A composite deck can be a beautiful and functional addition to your outdoor space but it can be just as dangerous if proper measures are not taken.
Most composite decking is built with properties that ensure slip-resistance but with toddlers or energetic teenagers as kids, it's best to put in extra measures to ensure their safety.
If you don't have children but live with your parents or grandparents, these measures will also be of immense help to ensure the
safety of everyone and you never know when you may have visitors who would bring their kids along with them.
In this article, we will show you how to make your composite decking slip-free and secure for your family.
How To Have A Slip-free and Secure Composite Decking
Before we go into the ways to make your composite decking secure, it is important to check the texture and finish of the composite boards. It will help determine if it can provide immense grip or not.
According to research, embossed composite boards with a wood-grained feature and grooved composite boards are best in providing a firm grip that will prevent slips and falls.
After being sure of the type and texture of the boards, you can go ahead with installation. Below are some of the measures to prevent slips and falls on your installed decking.
Clean Your Deck Regularly
Since decks are installed outdoors, it is possible for dead or dried leaves and rain to fall on them. If the leaves are left in the water for too long, they become soft and begin to decompose. When anyone steps on the deck at that time, there’s a high chance that he/she will slip and fall especially if the sole of the person’s shoe is as smooth as that of the deck.
The worst-case scenario could be your children playing
outdoors wearing their Crocs that don't provide enough friction.
Therefore, clearing your deck of dried leaves and making sure it is always dry, and free of moisture, is a good way to prevent falls.
Make Certain to Clear the Spaces Between Deck Boards
Making sure the spaces between your deck boards are not clogged will help during the rainy season. It will prevent the water from standing on one spot of your deck thereby making it less slippery.
This means you should ensure that no debris or leaves are blocking the free flow of water through the spaces between your deck.
Clear Your Deck of Snow or Ice
During the winter season, most decks become so slippery regardless of the type of decking boards used.
This means that even your grooved
composite decking will not offer you slip resistance when covered in ice.
Because children and adults with child-like spirits love to play in the snow, it's best to regularly clear the deck of snow especially if it's used as an outdoor seating area for the family.
Incorporate Stairs or Railing to Your Deck
Adding steps with railings to your deck will be another level of support for you and your family while traversing your outdoor space.
The railings can be held for support while going down the stairs and this can go a long way to ensure security for everyone at home, visitors inclusive.
You can also install gates as an additional protective measure. It can be painted the same colour as your deck, setting boundaries that your kids cannot cross without supervision.
Furthermore, the gate lock should be set at a height that your children cannot reach to prevent them from stepping out without your knowledge.
Use Plexiglass As Covering For Your Deck’s Railing
Most children become hyperactive when it comes to playing outdoors, riding on the euphoria of the excitement, they may not pay attention to what action or inaction may bring danger to them.
Some get so excited that they may want to climb the railing or jump in a feat to have fun. This is very dangerous as it might lead to terrible falls that might result in fractures or dislocations.
To prevent this, use plexiglass to cover the gaps in your railings so that they don't have any space to wiggle into.
Don't worry,
plexiglass is shatter resistant, therefore, in the event where push turns to shove among siblings and they fall towards the direction of the railing, you can be assured that you won't have glass shards stuck to their body or littered everywhere.
Decorate Your Deck With Non-skid Decking Mats
These mats are usually placed in specific areas where most people in the family traverse often, offering another level of grip to them.
You can equally place them in the areas where your kids would likely have their playtime. This option proves effective for everyone in the family regardless of age.
Buy the mat that comes with beautiful designs so that it can add beauty to your outdoor space while serving as a protective measure.
Conclusion
With this guide, you can have a composite decking that adds to the value and visual appeal of your property and at the same time, a safe outdoor area where everyone in the family can spend quality time.
