An outdoor deck serves as an extension of your indoor space, allowing you to relax and entertain better outdoors. You may already have your own outdoor deck, and you may be planning to build one. Safety always comes first when you are outdoors. As you search for the best materials to build your deck, you may ask, “Do composite decking boards slip when wet?”
All outdoor materials can become slippery when wet, but by choosing the right brand, style, and installation method, you can avoid slips and falls. In this article, let’s take an in-depth look at why composite decking boards are slippery and how to go about avoiding it.
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Why do composite decking boards slip?
There are a number of reasons why you might feel a little slippery after walking on composite decking boards. From the effects of bad weather to low-quality composite decking materials, it is possible for your composite deck board to become slippery.
No texture on the surface of the deck
In everyday life, the coefficient of friction is different between a smooth surface and a textured surface. This conclusion also applies to outdoor decks. Composite decking surfaces usually have solid wood textures, and these textures can increase the coefficient of friction between your shoes and the deck.
In other words, composite decking manufacturers will add wood grain or grooves to the surface of the decking to increase its safety from composite decking becoming slippery when wet.
If you purchase composite deck boards that do not have a non-slip surface on the surface, or if those textures are worn down from years of use. Then the composite decking will become slippery when it rains or snows.
Dirt and debris buildup
Natural items like leaves, dirt, and other debris can quickly build up on composite decking. Although composite decking has good mold and mildew resistance. But if you don’t clean up this debris in a timely manner, then it can lead to mold or algae breeding on organic waste.
And mold or algae that grows on organic waste can also make the deck surface slippery. If the deck surface is kept clean, plants and fungi are less likely to grow on composite decking surfaces.
Snow or Ice
When it snows or freezes, everything becomes slippery, even composite decking with a non-slip surface. Therefore, when the snow stops falling, it’s important to remove any excess snow from your decking.
It is important to note that when you remove snow from composite decking, use a shovel that is not made of metal. This is to avoid damage to the deck surface from sturdy, sharp tools. It is best not to try to shovel the thick frozen layer as you may accidentally injure the composite deck board underneath.
Early composite decking
Technology is constantly advancing and composite wood decking is getting better and better. Each new model is stronger and less slippery than the last. The first generation of composite decking had a monolithic look and didn’t have much of a non-slip texture, so it was easy to slip on.
Nowadays, composite decking not only has better anti-slip features, but the aesthetics have also improved dramatically. For example, composite decking boards are now available in natural wood grain, grooved surfaces, or 3D wood grain surfaces. composite decking’s wide range of colors and appearances gives homeowners more choices.
How do I prevent composite decking from slipping?
The first step in keeping composite decking safe is to make sure the deck surface is not slippery. Follow these tips to prevent pedestrians from slipping on composite decking.
Pick a textured deck
If you live in a place where the air is humid or there are frequent rainy days. Then when you pick composite deck boards, try to choose deck boards with a wood grain or grooved surface. When you have many different textures on the surface of your outdoor deck, this way it won’t get slippery easily whether it’s wet or dry outside.
Removing Water Damage from Surfaces
When people ask “Does composite decking get slippery when wet?” they want to know if rain will make the composite decking surface very slippery. Because composite decking material is so water and moisture-resistant, rainwater tends to accumulate on the surface of the deck.
So when there is standing water on top of composite decking boards, just use a broom to sweep away the excess water. This will ensure that your deck will keep it safe in different weather.
Set up a good drainage system
Proper installation of composite decking means leaving space between the boards for drainage. This will prevent water from pooling on the deck. Some decks have a drainage system built underneath that drains water away from the bottom of the house.
If you notice water pooling on your deck, it’s best to call a professional deck company and ask them what you can do to make your outdoor deck drain better.
How to properly remove snow and ice
The best way to fix this problem is to make sure it doesn’t happen. You can use a non-metallic shovel to scrape away new snow and ice. Rough objects may scratch the surface of composite decking, but the salt is not strong enough to damage the deck boards.
Therefore, we can sprinkle rock salt on composite decking to prevent snow from building up on it and to melt the ice and snow on it. Once the rock salt has melted the snow and ice, carefully shovel it away with a non-metallic shovel. Don’t use too much rock salt or you could harm nearby plants.
Clean the deck regularly
As the seasons change, get into the habit of cleaning your composite decking regularly. In order to remove buildup or debris, you need to sweep the surface of the deck regularly and then wash it with soapy water.
Regular cleaning of composite decking boards will prevent dust from collecting and keep them looking great. A cleaner deck is not only better protected against water, ice, and snow, but it also extends the life of the boards.
Choose a high-quality composite decking brand
FOJU has more than two decades of manufacturing and R&D experience, as well as its own composite decking factory. We offer composite decking boards in a wide range of colors, designs, and textures, so you can find the perfect composite decking here.
Many people also like the brands Trex, Fiberon, Timber Tech, and COOWIN. Which all produce composite wood decking in a variety of colors and textures. No matter what brand you choose, just have it professionally installed and kept in good condition. Your composite decking will have a safe, non-slip surface.
