Clearing ice off porch steps often doesn't help because many brands of porcelain tile become slippery from even the smallest drops of water. What to do if it’s slippery on the street and how to solve the problem with budgetary funds?
To combat icing on stairs and improve home safety, many methods have been developed - from special products that provide high-quality adhesion to the surface, to overlays, the fastening of which also reliably prevents slipping.
Ignoring slippery stairs and sidewalks can result in serious injuries, and if you own a hazardous property, you can be held liable.
Practical uses of porch coverings
The main advantage of rubber coating is its high elasticity and ability to adhere well to any porch surface. The rubber may become slightly stiff in the cold and fade in the sun, but, in any case, the coating remains non-slip and hard. It is much easier to remove a layer of melted and frozen snow and ice on porch steps from a rubber coating than from concrete or granite. The branded rubber coating practically does not lose its original color and is not afraid of salt and special street cleaning products. Heating to a temperature of 70-80°C has virtually no effect on the quality of the coating, so a dropped cigarette butt or lit match will not spoil the appearance of the porch.
Rough coating with sand
The steps are varnished (it is also possible to use epoxy, acrylic glue, PVA emulsion). Then, until the product has dried, you need to sprinkle it with fine quartz sand, preferably colored sand. You can use stencils to create a design. When the base dries, the excess grains of sand must be swept away.
Another option is to paint the steps with oil paints, on which you also sprinkle sand.
Aluminum accessories
Combined linings with an anti-slip effect are made from aluminum profiles, which can be used on different surfaces. Inserts made of rubber or other material with the desired properties are attached to the profile, after which the structure is fixed on the step.
Also on sale are L-shaped aluminum profiles, which are used in places with increased mechanical loads. They cover not only the surface of the step, but also the riser. As the rubber part wears out, it can be replaced with a new one.
Standard corner anti-slip pad for step
Aluminum structures on the market are presented in the form of relief nets that are fixed to the porch. They have an additional dirt-repellent effect and help to quickly and easily clean the soles of shoes.
What to consider when choosing a material
When choosing finishes for the porch, attention is paid to their technical characteristics. It is important to take into account here that this structure is located on the street, therefore, it is exposed to negative factors (direct sunlight, rain, winds, frost). In addition, these materials will experience various mechanical loads every day.
So, the finishing of the porch should be:
- wear-resistant;
- resistance to sudden changes in temperature and high humidity;
- resistant to acids and various chemicals;
- invulnerable to rodents;
- fireproof;
- resistant to fading under direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays;
- resistant to mechanical loads and shocks;
- aesthetic.
Attention: since the porch is a place that experiences heavy loads, the material for its cladding must be resistant to scratches, chips and other defects.
Floor tiles
Special types of ceramic tiles also provide an anti-slip effect, which is why they are often used to cover porch steps in private homes.
Porcelain tiles
Anti-slip porcelain stoneware is a popular finishing material for decorating stairs, sidewalks, paths, and local areas. Its distinctive feature is the presence of a rough, loose surface with a protruding pattern, which has excellent grip on the sole of the shoe.
Porcelain tiles are not subjected to grinding and polishing; depressions, grooves, and potholes remain on it. A relief material with stripes and geometric shapes on the surface is also produced, which is cast in special molds.
Steps for porch made of porcelain stoneware
Porcelain tiles have excellent performance characteristics:
Finally
A wooden porch is a symbol of coziness, home warmth, comfort, and peace. Wood is easier to process. Even an inexperienced craftsman, knowing how to use a saw and a hammer, can make a porch for a country house in a few days. Wood allows you to diversify the shape of the threshold, railings, and balustrades.
This is possible if you take a responsible approach to the question of how to paint a wooden porch on the street. You will simultaneously solve problems with both design and protection from rot, mold, bugs, and garden pests. Savings are inappropriate here.
