Lanlee Guide
How To Make Decking Non-Slip!
Algae build-up, rotting vegetation (for example fallen leaves in the Autumn) and cold, damp environments are all factors which contribute to the slipperiness of your decking. Due to the cold, damp weather associated with our country these factors become accentuated and you thus become more at risk of slipping or having a serious injury. For this reason we have compiled a short guide on the steps you should take to weatherproof your decking so that you are less likely to suffer injury.
Clean
Before you do any of the other steps you should make sure that your decking is clean and free from any mould, fungus or algae so that you get the best results possible. To ensure that your decking is fully clean you should use a good quality decking cleaner, and not the traditional soap and water.
Decking Cleaner
It is important to clean your decking at least 2-3 times a year with a good quality decking cleaner such as Cuprinols Decking Cleaner to prevent the build-up of mould and algae on your decking. Using a decking cleaner before staining/varnishing your deck will help you to achieve the best results.
Treat
There are a few different types of treatment you can use on your decking to prevent slipperiness. These are: Decking Oil and Anti-Slip Decking Stains.
Decking Stain
Decking Stains help to protect the film surface from Algae and Mould growth whilst also providing a tough and durable finish. Cuprinols Anti-Slip Decking Stain contains invisible anti-slip micro-beads which make your decking much safer than it would be if it was untreated. Good quality decking stains (such as the one previously mentioned) usually have a rich, translucent colour which transfers onto the decking.
Decking Oil
Decking Oils repel water and help to resist mould and algae growth. Decking oil enhances the natural colour of the wood as it replaces the natural oils within the wood that it has lost through weathering. Decking oils however, require to be re-applied more Regularly than a stain.
Add
There are many fixtures which can be bought that provide non-slip qualities without having to add any additional coatings to your decking. The following products can be used in conjunction with a decking oil or stain to provide extra security for you on areas of your decking which may be particularly slippy, such as stairs.
Anti-Slip Plates
Anti-Slip safety plates are ideally suited to grooved decking and steps. Anti-Slip plates give a non-slip surface to decking steps, which is particularly effective during periods of wet and frosty weather. The anti-slip plates found on our website can also be used on metal or concrete surfaces as well as decking due to the fact that they can be mechanically fixed on using screws or nails.
Anti-Slip Tape
Anti-Slip tape can be applied as a quick way to deal with your decking problems. It sticks down easily to most surfaces (Including Decking) and provides good grip in particular problem areas. Anti-Slip tape is cheap to buy, but should not be used as a substitute to treating your decking as it does not provide complete coverage and may have to be re-applied at some point.
(Click Here for a Step-by-Step Guide on how to effectively remove Algae and Fungus from your Decking)
For more tips, or information on prices please visit our website http://www.lanleesupplies.co.uk/Products/Logs_Firewood_Kindling and like our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LanleeSupplies/
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