Prep Your Entryway for Fall: How to Make Concrete Steps Non-Slip
Autumn is coming and for those of us in the Pacific Northwest, that means rain. Along with rain comes wet leaves, puddles, and mud. Shoes get slippery, walkways become slick, and small tumbles may occur. But luckily, this can be prevented!
Concrete steps are usually the culprit to slippery walkways but the good news is that you can make your concrete steps non-slip. Doing so will ensure the safety of your family, friends, and even pets. Enhancing the safety of your home’s concrete steps is easy and affordable. This article contains all the pertinent information about making your concrete non-slip:
- Concrete and rain: friends or foes?
- Non-slip concrete: it’s all about the finish
- Quick solutions exist
Concrete and Rain: Friends or Foes?
Concrete has a complicated relationship with rain, and it is a frequently used medium when it comes to driveways and walkways. The versatility and affordability of this material make it a popular choice among homeowners. But there is a downside, especially for those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest.
When Fall and Winter hit, it becomes obvious in more ways than one. Besides the cold and the wet, rain has the ability to make things slippery and dangerous, and concrete is not immune. Note where you have concrete and the next time it rains, take a moment to investigate how slippery it may be. This is often overlooked when we are running from our car to our front door in the rain!
Pay special attention to your entryway steps, which are typically made of polished concrete. These steps can become very slick and slippery in the wetter months leading to potential falls. Preparing your concrete steps for our Oregon weather is something you should consider!
Non-Slip Concrete: It’s all About the Finish
As a homeowner, you may wonder how to make concrete steps non-slip. Luckily, there are solutions that will make concrete non-slip. There are three popular finishes that will maintain the aesthetic of your entryway: broom finish, slip-resistant stamped concrete, and exposed aggregate.
Broom finish: A broom finish provides a subtle, aesthetically pleasing solution to slippery steps. It looks as though someone has taken a comb to the concrete. Custom concrete contractors, like GWC Concrete, can create patterns with broom finishes that are unique and safe. As a bonus, your guests will be sure to notice the difference in the look and feel!
Slip-resistant sand finish concrete: Sand finished concrete is an extremely popular option. Many home owners love this finish give it's timeless appeal, and the finish provides for excellent traction in even the wettest conditions.
Slip-resistant stamped concrete: Stamped concrete is another solution for creating non-slip concrete steps. This is a great choice if you are going for a more natural stone look. For example, the concrete can be stamped to resemble a brick staircase (safe and attractive)! The spaces between the narrow faux bricks have an added benefit as well, providing a place of friction for your shoes.
Exposed aggregate: Exposed aggregate is one of the more attractive solutions for creating non-slip concrete steps for your home. The exposed pebbles look great year-round, but they seem to truly shine when it rains. With different color tones and shapes, these little pebbles become a beautiful welcome mat to your home, all while providing some stability for your guests.
Quick Solutions Exist
You might now be recalling your beautifully polished concrete steps and thinking about how you can make your concrete steps non-slip. Don’t fret — there are non-slip concrete sealers and coatings that can save the day. Throw out those ugly rubber mats or anti-slip strips and learn about the quick solutions that exist.
You or your concrete contractor can quickly and easily apply a non-slip concrete sealer or non-slip concrete coating to your current steps. Textured concrete coatings come in a variety of colors, making your home’s entryway stylish and safe year-round.
You might even consider adding a non-slip sealer or coating to your patio, driveway, or wherever wet concrete is liable to cause a problem. Why not do it all when you are weatherproofing your concrete? The rainy season can be dreary, so try to make the process safe and pleasant.
Let GWC Decorative Concrete do the Prep Work For You!
Slippery concrete doesn’t scare us away! We understand the importance of safety, especially when it comes to creating a safe concrete walkway. Let our skilled professionals seal or refinish your concrete steps before the rain sets in.
If you have questions about how we can make your concrete steps non-slip, contact us today! While you’re there, take a look at our work and see what we can do for you!
