how slippery is composite decking

The composite decking industry endured some growing pains early on, but materials continue to improve and the number of quality products on the market increases each year. âIf there is an ADA requirement for slip resistance, an appropriate type of paint with grit or grit additive can be applied. If a power washer is not available, a wet-mop or pump sprayer will also get the job done. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant. In wood decking, the absorption of water and becoming moist makes it a perfect host for fungal growth. 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. P. 877-328-7389 And it was very, very damp and humid and I was amazed at how slippery that surface got. One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet. This and similar anti-slip products typically contain either sand or aggregates that are mixed into paint or resin to provide extra traction. Trex Company, Inc, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Winchester VA, created, refined and perfected the category regarding composite decking, becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking products. The cost of using composite decking for your home is 50% more than what you would pay for pressure-treated wood. They had composite decking there as their walkways and we were out one morning running through the geyser field. Also known as composite lumber or synthetic decking, synthetic wood is typically made of wood shavings that are bound together by a glue and pressure, much like pressed wood. Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery. Timber decking is left exposed to relentless weathering and often succumbs to moisture build up. Today Trex offers the industry’s widest array of high-performance composite products, available in more than 29 countries around the world. Most people don’t realize, in terms of safety, that composite decks are actually more dangerous than lumber found at a big box store due to the manufacturing process and materials. Can you install Trex decking in the winter? The right ice and snow melts can help prevent scratches and slippery surfaces on your composite deck. Real wood is more likely to have smooth spots caused by algae growth and wear on the surface of the wood. For many people, itâs not the entire deck thatâs a â¦ Slippery decks can be a hazard at any time of year, but winter weather can aggravate an already dangerous situation. | Slip Resistant decking Composite decking is made from a combination of recycled wood and pe/pvc. These are algae or fungal growth, molds, or mildew, which can make the surface slippery. Some of the manufactured products include high-performance composite decking, PVC (vinyl) decking, and wood/plastic early generation decking. Apply the cleaning solution and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Is WPC composite decking slippery when wet ? By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. Keep your Deck Clear of Debris to Prevent Algae. Algae is the top cause of a slippery deck, and the â¦ This gives plastic wood decking an advantage over other decking materials. A structurally sound composite deck should be designed to withstand a great amount of downward pressure from the weight of snowpack. 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. They are involved in research, development and marketing of long lasting composite, wood-plastic, and PVC decking, railing and fencing solutions. Then you have the problem of dealing with a cold or frozen carpet in the winter. 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. Composite decking lasts, on average, 25-30 years with only minimal upkeep in comparison to natural wood decking. Unlike Trex and TimberTech, MacLumber is not a well-known brand, however they do maintain their synthetic lumber is among the best manufactured. Unfortunately, composite or conglomerate decking usually leads to slippery surfaces, especially when wet. Composite decking has a textured finish that mimics real wood grain. With TimberTech you can build a dream wood-composite deck with confidence. When the weather is nice, your deck becomes a hub of activity, the perfect place to entertain friends and family outdoors. Some benefits of this product include: Strong, lightweight, easy-to-use; impervious to mold, mildew and termites; no rot or swelling; UV protected; strength and rigidity enable joist spans up to 24″ O.C. Available products include wood-plastic composite, capped composite, and PVC composite, all available in earth or other natural tones. I know that not all composites are like that and some that are textured, that have a grain pattern to them, are not going to be as slippery. Most brands of composite decking have textured finishes to make them slip-resistant. The last thing you want is for your deck to be unsafe, which is why a slippery deck can be a problem. But how does that help someone who wants to install this product outdoors? Fading and Scratching Trex composite decking products are infused with stain-resistant, fade-resistant color throughout the entire board to minimize the look of any surface scratches, giving uniform color all the way through. The Problems With Composite Decking. Composite decking is maintenance free Decking can get especially slippery in damp environments. The primary reasons that synthetic wood is popular include: Of course, there are trade-offs when using synthetic wood for outdoor structures. This helps make it slip resistant. There are a multitude of problems with composite decking that show up all too often to be just a stray issue for a hard to please homeowner. 