Do not deny yourself the pleasure of living comfortably in a country house. All that is needed for this is to paint the porch boards in a timely manner, protecting them from premature wear and destruction.
Protective anti-slip tape for external and internal stairs
Anti-slip tape is convenient because it can be quickly applied to steps due to its self-adhesive base and relatively small size.
It, like other anti-slip products, will reliably protect and help protect residents and guests from injuries and falls.
First, the protective paper is removed from the adhesive layer of the tape. The tape is then pressed tightly and attached to the clean, dry surface of the ladder.
The adhesion of the sole of the shoe to the surface of the coating occurs due to the abrasive material made of silicon carbide.
An abrasive coating is applied to the base of the tape.
Fine-grained tapes are used for internal stairs, and coarse-grained tapes for external ones.
When using a coarse-grained abrasive belt, a greater friction force occurs than with a fine-grained one.
The disadvantage of such a product is the need for more frequent cleaning of dirt and dust that accumulates in the relief surface of the tape.
The advantage of protective tape is the variety of colors, widths and the possibility of self-attachment.
The length of the anti-slip tape per roll is from 9 to 18 m.
The roll width ranges from 2.5 to 10 cm.
For those who do not like contrast in the interior, but prefer minimalism and moderation, manufacturers produce transparent tapes.
They are almost invisible to the eye and serve as good protection against falls and impacts.
Results
In practice, a liquid anti-slip coating is often used. The material is suitable for finishing large areas, such as sports fields, large stairwells, running tracks, etc. The material is made from small quartz-granite particles. Can be applied to asphalt, concrete, marble, wood, metal. The color scheme will please even the most demanding consumer.
Recommended laying thickness is 2.5 mm. Drying time ranges from 50 to 120 minutes. This is the simplest material for finishing steps in terms of installation, and it is also easy to care for.
Anti-slip coatings for external and internal stairs in a private house
Reliability and safety come first! Then comes a beautiful view and proper decoration. The use of stairs when ascending and descending must avoid the risk of injury.
If elderly parents or small, restless children live in the house, then you cannot do without an anti-slip coating.
Unforeseen injuries, such as fractures, muscle strains and bruises can permanently damage the health of household members.
How not to spoil the joy of living in your beautiful, comfortable home?
Benefits of safe anti-slip coatings for stairs
It is almost impossible to fall from the stairs if there are anti-slip properties of the surface of the steps and stable railings (handrails), which are convenient to hold on to with your hand.
When building a staircase, immediately think about what suitable covering to choose. And then, when going up and down the steps, injuries can be guaranteed to be avoided.
The load on the material of the stairs steps becomes minimal if there is a covering.
The presence of safe anti-slip mats, pads and strips will significantly prevent wear and tear on the material from which the stair steps are made.
As a result, the staircase will last for many years, maintaining its original attractive appearance.
A special material designed to prevent slipping plays another important role when it comes into contact with shoes.
When entering the house, such a coating covering the external street steps will clean the soles of shoes from dirt and soil stuck to the soles.
This becomes especially relevant in the autumn and spring seasons, when the owners of their own home want to maintain cleanliness and comfort.
A variety of colors of anti-slip tapes and interesting shapes of safety pads will delight connoisseurs of original decor.
They will bring bright colorful additions to the interior of your home.
Carpet protectors do more than just provide stability on stairs.
Movement on metal and wooden stairs with anti-slip coating becomes practically silent.
Anti-slip mats, pads and tapes help ensure silence in the house and a calm, pleasant rest for all family members.
Anti-slip pads for outdoor stairs
Street stairs covered with smooth stone and lined with uncoated polished ceramic tiles become especially dangerous in icy conditions.
In an open space outside, frozen water on the steps can become a threat to life.
It is necessary to equip and use rubber or PVC linings as a covering for stairs in a timely manner.
Such pads are made of elastic materials that have shock absorption properties.
Due to the high degree of adhesion of the surface to the sole of the shoe, an accidental fall from the steps is unlikely.
