Outdoor operating conditions often cause inconvenience to users and even pose a risk of personal injury. This applies to materials whose surface, when wet, becomes slippery and dangerous for walking. Although manufacturers produce special lines of coatings with corrugated and abrasive surfaces, a considerable part of homeowners still draws tracks and steps with the help of beautiful glossy materials. But in the first encounter with a threat, security issues come first. An anti-slip coating, which is available on the market in different versions, will help to relieve the existing flooring from an unpleasant effect.
Key Features of Anti-Slip Materials
If we are talking about panels and all kinds of overlays, then the key characteristic will be the size of the corrugation or abrasive. Thanks to these elements, the friction of the material is reduced , and in some cases, water is diverted in a certain direction. The height of the corrugation varies on average from 2 to 10 mm. In this case, a lot depends on the place of installation. The overall dimensional parameters of the material are also taken into account, since in any version the anti-slip coating increases the height of the base flooring. 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, the anti-slip effect will decrease.
Anti-slip reagents and fluids
To combat snowfall and icy on the sidewalk and driveway, technologists are purposefully developing household reagents. Such products interfere with icing and ice crust formation, and depending on the consistency of the abrasive, they can also act as a factor in reducing friction. Modern anti-slip coating for tiles of this type is environmentally friendly, so it can be safely used in places where children and animals can be.
A slightly different principle of action for liquid coatings. They give surfaces anti-skid for a long time - usually up to 3 years. It can be funds based on paints and varnishes or latex. The advantages that a liquid anti-slip coating has are universal. The composition is suitable for processing ceramics, metals, stone, wood, polyvinyl chloride 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, he has many characteristic differences. First of all, this is a composition that includes silicon carbide and polyester resins as a binder component. Moreover, the rubber profile can be completely eliminated 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 perform fiberglass or aluminum platform. Also, the installation method belongs to the features of anti-slip profiles. Technologists include a self-adhesive method of fixing the panel, and mechanical fastening. Quite common are the forms of pads that mimic the design of steps. They are literally superimposed on the stairs, thus forming a protective layer.
Anti-slip tape
For reliable grip on shoes, friction-reducing tapes can also be used. In terms of correcting the structure of the flooring, this option can be placed between silicone fluid compositions 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 leaving the anti-slip tape practically does not cause inconvenience. If panels and linings are usually used outdoors, the film abrasive is also suitable for laying indoors. And most importantly, it can be washed by conventional means. There are modifications with rounded abrasive grains that do not have a damaging mechanical effect on rags, sponges and brushes.
Which anti-slip coating should I 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 pads. This option is perhaps the best solution for concrete and wooden steps. An inexpensive solution of the same family will be a rubber profile on a plastic basis. 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 advisable to use liquid and tape materials. They will form an effective abrasive coating that will protect against falls, and in some versions will also provide an aesthetic design appearance of the surface.
Conclusion
Of course, the optimal solution to the problem of wet sliding surfaces is the initial acquisition of flooring with an abrasive coating. But to realize this is not always possible, and in such cases you have 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, one can find a rather attractive externally and at the same time durable profile, which itself will act as a separate element of the decoration. As for tapes and liquid mixtures, they are approximately in the same price range. In particular, a 0.5-liter anti-slip compound will cost about 2 thousand rubles, and a tape will cost from 1 to 1.5 thousand rubles. It is important to consider that the film and liquid coating will be enough for a large area compared to solid panels.