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. 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. Fiberon Paramount Decking has a high slip resistance when tested according to ASTM F 1679 with a dry/wet rating of.85/.82. Finish by thoroughly rinsing with a hose and then allowing it to dry. The cost of composite decking is a significant factor to consider. However, we would still recommend cleaning non slip decking to keep it looking its best. Over the changing seasons, leaves and debris will accumulate on your deck. It is a popular alternative to wood because it needs no sanding, does not splinter, holds up well under inclement weather conditions, and is available in a variety of colors and finishes. This is partly due to it being made from materials that are resistant to weather, rot and insect damage. MacLumber, headquartered in Bamberg SC, is a manufacturer and supplier of plastic lumber used for decking and other outdoor areas. Itâs even more than redwood or cedar if you use a standard grade of lumber. Ten years ago, there were 10 choices. Even with a build up of algae, anti slip decking will remain slip resistant. This is an especially â¦ Synthetic wood continues to grow in popularity, especially for use on backyard decks and other outdoor structures. Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. If you live in a moist climate or your deck is shaded, these factors will expedite the growth of these organisms, as they thrive in a damp, dark environment. But it’s also susceptible to mold, mildew, and regular wear and tear. Although there are specified ASTM methods of measuring slip resistance, there is currently no building code requirement for minimum slip resistance. This durable and low-maintenance composite material does not crack and rot and does â¦ The best strategy for a slip-resistant deck surface, whether made of wood or composite material, is to perform routine cleaning and maintenance. The quality of the sheathing often determines how much or little moisture the synthetic wood board will absorb and thus how susceptible it might be to slip and fall conditions. Our composite decking boards are incredibly low-maintenance, and only require a sweep with a stiff brush to remove any debris from the surface. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. The deck is not slippery and cleans easily when power washed once a year. The accounts of issues are repeated with a frightening regularity and sameness throughout the threads of complaints. Here is a comprehensive article on how to make your Trex decking less slippery . 1. While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces arenât impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness â¦ 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. The most common reason why composite decking becomes slippery are different dirt and organic particulates that accumulates on the surface. Yes, composite decking is easier to clean and lasts for many years. However, we would still recommend cleaning non slip decking to keep it looking its best. We all know carpet can stain no matter what liquid is tossed on it. TimberTech also offers a 25-year warranty coverage, and that warranty can be transferred to a second homeowner. It is very dangerous to slip on decks. Composite decking does not splinter or crack and does not become as slippery as solid plastic in winter months. Terms of use, Preparing & Protecting Your Deck for Winter, How to Remove Ink Stamps from Pressure Treated Lumber. Water and ice accumulation from rain and snow may create slippery conditions on any deck surface. Composite lumber decking is a great low-maintenance alternative to wood. TimberTech®, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Wilmington OH, is a leading manufacturer. Home » Slip & Fall Problem Areas » Materials » Synthetic Wood. Long-lasting and low-maintenance, backed by 40 â¦ Is composite decking slippery? These planks are then sheathed in plastic or a compound containing a combination of plastic, resin and wood fiber. Some of the manufactured products include high-performance composite decking, PVC (vinyl) decking, and wood/plastic early generation decking.Here is a comprehensive article on how to make your Trex decking less slippery. Install a Non-slip Deck. While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces aren’t impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness that comes with them. DuraLifeâs unique polypropylene and hardwood composite decking is designed to provide superior strength, outperforming other types of composite and PVC decking products. Trex manufactures a composite decking to create a low-maintenance, high-performance backyard retreat that can offer you serene outdoors without depleting them over a long period of time. First Generation Composite Decking: Composite deckingâs reputation for slipperiness comes in large part from first generation Trex decking which was quite slipery. To paint or resin to provide extra traction more than 50 composite decking is wood. Sc, is a manufacturer and supplier of plastic, resin and wood fiber 25-30 years with only upkeep... Of issues are repeated with a frightening regularity and sameness throughout the threads of complaints are. Or frozen carpet in the winter, which feels Like a very light grade of lumber how it!, available in more than redwood or cedar if you use a broad fanning nozzle the! Average, 25-30 years with only minimal upkeep in comparison to natural wood decking deck even more slippery a homeowner. 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