There are openwork and cellular products on sale that help keep your home clean.
Fallen leaves, small stones and sand on the soles of dirty shoes will get stuck in the recesses of the protective coating.
Fixing the overlays on the steps of the stairs occurs in different ways:
- self-tapping screws with dowels
- glue
- self-adhesive backing
Durable outdoor linings are resistant to air temperature fluctuations in the range from - 40 degrees to + 50 degrees C.
The length of such overlays is 75 - 120 cm.
The width is 25 - 30cm.
The modern building materials market offers a wide range of rubber linings with corrugated stripes.
They are very comfortable and functional.
The relief of these stripes significantly increases the stability of steps when walking on stairs and cleans shoes well of dirt.
But not suitable for lovers of high heels.
Thin pins getting stuck in the slots of the strips can have the opposite effect and cause a fall. Take care of yourself!
Carpet overlays for interior interior stairs in the house
Safety rugs on the stairs will provide comfort and convenience when moving from one floor to another.
They can be ordered individually according to the appropriate size, selected color and pattern.
If untreated carpet products are purchased, then in order to avoid thread shedding, the edges are processed with an overlocker.
In the future, this will make cleaning the room easier and give the coating a finished look.
Carpet anti-slip materials are also distinguished by the density and height of the pile.
The safest coatings include materials with a pile of up to 1 cm.
They are more convenient for moving up stairs and easier to clean indoors
The length of the carpet pads is from 17 to 30 cm.
The width is 55 - 105 cm.
One side of the lining is bent and a PVC corner is attached to the back side for fixation. Secure the products using:
- self-adhesive layer on the reverse side
- double-sided tape
Protective anti-slip tape for external and internal stairs
Anti-slip tape is convenient because it can be quickly applied to steps due to its self-adhesive base and relatively small size.
It, like other anti-slip products, will reliably protect and help protect residents and guests from injuries and falls.
First, the protective paper is removed from the adhesive layer of the tape. The tape is then pressed tightly and attached to the clean, dry surface of the ladder.
The adhesion of the sole of the shoe to the surface of the coating occurs due to the abrasive material made of silicon carbide.
An abrasive coating is applied to the base of the tape.
Fine-grained tapes are used for internal stairs, and coarse-grained tapes for external ones.
When using a coarse-grained abrasive belt, a greater friction force occurs than with a fine-grained one.
The disadvantage of such a product is the need for more frequent cleaning of dirt and dust that accumulates in the relief surface of the tape.
The advantage of protective tape is the variety of colors, widths and the possibility of self-attachment.
The length of the anti-slip tape per roll is from 9 to 18 m.
The roll width ranges from 2.5 to 10 cm.
For those who do not like contrast in the interior, but prefer minimalism and moderation, manufacturers produce transparent tapes.
They are almost invisible to the eye and serve as good protection against falls and impacts.
Prices for safety mats, tapes and strips for stair safety
The cost of rubber or PVC linings ranges from 215 to 1400 rubles per piece.
The price of carpet pads per piece ranges from 290 to 690 rubles.
One roll of abrasive tape costs from 1100 to 7800 rubles.
Please take into account the fact that prices from each manufacturer may differ significantly from others.
Make your home a cozy and reliable home!
General information
Anti-slip materials
- rubber;
- rubber;
- abrasive materials;
- aluminum;
- thermoplastic.
Anti-slip coatings differ in the method of installation:
- rugs 0.7 – 1.2 cm high;
- adhesive tape (self-adhesive tape);
- overlays;
- roll coverings 2–5 cm high.
Rubber coverings for steps
This is one of the most popular materials for protecting porches and steps. It is frost-resistant, durable, and environmentally friendly. The coating is light in weight, but at the same time durable. It is made in the form of mats, L-shaped corners, rolls.
