There are specific decorative applications and Commercial Concrete Polishing that enhance the pool decks. Broom finish, knockdown texture, and stamped concrete are three of the most efficient and popular pool deckings. But with today’s post, we will be focusing on stamped concrete floorings. Why stamped? Read on and uncover the most asked questions and interesting facts on how to prevent slippery concrete stamps.
All facts in today’s post are backed up with expertise from the team of San Diego flooring professionals. Say NO MORE to slippery pool decks and outdoor floors.
Get your most updated answer to commonly asked questions such as the following:
- Is stamped concrete around the pool slippery?
- How do you keep the stamped concrete pool from being slippery?
- How long do concrete sealers last on pool decks?
- Is stamped better than pavers?
- Does polishing stamped concrete make it slippery?
Is Stamped Concrete Slippery Around Pool Decks?
Like the patio floors, the pool deckings are exposed to outdoor factors, which makes the flooring prone to damage. Stamping is one of the efficient solutions to prevent outdoor concrete from reducing its quality. It protects, seals the surface, and strengthens the material.
Having slippery floors often takes place due to wet climate and when activities with water often occur. Having that said, it is the stamped concrete that tops the choice for installing outdoor floors because it prevents such from damaging the flooring to an extent.
The main reason for this is that the stamped patterns serve more than just the decor on the flooring. The design also gives a unique feature that adds texture, making it dense and increases the surface’s traction. Thus, what you got is an anti-slip floor.
How do you keep concrete from being slippery?
As time passes, different reasons will make the concrete surface slippery, especially for outdoor concrete and pool deckings. These areas get exposed to direct sunlight and rainwater. Mineral deposits will form over time. When they occur, the coating on the concrete flooring will fade or will be washed off.
Although you are up against natural causes, there are ways you can still minimize the damaging effects. It is a breeze to give the slippery stamped concrete a DIY fix when the bad weather comes. So, while you wait for a flooring contractor to do a complete job for you, give it a temporary remedy.
Here’s how:
Non-Slip Additives
One way to make less-slippery stamped concrete is by adding non-slip additives. These may be in the form of solid granules, pieces of debris, or aggregate materials. What it does primarily is to add texture or roughen up the surface a bit. Just a little, but they still maintain a polished and seamless look.
Here are some of the common additives on stamped concrete:
- Silica sand
- Sand aggregates
- Glass beads
Non-Slip Sealers
Non-slip sealers are chemical applications that help increase the traction on stamped concrete.
- Grit sealer
- Aluminum oxide
- Clear sealers
- Color hardeners
Applying the Sealers or Additives of Your Choice
Seeding. Take note that the additive must be applied before the stamping process takes if you want to take the best route to fix a slippery concrete surface. So, the best product for this is the color hardeners.
That process is also called seeding. The grit sealers or additives are broadcasted on the surface before the decorative finishing is put in place.
Proper Mixing. For low-density additives like clear sealers, or epoxy sealers, adequate mixing is vital. The installer must come up with the right density to make a stamped concrete finish effective. Low-density sealers must float on the surface of the mix. As you pour the coating, the light grits or additives will not sink. So, in conclusion, using beaded materials or silica sand which has gained more weight, will dip. Thus it won’t appear on the surface of the concrete when stamped.
