How to Make Concrete Steps Safer

By Hklbrries

Q. We have concrete steps on our front and back porches, and they get very slippery when wet. The steps have railings, but the kids and some adults don’t always use them and we worry about accidents. How can we make the steps safer?

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A. Probably the simplest solution is to apply an anti-slip coating. These coatings generally contain grit that improves traction, and they are often used around swimming pools, on patios and any other concrete surface that can get slippery. Some paint stores and home centers sell pre-mixed anti-slip coatings, or you can buy additives that can be mixed with any good concrete paint. One additive that often gets good reviews is SharkGrip; for more information, visit www.hcconcrete.com.

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One of the most important steps is to properly prepare the steps for the anti-slip coating. You should read the directions on both the paint or sealer and the additive, if you use one. At minimum, the steps will need to be thoroughly cleaned before you apply the coating.

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In some cases, if the concrete is very smooth, which is sometimes the case when it is slippery, the surface might need to be etched to roughen it slightly and provide a good grip for the coating.

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Concrete etchers are often powerful chemicals and must be used with extreme care.

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If the surface is already painted and the paint is adhering well, I’d use another coat of the same paint plus anti-slip additive. Make sure any coating you choose is intended for concrete floors; ordinary paints are not suitable for this use. Additives can usually be mixed with latex or oil-based paints or with extra-tough epoxy paint.

Ingredients

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Details

Adapted from spokesman.com

Preparation

Step 1

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