Installation of the material is not difficult and does not require special skills:
- Rubber mats are available in a variety of colors and are assembled together like children's puzzles. In addition, the mats have the ability to repel dirt;
- L-shaped corners are placed on the edge of the step;
- Roll covering is no less easy to install. For this, the material is cut into elements that correspond to the size of each step. The material is laid on the surface and secured
- aluminum corners using self-tapping screws.
Rubber covering for steps
An equally popular type of coating, but unlike rubber material, it is more budget-friendly. It has high wear resistance, frost resistance, does not absorb moisture, is easy to install, and, importantly, it is easy enough to replace if necessary.
Rubber covering for steps is made:
- in the form of flat strips using a self-adhesive base;
- in the form of self-adhesive L-shaped models made at an angle of 90º;
- in the form of rubber tiles of various sizes and colors;
- in the form of an insert tape, which is used integrally with a flat or L-shaped aluminum structure. In case of wear, the tape is replaced with a new one, and the aluminum structure is left. This type of coating is used in areas of high load and high traffic;
- in the form of an H-shaped insert tape. This is a more expensive coating option, since it is installed at the joints of ceramic tiles and wooden panels, which increases the amount of material used;
- in the form of rolls. This material can be used to cut any geometry of the laying area. Manufactured with EPDM chips, zig-zag coating (fine and coarse), spiral-twisted structure.
Rolls with EPDM crumbs have a pleasant appearance due to the wide range of colors of the crumbs themselves, do not emit harmful fumes, and are resistant to wear. The thickness of this coating for outdoor staircase steps is 6 mm, the length of the rolls is usually 10 m. There are 9 color options.
Zig-zag coverings have excellent sound insulation. The thickness of the coating is 5 mm. The length of the rolls is 10 or 15 m. The color range is available in 6 colors.
Rolls with a spiral-twisted structure are an interweaving of vinyl fibers that gives an excellent anti-slip effect. It allows moisture to pass through well and is easy to clean. Such rolls have the following dimensions: thickness 10 – 15 mm, width – 120 cm, length – 12 m.
Abrasive coating for steps
The material is made in the form of tapes and mats on a self-adhesive base using abrasive particles.
There are three types of abrasive grit:
- coarse-grained - used in places with high loads and traffic. Most often used in public places: metro, shopping centers, swimming pools;
- medium-grained – used in small office and retail premises;
- fine-grained - used in private homes with low loads and traffic.
Coatings made of abrasive material have a number of advantages:
- have an aesthetic appearance;
- affordable price;
- have durability;
- presented in various color shades (luminescent, glowing mats and ribbons).
Note. The quality of the abrasive belt is easy to check. Just try to tear the tape with your hands. If the material breaks, you should look for another manufacturer of this material.
When choosing an anti-slip coating for outdoor steps made of abrasive material, you should also pay attention to the backing, which protects the adhesive base from drying out. There are two types of substrate: paper and synthetic (organosilicon compound substitute). When choosing a substrate using paper, you should pay attention to the release date. The longer the shelf life, the lower the adhesive properties of the material. For example, after six months of storage, the adhesive ability is lost by 30 - 50%. The synthetic substitute has a shelf life of 2 years without loss of the original properties of the adhesive substance.
Aluminum non-slip coatings
Often, a non-slip coating for outdoor steps is used as an embedded profile and is a combining component. They are made in the form of corners and overlays. They may have one or two cells for a rubber liner. Installation of aluminum profiles is carried out by attaching them to the base of stairs and steps with self-tapping screws.
Advantages of aluminum profile:
- ease of construction;
- durable material;
- simple installation method;
- aesthetic appearance.
The length of the corner profiles with a rubber insert is 2.5 m, without rubber inserts - 1.8 m. Aluminum linings also have the corresponding length - with a rubber insert 2.5 m, without it - 1.8 m
Thermoplastic stair coverings
This coating is a polymer material and combines the properties of rubber and thermoplastic. The advantage of the material is long-term operation, resistance to environmental influences, non-toxicity, ease of installation. The surface on which the material will be laid can be simply wiped with a damp cloth. One side of the thermoplastic coating is smooth and adheres well to the steps, the outer side is corrugated, which has a non-slip effect.
