Winter Secrets: How To Stop Decking Being Slippery from Ice
Introduction: Why Winter Protection Matters
The weather is yet to really bite so far, but we all know how quickly that can change and when it inevitably does, it poses a challenge for householders that own decking.
Preparing for the worst with proper winter preparation can reduce the chances of damage occurring to a deck in freezing conditions, saving money in costly repairs, and could maybe even extend its life.
Adhering to decking protection strategies through the harsh winter months is also a suggestion we’d impart to customers searching for a means of how to stop decking being slippery in winter.
Common Winter Threats to UK Decking
Our climate is incomparable to the atmospheric conditions of most countries.
During UK winters, the potent combination of wet and cold can spark the emergence of mould, algae and mildew on certain decking surfaces, making navigating them safely quite difficult to do.
Composite decks are liable to contract and expand as ice thaws, prompting cracking and warping, with a prospective upshot of them becoming perilously brittle.
Pre-Winter Inspection Checklist
Keep a weekend spare in your diary to conduct a pre-winter inspection of your decked area and detect early signs of potential problems that might just help with how to make decking non slip.
- Remove any debris (leaves trap moisture and it can materialise into mould).
- Check for cracks in the deck boards and indications of warping.
- See that no screws have become loose or started to rust.
- Deal with mould or algae as they can cause slipping.
- Ensure that water drains from the surface properly and doesn’t result in puddle formation.
Essential Cleaning and Preparation Steps
Once that’s out of the way, use our step-by-step cleaning process to get your deck winter-ready:
Decking Winter Care
Apart from close monitoring and the cleaning and sealing discussed, decking winter care, depending on the board type, may also require employing anti-slip treatments for anyone seeking how to stop decking being slippery in winter.
A protective cover will offer a shield against rain and help prevent frost accumulating. However, some ventilation is necessary here to avoid mould growth underneath.
These protective measures can enhance safety and retain a deck’s durability over and beyond the winter season.
Thankfully, UPVC boards have been created with slip-resistance in mind and already come with an in-built resistance layer.
Installation Considerations for Winter Performance
Installation is instrumental to the effectiveness of decking managing to escape winter-related issues.
For a lot of decking out there, to allow rain and melting ice to drain away it’s advisable to install deck boards with at least a 1.5° slope. There needs to be adequate spacing between the boards too for airflow and drying.
Where there’s an insufficient slope or lack of one in an existing decking layout, retrofitting drainage mats or shims will establish a slight slope to allow surface water to run off.
UPVC boards can be installed differently due to this being a key factor in the production process and consideration already having been given to the impact of such areas.
Fit your Decking Boards the Correct Way
Material choice is a pivotal aspect of ensuring decking can stand up to colder conditions. To us, UPVC would be the best of them.
No moisture or debris should be present in the substructure and after checking on that, you may be required to lay a high-quality waterproof underlay to avoid water ingress.
Corrosion-resistant screws are advisable for fastening the deck boards as they will resist thawing.
Elevate water resistance with application of a winter-specific protective sealant to give the deck the best possible chance of enduring past its life expectancy.
Anti-Slip Solutions
Anti-slip solutions, where required, are available if you want to address how to stop decking being slippery in winter naturally and maximise winter decking safety.
- Anti-slip tape: Best applied ahead of winter on a dry, clean surface, this is perfect for stairs and traffic-heavy sections of a deck, typically found on timber decking.
- Anti-slip decking strips: You screw these robust, fibreglass strips onto decking boards, preferably in autumn.
- Anti-slip mats: Position these wherever you feel necessary as a temporary covering, removing and drying occasionally to avert mould.
Ice Prevention Strategies
Proactive solutions exist that can prevent ice formation before it manifests into a major problem.
When frost is due, pre-empt it by adding Clean Path Ice Clear in the evening to stop any ice from binding to the platform.
Safe Tread Anti-Slip Spray is worth utilising in autumn on a dry deck, forming a moisture-resistant layer.
We would always recommend testing any products on a small area of the decking first before using them across the full platform in case of any negative impact.
What happens if my Decking becomes icy?
Sprinkle some of the aforementioned Clean Path Ice Clear if ice collects, rather than rock salt, which can give rise to corrosion in certain materials.
A plastic shovel might help shift some of the ice but use it gently to avoid scratching the material.
If only a small fragment of the deck attracts ice, place a rubber mat down on it for sound footing.
Conclusion and Considerations
All critical preparation steps for how to stop decking being slippery in winter are summarised in our actionable checklist:
Essential Priorities
Protective Measures
Obeying maintenance suggestions can stop issues surfacing and costing you money to put right. These well-informed pointers on upkeep may also succeed in making decking usability safer over the course of winter.
What Next?
At times it may feel like it, but winter won’t last forever, with spring only a matter of months away.
On the cusp of winter transitioning into spring, clean your decking to again detach dirt, debris, grime, mould etc., prior to checking it over for damage.
These steps will reinstate your decking’s attractiveness and safety just in time for the advent of warmer temperatures.
Put Lakeland Verandahs on notice if winter has too much of a detrimental effect on your current decking and you want decking that can stand up to it. Contact us by phone or online to have a UPVC deck fitted that’s designed with slip-resistance in mind and obtain lots of insightful garden decking ideas.
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Finishing touches
We can elevate the design of your decking with carefully selected finishing touches.
BALUSTRADES
Balustrades encircling your decking offer an elegant and secure perimeter, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics for a safe and inviting outdoor space.
FENCING
Surround your decking with attractive and durable fencing, ensuring safety and privacy while complementing your outdoor haven with style.
VERANDAS
Enhance your outdoor experience with a stylish veranda, providing shade and shelter, making it the perfect oasis for relaxation and enjoyment.
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