composite decks are actually more dangerous than lumber found at a big box store due to the manufacturing process and materials. Although there are specified ASTM methods of measuring slip resistance, there is currently no building code requirement for minimum slip resistance. In wood decking, the absorption of water and becoming moist makes it a perfect host for fungal growth. You may also consider applying self-adhesive strips of coarse grit, which feels like a very light grade of sandpaper. The Problems With Composite Decking. Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery. 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. Then you have the problem of dealing with a cold or frozen carpet in the winter. Some benefits of this product include: Strong, lightweight, easy-to-use; impervious to mold, mildew and termites; no rot or swelling; UV protected; strength and rigidity enable joist spans up to 24″ O.C. Today Trex offers the industry’s widest array of high-performance composite products, available in more than 29 countries around the world. Composite decking is maintenance free Decking can get especially slippery in damp environments. They had composite decking there as their walkways and we were out one morning running through the geyser field. It is very dangerous to slip on decks. You can also clear debris from cracks and gaps between boards with a putty knife or similar flat edge to halt moisture and organism growth. There are a multitude of problems with composite decking that show up all too often to be just a stray issue for a hard to please homeowner. Some of the manufactured products include high-performance composite decking, PVC (vinyl) decking, and wood/plastic early generation decking. Composite decking is maintenance free Decking can get especially slippery in damp environments. They are involved in research, development and marketing of long lasting composite, wood-plastic, and PVC decking, railing and fencing solutions. While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces arenât impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness ⦠The primary reasons that synthetic wood is popular include: Of course, there are trade-offs when using synthetic wood for outdoor structures. It is a popular alternative to wood because it needs no sanding, does not splinter, holds up well under inclement weather conditions, and is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Available products include wood-plastic composite, capped composite, and PVC composite, all available in earth or other natural tones. ; available in lengths up to 24′; and best expansion and contraction rating of all composites. 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. This durable and low-maintenance composite material does not crack and rot and does ⦠Over the changing seasons, leaves and debris will accumulate on your deck. We all know carpet can stain no matter what liquid is tossed on it. Yes, composite decking is easier to clean and lasts for many years. Unfortunately, composite or conglomerate decking usually leads to slippery surfaces, especially when wet. Home » Slip & Fall Problem Areas » Materials » Synthetic Wood. The accounts of issues are repeated with a frightening regularity and sameness throughout the threads of complaints. Composite decking does not splinter or crack and does not become as slippery as solid plastic in winter months. Unlike Trex and TimberTech, MacLumber is not a well-known brand, however they do maintain their synthetic lumber is among the best manufactured. 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. 1. 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