Thursday 16 July 2015

Looking for Quick and Effective Non-Slip Flooring?

There are a number of ways to achieve a better grip on a flooring surface, from laying rubber mats to installing tactile strips or applying a chemical anti slip treatment. Each method is useful in different areas and situations, and we will look at the pros and cons of each.



The quickest way to add some grip to flooring is with a rubber mat. These are very cheap to purchase, and are largely effective in wet conditions as they create a suction vacuum so they lay securely on the floor. That being said, they are not technically adhered to the floor, and so there exists a risk of them shifting and causing an accident. Rubber mats can be a good choice for the shower or bathroom floor, however in commercial or large scale contexts they can present more danger than they prevent.

Another downside of the rubber mat is that they are considered rather unattractive, which is a big disappointment for those who have spent lots of time and care in designing their perfect bathroom. Rubber can also wear away rather quickly, especially in constantly wet or high traffic areas. Mould is another problem as well.

Grip tape is an alternative product which can add some grip in certain areas. This grainy surface efficiently stops water from pooling and is also bright in colour so that it is easy to see under moisture or outdoors. Unfortunately, this tape is only so wide, and it would be inappropriate to use it to cover an entire floor space. It is more appropriate for edges that are particularly dangerous, such as the edge of diving boards, stairs and ramps. It is also largely industrial looking, meaning it is not an appropriate choice for the residential context.

The final solution is one that is completely invisible, while still offering a complete, resilient non-slip surface. This is a transparent treatment which is applied to any hard surface flooring. There are two main types of this treatment available. Older methods include applying the chemical as a layer on top of the floor, while newer methods involve application, followed by a waiting period and then washing off the material, leaving behind a non-slip surface.

The first method comes with its faults. The primary cause of concern is that after a period of time, the chemical layer begins to peel off. Not only does this minimise the effectiveness of the treatment, but the peeled material can gather and present a tripping hazard. In the long term, this technique can actually increase the risk of injury, rather than decrease it.

The second option is considered the safest, as well as the most durable. The way this one works is that the chemical reacts with the surface of the tile, concrete or laminate and actually alters the surface itself. When you wash off the chemical residue after the reaction is complete, you are left with your original material but better. There is no way anything can peel off or cause a hazard, and it won’t wear out because you have changed the floor surface itself.

Because of the large scale use possibilities, as well as the invisible appearance, modern treatments are popular in both commercial and residential contexts, where industrial sites may wish to combine this with other, brighter options such as non-slip tape. Application can be completed by the homeowner, or can be done for a fee in larger contexts where it is more important to apply the chemical uniformly. Get in touch with the team at Step Solve at http://stepsolve.com.au/ to access the best anti slip treatment product going around.

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