Is Stamped Concrete Slippery?

Posted by admin on October 26, 2022 in Blog

With stamped concrete, you can get the look of just about any type of material—whether you like brick, wood, tile, limestone, or other style. But clients commonly ask us a crucial question: Is stamped concrete slippery?

SUNDEK of Nashville used SunStamp on this outdoor living space in Brentwood, TN, to give it the appearance of wood.

Stamped concrete is textured, so that quality alone does help make it non-slip. However, when it’s sealed, even stamped concrete can be slippery when it gets wet. Living here in Nashville and the surrounding areas with our cold, wet winters, it’s important to know how to prevent your concrete surface from getting slippery. Read on for four things to think about when it comes to your stamped surface and avoiding slip-and-fall accidents.

1. Pattern

When choosing the size and height of your stamped concrete pattern, strategy is involved. A low, flat texture is more likely to be slippery than a taller texture. Additionally, a skilled contractor will make sure to stamp your concrete at just the right time after pouring it—that way the proper pressure can be applied to get the height you want.

2. Sealer type

Film-forming sealers appear slippery—and they can be. On the other hand, a penetrating sealer soaks into the concrete. Not only is it a good choice for preventing slippage, it’s also great if you’re trying to mimic the look of natural stone. The good thing is, if you like the film-forming sealer, you can reduce the slipperiness by including additives (see below for more information).

This walkway in Goodlettsville, TN, resurfaced by SUNDEK of Nashville, has a sealer with a sheen, but aggregates make it non-slip.

3. Additives

If you like the look of glossy sealer, you can still get it—but just make sure you include a slip-resistant additive. The right additive will add some grit to your stamped concrete.

Here are the types of materials you’ll come across when researching additives:

• Synthetic materials such as polypropylene beads or “Shark Grip.” These work for residential and light commercial applications.
• Hard mineral materials such as aluminum oxide or silica sand work for commercial, heavy traffic areas, or steep slope situations.

Note: While smaller, particle size aggregates achieve good traction, they also makes the surface more challenging to clean. On the flip side, if you use larger particle sizes and space them farther apart, you’ll still get good traction and it’s more straightforward to clean. An experienced contractor will help guide you in finding the right balance between size and distribution.

4. Sealer application

To prevent a slippery surface, apply a thin coating of sealer. A thick coating of sealer will not only make your surface more slippery, it will also create a whitish film on your concrete.

Ways SUNDEK of Nashville can help

If you’re in the Nashville area and you have a stamped concrete surface without good traction, we can help by sealing it using additives. If you’re considering a new stamped surface, we can help ensure it’s not slippery by using good texture and sealing practices.

SUNDEK of Nashville resurfaced this front entry in Brentwood, TN, using SunStamp.

Do you need help figuring out what’s right for your surface? Contact us! We’ll look at your project, discuss your best options, and give you a free quote.

Are there other decorative systems for slip resistance?

SUNDEK’s Classic Texture system is known for being an ideal coating that reduces slipperiness on a surface.

In fact, it’s so effective that its commonly requested for use around swimming pools and other locations that get wet.

On its own, Classic Texture doesn’t necessarily need a finish coat with slip-resistant additives, but clients often request them for added peace of mind.

Related

Learn more about stamped concrete.

Get more information about slippery stamped concrete on the SUNDEK corporate website.

Contractor in the Nashville area

SUNDEK of Nashville is a local contractor who has worked with many homeowners and commercial property owners to create surfaces that are slip resistant.

Our service areas include Columbia, Spring Hill, Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Bowling Green, KY, and Glasgow, KY.

We’d love to help with your project. Contact us for a free quote!

Call us (615) 822-7134

Or fill out the form on this page

If you’re not located in or near Nashville, TN, find a contractor near you.