Best Ways to Stop Slipping on Composite Decking
1st GenerationWPC (Wood Composite Decking) decking was highly prone to slipping, which greatly increased the safety risk in outdoor spaces. Composite decking replaced traditional wood decking, making it widely used. However, slipping remains the biggest safety concern.
This article will explain why composite decking is prone to slipping, how to effectively prevent slipping, and how to choose anti-slip composite decking, thereby resolving safety issues in your space.
1.Why Does Composite Decking Become Slippery?
The primary reason for composite decking becoming slippery is related to design flaws in older composite decking models.
In early first-generation composite decking boards, the surface treatment was inadequate, and the straight grooves on the surface couldn’t effectively drain water. Combined with the surface becoming slick when wet, it was very prone to slipping.
Additionally, the first-generation composite decking used a hollow structure design and lacked a protective layer. Water would infiltrate, making it easy for algae, moss, and mildew to grow in rainy, snowy, and humid environments. It was very easy for people to lose their balance and slip on such surfaces.
The new composite decking has completely improved upon these design flaws and is equipped with anti-slip features. Mainly, it has added special anti-slip wood grain textures on the surface, using high-quality abrasion-resistant materials and anti-slip coatings to inhibit mildew growth. The optimized drainage design effectively prevents water accumulation, ensuring it maintains excellent traction in damp environments, fully addressing deck slip resistance.
2. Best Methods to Prevent Composite Decking from Becoming Slippery
- Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
The best way to prevent decking from becoming slippery is to remove debris on the surface to prevent the accumulation of mildew and moss.It is recommended to use mild, bleach-free cleaners, such as Aqualis Composite Bright Deck Cleaner, Deck Protect Composite Clean, and 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner, which are specially designed for composite decking. Use soft-bristle brushes or a pressure washer to clean, avoiding tools that are overly abrasive. Clean once every 1-2 months. To maintain the decking in optimal condition, it is recommended to perform a deep clean every season, especially during rainy or humid seasons, to ensure the surface remains clean, extend its lifespan, and effectively reduce the risk of slipping.
- Apply Anti-Slip Coating
Once composite decking starts showing signs of becoming slippery, it’s essential to apply an anti-slip coating immediately.
You can use anti-slip coatings suitable for composite decking, such as polyurethane coatings and epoxy resin coatings, like OSMO WPC Deck Anti-Slip Coating. These coatings are not only abrasion-resistant but also effectively enhance traction.
Steps for applying anti-slip coating include:
A. Clean the decking surface to remove dirt and grease;
B. Evenly apply the anti-slip coating according to the product instructions, ensuring all areas are covered;
C. Wait for the coating to dry completely.
The advantage of using anti-slip coatings is that it significantly improves the safety and durability of WPC decking.
- Remove Standing Water on Decking Surface
If you are in a long-term humid, rainy environment, you can use a blower to remove water from the composite decking surface in a timely manner, allowing the decking to dry quickly. You can also sweep off standing water from the surface to prevent mildew growth.
- Use Newer Composite Decking
Currently, first-generation composite decking has mostly been phased out due to structural issues like hollow designs or smooth surfaces. If you need anti-slip composite decking, consider choosing the second-generation new composite decking, which has fully improved features and structure. These deckings have deep 3D wood grain textures on the surface and include special anti-slip additives in the material composition, effectively preventing slipping, mildew, and deformation. Their lifespan is generally over 10–20 years.
3. Ecoxplank's Anti-Slip Decking Solutions
Ecoxplank’s latest composite decking technology and structure offer numerous innovations, significantly improving anti-slip, fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and durability features. Here are some key technical innovations:
1. Co-extrusion Technology: Modern composite decking now adopts third-generation co-extrusion technology, with richer additives forming an external protective film on the decking surface. This film not only enhances durability and water resistance but also improves resistance to stains and scratches, ensuring the decking maintains aesthetics and functionality even in harsh weather.
2. New Material Combinations: The third-generation composite decking has switched to high-performance plastic combinations, such as polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with wood fibers, adding new stabilizers to enhance corrosion and wear resistance. This material combination ensures that the composite decking performs well in humid environments, reducing the risk of mold and decay.
3. Enhanced 3D Wood Grain Embossing Technology: The latest composite decking features a deeper 3D wood grain embossing, with higher density and improved anti-slip properties, making it suitable for poolside areas or humid regions. The surface treatment effectively resists dirt and stains, making cleaning and maintenance easier.
4. Lightweight Design: Using new lightweight materials (such as foamed polyethylene honeycomb structure), this design not only reduces the overall weight of the decking but also enhances its strength and stability. This design makes the decking easier to handle and lowers transportation costs.
5. Use of Eco-Friendly Materials: Ecoxplank is the first to fully adopt third-generation technology in WPC composite decking manufacturing, using entirely recycled materials (such as recycled plastic and wood layers), which not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances product sustainability. Additionally, the latest hidden fastening system is used, providing a beautiful installation and avoiding the safety hazards of exposed nails. This design also facilitates maintenance, making it simpler and quicker to replace single boards if needed.
4. Choose a Composite Decking Partner with 20 Years of Service
Your composite decking project may need to last over 20 years, so you need to consider long-lasting, durable, safe, and maintenance-free quality composite decking.
Ecoxplank is your trusted quality decking supplier. We have experience with prominent government projects in several countries worldwide, including desert areas, public parks, administrative institutions, and building projects, providing comprehensive solutions. Additionally, we have a team of professional composite decking experts to help solve your construction and material customization needs.
You will receive our comprehensive composite decking service support, ensuring the long-term stable operation of your project. No matter the size of your order, we offer you competitive prices and flexible solutions directly from our leading factory in China. Contact us today to start your project.
Sources:
- https://tover.com/
- https://www.saicos.de/
- https://www.sealxpert.com/tc_slash_floor-coatings-marine-chock/
- https://osmouk.com/product/anti-slip-decking-oil/
- https://ecoxplank.com/product/wpc-decking/
- https://ecoxplank.com/technique-highlights/
- https://ecoxplank.com/benefits-from-cooperation/
- https://ecoxplank.com/start-your-project/
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