The early months of the year can be a messy time of ice, slush, rain, and with it, slippery surfaces. Many outdoor surfaces can become hazardous in these conditions, from sidewalks and driveways to your decks and stairs.
Slippery decks can be a common occurrence, especially if you’re up in cottage country, where snow and ice may be more prevalent. Being located near water and lack of sunlight can also be contributing factors. And while the natural landscapes and lakes may be a beautiful sight to wake up to, like these cottages for sale in Bracebridge, you will want to keep your deck clear and safe.
Here are three ways to treat and prevent a slippery deck.
Keep the Deck Clear
This is an obvious one; keeping your deck clear will help prevent slipping hazards. During winter, if you do not plan to use your deck regularly, consider storing away furniture like chairs and tables. Removing the items from your deck that you won’t be using makes for easier shovelling and maintenance. During the year, keeping debris like branches, leaves, and dirt off your deck surface will help remove tripping hazards but also prevent the buildup of algae. Additionally, if your deck connects to a dock on the water, you are more likely to have algae form, so being aware of that and staying on top of that can help keep your decks safer. Using a stiff bristle broom will help keep the debris clear or hosing down the deck on a clear and sunny day will help to dry off the deck before moisture can settle.
Remove Existing Mold and Algae
If mould, mildew, or algae has already thoroughly formed underneath your deck boards, it is likely to re-emerge on the topside of your deck. Spring and fall specifically are times where these conditions can form. Purchasing a treatment solution or creating your own with bleach, ammonia-free powdered detergent and water can help to remove these conditions. Allow the treatment solution to sit for 15-30 minutes at a time to soak into the deck before scrubbing and rinsing away the growth. When dry, it’s a good idea to re-seal your deck to prevent growth from easily reforming.
Apply Anti-Slip Materials
Now that your deck is clean and clear utilize materials such as anti-slip mats, skid strips, traction tape, or spray-on coatings that can help give traction to your deck during slippery conditions.
These are especially useful on decks that have areas of water, such as pools or hot tubs, and should surround either of these utilities. When not in use, mats should be hung or put away to prevent an accumulation of wetness or mould, which can rot your deck.
Additionally, coating products for your deck are specifically made to seal the wood and prevent it from becoming slippery; usually, these solutions are mixed with sand or aggregate to help give the deck some gritty texture. While useful, these coatings can be a bit difficult to work with and may not create the aesthetic you desire, so it’s best to do your research before using them on your surfaces.
