One of the most common problems that we see during the winter months is slippery decking. The cold winter nights and added moisture quickly cause the decking boards to become hazardous, and while many of us don’t use our outdoor spaces so much in Winter, it is still important that they are kept safe and slip-free. As an experienced gardener in Chelmsford, I often get asked by my customers, how they can stop their decking from being slippery.
As we look ahead to warmer weather and hope that the cold and wet of January is behind us. Slippery decking is still a big problem heading into the springtime. April showers and the persistent cold frosts will leave decking like an ice rink, and we are here to share the best ways to stop decking from being slippery.
Why Does Decking Get Slippery?
All gardeners in Chelmsford are aware of the problems that slippery decking brings, but what causes this hazard? Before we can explain how to stop decking being slippery, we need to look into why it happens in the first place:
- Wood Is Porous: Decking is made from wood, which is a porous material that is naturally unsealed. Many types of wood quickly collect water as it can gather between the material’s fibres. To prevent this from happening, your gardener in Chelmsford or decking supplier should treat the wood with sealant.
- Moss, Mould And Algae: When decking wood becomes wet, it can create the perfect condition for moss, mould and algae to grow. With these on the surface, the wood becomes very slippery, and this is further exacerbated during the winter thanks to low temperatures and less sunlight.
- Debris: All kinds of debris can build up on decking during the winter, such as leaves or mulch. Not only are these a slip hazard in themselves, but they are also encouraging to the growth of fungus and algae.
How To Stop Decking From Being Slippery?
Decking is always going to become slippery on occasions, and unfortunately there is no magic solution to stop this all together. Instead, there are a few things your gardener in Chelmsford can do to help reduce this hazard:
- Clear Leaves And Debris: The first and most simple step is to regular remove leaves and debris from your decking to avoid a build-up. Brush the decking regularly with a stiff bristled brush.
- Remove Algae And Moss: Plants growing on the decking surface is a huge slip hazard, and keeping on top of removing these is critical. Regularly sweeping decking should help with this, but also keep an eye out for green speckles forming on the surface. If you notice any, ask your gardener in Chelmsford to put down a moss or algae killer.
- Non Slip Products: From rubber mats to non-slip decking strips, there are various products out there design to prevent decking from becoming slippery. If slippery decking is a common problem in your home, consider investing in something like this.
- Jet Wash Regularly: Over time, grime and dirt will built up on the surface of decking and cause it to become slippery. Brushing the surface is not always enough to get all the grime off the wood, and the most effective option is to jet wash the surface thoroughly. Jet washing decking can leave it looking as good as knew, as well as eliminating slip risks.
As an experienced gardener in Chelmsford, I can help with jet washing and garden maintenance to help keep your decking in the best condition. For more information or for a new obligation quote, contact us today.
BD Gardens 