A deck is an extension of your living space. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's, How to Ink Stamps from Pressure Treated Lumber, Preparing & Protecting Your Deck for Winter. Slippery decks can be a hazard at any time of year, but winter weather can aggravate an already dangerous situation. Decks made with Western Red Cedar, one of the world’s most beautiful woods, is apt to be one of the best looking decks in the neighborhood. Even after five years the plastic smell is terrible on hot summer days. It's time to dispel this myth - wood decking won't become slippery when wet unless mould, algae or moss is present on the surface. Is composite decking slippery when wet? It is very dangerous to slip on decks. The best strategy for a slip-resistant deck surface, whether made of wood or composite material, is to perform routine cleaning and maintenance. When the weather is nice, your deck becomes a hub of activity, the perfect place to entertain friends and family outdoors. Mold, mildew, moss, pollen or algae growing on a wooden deck in the shade or in a moist climate can become slippery, posing a special risk to elderly homeowners or guests. Even when wet, wood deck surfaces typically present less risk for slipping than composite deck boards -- unless they become dirty and neglected. This is perhaps the most important step in preventing a slippery deck surface. It lies flat and straight, so it’s super easy to fit in place. It gets slippery when it’s wet 2. 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. dec 14, 2015 why does timber decking become slippery? 12 Jun 2016.Isn't Decking Slippery and Rot-Prone Though? She's also a property manager and writes on DIY projects. h_riderca: I usually shovel the snow off the deck and then let nature do the rest. This prevents the buildup of moisture on the wooden deck surface and the concomitant growth of mold and algae. But Western Red Cedar decks have much more going for them than good looks alone. when timber decking gets slippery wj group. 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. How to Install Polyurethane Deck Coatings, Wood-Plastic Composites; Anatole A. Klyosov, Anatoliĭ Alekseevich Klesov, How to Spray a Wood Deck With Waterproofing. It gets slippery when it’s wet 2. Plus, this sturdy and structurally solid wood is … I’ve also heard composite is the most expensive option. Over the changing seasons, leaves and debris will accumulate on your deck. ... 1. Keep your Deck Clear of Debris to Prevent Algae. Gone are the days of attaching chicken wire to your beautiful decking or smothering it in plastic mats on rainy days. Copyright © 2020 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. I’m debating between pressured decking boards and cedar. I’m debating between pressured decking boards and cedar. Algae will not grow on composite materials, but pollen, leaves and other yard debris may cause mold or mildew, particularly if trees are near. One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet. 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. Slippery decking as soon as it becomes wet and concern about walking over it. Algae is the top cause of a slippery deck, and the … Cedar decking material is safe. Slippery deck surfaces are sometimes caused by algae growth on wood and other organic surfaces. 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. Rinse thoroughly with a hose and allow to dry. Clean off stubborn areas of mildew with a pressure washer, applied with a broad nozzle in a quick fanning motion to avoid gouging the wood. Afterwards, scrub the deck boards with a scrub brush attached to a wood or broom handle (this makes the process much easier and faster). Cedar Decking. 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. It’s like the sun is cooking that plastic. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically call for simply brushing or rolling the product on the deck boards on a day without either harsh sunlight, which evaporates the product, or the threat of rain. Wood decking is entirely biodegradable and comes from a renewable resource. Pry debris out from the gaps between deck boards with a putty knife. Even the buildup of pollen and other debris can create a slippery surface when moisture is present. After I shovel the snow off my cedar deck, the sun will melt what is left on the deck boards. Mick: I put down Magic Salt before it snows. leaves, this can all lead to an increased risk of the timber becoming more slippery underfoot.” even composite decking products can display these traits in adverse conditions. A prudent maintenance schedule can help keep the deck clean and reveal the natural grain of the wood, providing traction and slip-resistance. 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. Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. No-one wants a dangerous and unusable space on their doorstep. Add mildewcide to the preservative or stain if you live in a humid or rainy area. This and similar anti-slip products typically contain either sand or aggregates that are mixed into paint or resin to provide extra traction. It’s like the sun is cooking that plastic. Apply self-adhesive strips containing a coarse grit surface to the dried deck steps at their front edges for additional purchase on the steps. For best results, wait until a predicted high-pressure system of several days’ duration to assure dry, clear weather. Mildew growth on a composite deck surface is extremely slippery, and therefore, dangerous, to walk on. A slippery floor is a dangerous surface for anyone in your family, and because decks are typically outdoors and prone to developing puddles of water, decks require special attention.