In wood decking, the absorption of water and becoming moist makes it a perfect host for fungal growth. If you want to benefit from this improved service, please opt-in. With composite decking, you don’t have to worry about this problem. One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet. Your first instinct might be to hack at the ice with a metal shovel or lay down grit salt to melt it all away, but these will not be openly welcomed by your timber decking. The patent application for Trex first-generation composite decking highlights the following unique characteristics: “(Trex composite decking) may be used in many of the same applications as an all-wood product but offer the advantages of providing high resistance to rot, insects, and moisture. Both are imperfect solutions, but they just might save a slip or fall that sends a loved one to the hospital. These are algae or fungal growth, molds, or mildew, which can make the surface slippery. (Think Playdoh being pushed through a form to create a log of clay.). For standard Trex decking products, a product like Benjamin Moore®***** Anti-Slip 116 (note this is not clear-based) or an equivalent anti-slip alternative will provide an abrasive coating to materials for ramps that must meet ADA requirements. When we’re asked at Handi-Treads how to make Trex decking or stairs less slippery, we always ask, “How old is your Trex decking?” The newer (last five-ish years) of Trex decking seems to have OK but not great traction. Non-slip decking paints and varnishes tend to be prone to cracking, flaking and peeling off over time, whilst anti-slip decking oil and oil-based decking stains do not. Over the years Trex has acquired tens of thousands of satisfied customers, but they also have faced a class action lawsuit which claimed that the non-shelled, wood-plastic composite decking was, according to the lawsuit: “defective and susceptible to mold, mildew, fungal, or other dark or gray growth or spotting, or color variation or color fading…”. You can make your decking surface less slippery by cleaning it regularly. Bare feet are the norm on pool decking so it’s vital that the material you choose won’t become slippery when wet or absorb excess heat. Assuming the enamel paint with a grit additive will adhere to your particular Trex product, that’s a reasonable for a first-generation Trex deck where nearly the entire surface is slippery. High-density plastic lumber (PL) is made from recycled polyethylene (ReHDPE) plastic. Get into the habit of giving your decking a good brush down every week or fortnight to dislodge fresh fungal growth and any stray leaves, as the more you keep on top of it, the easier it will be to keep it at bay all winter. The durability of … An anti-slip decking oil, on the other hand, will not crack or peel and is easy to replenish when needed. Slip Doctor bare foot friendly traction paints come in ten colors and can even be custom-matched to your particular need. Even in the best of outdoor conditions, you can anticipate the need to reapply a coat of grit paint every 5 years or so. Slippery decking can pose a serious safety risk, particularly in winter when you add sub-zero temperatures, ice and snow to the already-wet conditions. Make sure that you don’t let organic matters decay on the surface of your decking. Algae is the top cause of a slippery deck, and the … (Because warranties change, it’s important that you read your Trex warranty carefully before purchasing and installing any non-slip tread on Trex stairs.). The metal tools can damage and open up weak points in your decking, while the harsh chemicals in grit salt can also corrode your timber and metal hardware if left to sit for days. Owners of this type of decking will know that over time, their deck can become a breeding ground for algae, mildew and moss – which is the biggest contributor of a slippery deck area. It’s possible that the propensity of the first generation Trex decking to allow the growth of mold and mildew might have been a factor in some Trex decking to be slippery, depending on the environmental conditions. What can Make a Composite Decking Slippery? Use Safe Ice-removal Methods. Easier said than done, we know, but it’s so worth it. 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 These oils are usually natural and contain compressed particles to create a rougher, non-slip surface. Algae will not grow on composite materials, but pollen, leaves and other yard debris may cause mold or mildew, particularly if trees are near. If your deck is made of Trex composite material that was manufactured after 2012 and you don’t want to void your warranty, then you’ve got two options, each of which has its downside. With that said, the Handi-Treads Stop-the-Slip Configurator is an excellent place to begin your evaluation of various slip, trip, or fall conditions. Not only do they offer greatly improved traction in all weather conditions, but they also come in several finishes that will look great on virtually any Trex color deck. 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