Slippery concrete steps are extremely risky. One small accident can result in costly head or hip injuries. Fatalities are also quite common, so taking the necessary precautions to ensure your safety is necessary.
If you have concrete steps in your home, make sure that it is protected from water and other substances that can make it become slippery. Here’s a quick guide to help you turn your concrete steps into non-slip surfaces.
Use a non-slip concrete finish
One of the top answers for how to fix slippery concrete steps and walkways is to use a non-slip concrete finish. Remember that most concrete surfaces turn slippery when it is wet or icy. This is especially true if you have colored or sealed concrete. To prevent falls, apply a concrete finish that contains non-slip additives. You can also try other finishes such as a broom finish.
Use a non-slip concrete steps sealer
When the concrete has cured properly, apply a concrete sealer that contains a non-stick additive. You also try adding ground polyethylene powder to the sealant. This is one of the top slippery steps solutions that provide grit to your concrete steps.
Non-slip sealers don’t change the surface but work below the surface. They penetrate the structure and ensure that it is stronger from within. For optimal results, make sure to use a mechanical mixer and add 1 pound of grit for every 5 gallons of sealer.
Use a non-slip tape
If you’re wondering how to apply anti-slip tape or how to install nonslip stair treads, here are the steps you need to follow:
- They may not add any aesthetic value, but non-slip tapes are extremely effective.
- You can purchase these stick-on strips and anti-slip treads for concrete steps from any hardware store near you.
- Paste the strips onto your concrete surface.
- Non-slip tapes are the ideal option if you’re considering what to put on outside steps to prevent slipping. In fact, they’re more suited for outdoor surfaces, rather than indoor ones.
Use non-slip paint on your concrete steps
Nonslip paint for concrete steps contains additives to help make the surface become slip-resistant. Most hardware and paint stores sell cheap additives that you can mix yourself with any type of paint or solid stain. You can then apply the paint onto your concrete steps.
The additives are designed to offer more texture to give you better traction for foot traffic. However, remember that non-slip paint won’t turn the surface into a completely slip-resistant one. It just offers more texture to prevent potential falls.
Use silica sand
Since your goal isn’t how to make concrete slippery, avoid using smooth or slippery finishes. One effective option is to apply silica on top of the wet concrete sealer. Once the sand layer is in place, apply another coat of concrete sealer. This will provide your concrete steps with more texture and, thus, better traction. Just keep in mind that the sand will change the color of the sealer and give it a milky or cloudy appearance.