Laying is used on bases made of any material: marble, granite, wood. The service life of such coating is not limited. The material is available in a wide range of colors, including colorless (transparent). The thickness of this material is 1.5 mm.
Anti-slip pads for outdoor stairs
Street stairs covered with smooth stone and lined with uncoated polished ceramic tiles become especially dangerous in icy conditions.
In an open space outside, frozen water on the steps can become a threat to life.
It is necessary to equip and use rubber or PVC linings as a covering for stairs in a timely manner.
Such pads are made of elastic materials that have shock absorption properties.
Due to the high degree of adhesion of the surface to the sole of the shoe, an accidental fall from the steps is unlikely.
There are openwork and cellular products on sale that help keep your home clean.
Fallen leaves, small stones and sand on the soles of dirty shoes will get stuck in the recesses of the protective coating.
Fixing the overlays on the steps of the stairs occurs in different ways:
- self-tapping screws with dowels
- glue
- self-adhesive backing
Durable outdoor linings are resistant to air temperature fluctuations in the range from - 40 degrees to + 50 degrees C.
The length of such overlays is 75 - 120 cm.
The width is 25 - 30cm.
The modern building materials market offers a wide range of rubber linings with corrugated stripes.
They are very comfortable and functional.
The relief of these stripes significantly increases the stability of steps when walking on stairs and cleans shoes well of dirt.
But not suitable for lovers of high heels.
Thin pins getting stuck in the slots of the strips can have the opposite effect and cause a fall. Take care of yourself!
How to treat wooden frame posts
The support beam cannot be repaired - if traces of damage are found, it is replaced, since cleaning and processing will not bring the desired results. To prevent damage from happening again in the future, you should treat the new element with all possible attention:
- First, the timber is sanded and impregnated with compounds in the described order - against rot, against parasites and against rodents.
- Next, the ends of the supports are wrapped in several layers of roofing material. Someone claims that there is nothing better than bitumen mastic, however, this is not so - when saturated with this substance, the wood loses its ability to ventilate, since the pores become clogged. Bitumen, melted to a liquid state, is good only in extreme cases and on a metal frame.
- Then the racks are lowered into the ground, fixed and filled with concrete so that the ends of the roofing material are visible from the ground by 2-3 cm. They are soldered together and the improvised glass for support is ready.
The timber to support the entire frame must receive protective treatment in a timely manner.
Anti-slip treatment for ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles are one of the most slippery materials used in porch steps.
In addition, the peculiarity of the structure, which consists in the use of different brands of porcelain stoneware for the interior and exterior decorative parts, does not allow the use of classical control methods based on the interaction of chemical reagents or the abrasive properties of sand or other bulk material. Therefore, if it is slippery on the street and the porcelain stoneware is covered with a layer of ice, you need to use anti-slip mats or similar devices, the installation of which will completely eliminate the danger of slipping. The most common and durable anti-slip material is corrugated metal strips that are mounted on the steps. In this case, you can take thin overlays located along the entire length of the steps, as well as special corners, which, in addition to the anti-slip effect, allow you to preserve the most vulnerable places of the tile - the sharp corners of the steps.
Another option for anti-slip porch equipment is to install flexible rubber pads. With their relative cheapness and ease of installation, anti-slip rubber tapes not only provide reliable adhesion of the sole to the surface, but also effectively prevent the destruction of the porcelain stoneware itself. In addition, the shock-absorbing properties of rubber make walking on steps more comfortable.
The durability and versatility of rubber pads, which are typically made from recycled tire rubber, allows them to be used year-round, regardless of weather conditions or temperature.
