Outdoor flooring environments often cause inconvenience to users and even pose a risk of injury. This applies to materials whose surface, when wet, becomes slippery and dangerous to walk on. Although manufacturers produce special lines of coatings with corrugated and abrasive surfaces, a significant part of homeowners still decorate paths and steps with beautiful glossy materials. But at the first encounter with a threat, security issues come first. The anti-slip coating, which is available on the market in different versions, will help to rid the existing flooring of an unpleasant effect.
Main characteristics of anti-slip materials
If we are talking about panels and all kinds of overlays, then the size of the corrugation or abrasive will be the key characteristic. Thanks to these elements, the friction of the material is reduced, and in some cases water is drained in a certain direction. The height of the corrugation varies on average from 2 to 10 mm. In this case, much depends on the place of installation. The general dimensional parameters of the material are also taken into account, since in any version the anti-slip coating increases the height of the base deck. Typically, the thickness of such additions is 0.5-1 cm. But this applies to solid materials. In the case of tapes and liquid treatments, the height will be significantly less. True, and the anti-slip effect will decrease.
Anti-slip reagents and fluids
Specially to combat snow and ice on the sidewalk and driveway, technologists are developing household reagents. Such agents prevent the processes of icing and the formation of an ice crust, and depending on the consistency of the abrasive, they can also act as a factor in reducing friction. The modern anti-slip coating for this type of tile is environmentally friendly, so it can be safely used in places where children and animals can be.
Slightly different principle of operation of liquid coatings. They give surfaces anti-slip for a long time - usually up to 3 years. These can be products based on paints and varnishes or latex. The advantages that a liquid anti-slip coating has include versatility. The composition is suitable for processing ceramics, metals, stone, wood, PVC and other plastics.
Anti-slip profiles
There are different versions of such elements, but all of them are aimed at combating the “wet” sliding of surfaces. By design, such an element usually resembles a wooden block. However, it has many characteristic differences. First of all, it is the compositionincludes silicon carbide and polyester resins as a binder. At the same time, the rubber profile can be completely spared from additional coatings, since its structure itself minimizes friction. In order to increase the reliability of the basis of such panels, manufacturers use rubber only as an active coating. The function of the carrier substrate can be performed by fiberglass or aluminum platform. The installation method also belongs to the features of anti-slip profiles. Technologists provide both a self-adhesive method of fixing the panel, and mechanical fastening. The forms of overlays that imitate the design of steps are also quite common. They are literally superimposed on the stairs, thus forming a protective layer.
Anti-slip tape
Friction-reducing tapes can also be used for a secure grip on shoes. In terms of correcting the structure of the flooring, this option can be placed between liquid silicone compounds and profiles. The tape practically does not increase the level of the base material and at the same time provides sufficient adhesive properties. Also, the advantages of the material include the possibility of creating decorative effects. In the process of care, the anti-slip tape practically does not cause inconvenience. While panels and overlays are normally used outdoors, film abrasive is also suitable for laying indoors. And most importantly, it can be washed with conventional means. There are modifications with rounded abrasive grains that do notdestructive mechanical impact on rags, sponges and brushes.
Which anti-slip coating do you prefer?
Materials for forming an anti-slip layer are quite diverse, which makes it easier to choose. So, to improve the characteristics of street surfaces, it is preferable to use plastic lining. This option is perhaps the best solution for concrete and wooden steps. An inexpensive solution of the same family will be a plastic-based rubber profile. It is not demanding in care, easy to clean and lasts for years. True, the decorative qualities of such panels are very modest. For interior decoration, it is desirable to use liquid and tape materials. They will form an effective abrasive coating that will protect against falls, and in some versions also provide an aesthetic design surface.
Conclusion
Of course, the best way to solve the problem of wet sliding surfaces is to initially purchase a floor finish with an abrasive coating. But it is not always possible to realize this, and in such cases it is necessary to choose anti-slip coatings. The price of this material in the form of panels varies on average from 1.5 to 3 thousand rubles. Within these limits, you can find a profile that is quite attractive in appearance and at the same time durable, which itself will act as a separate element of the finishing design. As far as tapes and liquid mixes are concerned, they are in about the same price range. In particular, an anti-slip compound with a volume of 0.5 liters will costabout 2 thousand rubles, and the tape will cost from 1 to 1.5 thousand rubles. At the same time, it is important to take into account that the film and liquid coating will last for a large area compared to solid panels.