Periodic care
Recently, wooden houses have become fashionable. Indeed, they just have a lot of advantages, but at the same time they are more demanding to use. For example, a wooden house needs special treatment of the outer layer for normal condition in the future.
Next, let's look at what not to do when caring for a wooden staircase:
First you need to treat the old coating. To do this, you can use a hair dryer and a spatula. After sanding, you can coat the wooden staircase outdoors with varnish or paint.
Caring for a home means timely repairs to all its components. And if no special work is required for a brick or concrete structure, then wooden structures are more capricious, especially to external climatic conditions.
Home is a place where you want coziness and comfort. Conditions indoors are more favorable than outside, so you can choose what to cover the steps in the house from a large list of cladding. This includes:
The main facing materials are:
It all depends on the type of structure, its features, and operating conditions. So, how to cover the steps of the stairs? What should you know and consider when choosing cladding?
Processing agents and traditional methods
There is far more than one way to make the steps completely safe for use, without in any way disturbing the external aesthetic appearance of the stairs. For this purpose use:
Synthetic fluids
Anti-slip liquid
The main principle of operation of these products is the creation of a silicon layer of several microns, providing the necessary roughness. The advantage of using synthetic fluids is their versatility, which allows you to use an anti-slip agent on almost any type of staircase surface. The disadvantages include a somewhat high price.
Coarse sand
An inexpensive and unpretentious shelter option that is suitable even for already frozen steps is ordinary coarse sand. Its main drawback is that it can remain on shoes, so it quickly pollutes the room. On the other hand, sand quickly wears off and is blown away by the wind from the surface, and therefore requires constant updating of the coating.
Towels
An old towel placed on a step will quickly freeze to the ice. Once on the step, the towel instantly turns into a tread strip. This is a great option when your steps are covered in ice and you don't want to waste time trying to melt or chip it off.
Cat litter
Like towels, cat litter and coarse sand provide instant traction in icy conditions. Simply place a layer of cat litter on top of the ice. Kitty litter and sand are natural products that biodegrade, so it's also environmentally friendly.
Magnesium chloride deicer
The best deicer for exterior steps is magnesium chloride. It melts ice down to -10°C, does not corrode metal, does not rot wood or destroy concrete, and is safe for pets and plants.
Salt
Salt is one of the most popular and effective methods of de-icing, but in addition to dissolving the ice, it has an extremely negative effect on shoes, leaving behind white streaks that are difficult to remove and destroying the outer coating, which reduces the service life of the stairs.
Please note that the use of rock salt may cause corrosion of concrete! It is also poisonous to plants that may grow near stairs. In addition, salt is ineffective at low temperatures.
Water and alcohol
Another universal anti-slip agent for covering stairs is a mixture of alcohol, water and any dishwashing detergent. By dissolving 100 grams of alcohol in two liters of water and adding a little degreaser (about ten drops), you will get an effective remedy for combating already formed ice. For practical use, it can be poured into bottles, from which you can then water the stairs if necessary. The advantage of this solution is that the ice will not only become non-slip, but will also completely disappear from the surface, eliminating the need for mechanical cleaning.
Rubber cover
Thanks to the huge demand for rubber anti-slip mats, which protect the material of steps from destruction, all sorts of design options are now available on the market. Non-slip rubber coating can be laid on stair treads and street paths, either as a continuous mat on the steps or as separate strips.
Among the main advantages of rolled rubber coatings:
- Installed on any porch shape;
- Easy to clean from dirt;
- Tolerates low temperatures well without loss of elasticity;
- Absorbs external load;
- Low price.
Installation of the rubber coating is quite simple: it is installed like a puzzle, and the rolled products are simply rolled out. Thanks to the use of recyclable materials and used tires in the production of this coating, the price of rubber coating is significantly lower than the price of metal analogues.
The disadvantages include the fact that if covered with expensive marble or granite, almost the entire surface of the porch will be covered with rubber, which will affect the appearance of the house.
