Slippery Decking Day 2023: when are decks most dangerous?

Posted on 17 January 2023 in Decking Tips

We have named Sunday 29th January ‘Slippery Decking Day 2023’. That’s because this is when all the contributing factors are aligned, putting us at the greatest risk of an accident as decking in the UK reaches ‘peak slipperiness’.

Traditional timber and composite decking boards become dangerously slippery when wet or icy and as the result of the build-up of algae and leaves. We have pinpointed the last Sunday in January as the day when ordinary decking is potentially at its most treacherous.

Short daylight hours add to the risk and, with people more likely to venture into their gardens at the weekend, this increases the likelihood of accidents.

Gripsure Managing Director Mike Nicholson said: “Despite its many benefits, traditional decking has one major disadvantage: it becomes dangerously slippery when it’s wet. And that’s a big problem, particularly here in the UK where it can make a garden a no-go area for much of the year.

“It’s fair to say that at Gripsure we’re obsessed with the slipperiness of decking. We understand the combination of factors that can make decking dangerous because it’s what we’ve been tackling for more than a decade. We’re not only committed to increasing safety, we also want people to make the most of their outdoor spaces throughout the seasons.

“Our team of decking experts has assessed all the risk factors and the combination of wet, cold weather, damp conditions and rotting leaves and algae creates a perfect storm. We believe Sunday 29th January is the day in 2022 when decking will reach peak slipperiness, putting people at risk of accidents.

“While we created Slippery Decking Day as a light-hearted event, it does have a serious message and we want to highlight the dangers. We hope Slippery Decking Day will make people think about changes they can make to safely enjoy their gardens all year round.”

The slip ratings of surfaces, including decking, are measured using the Pendulum Test Value (PTV), with a rating of more than 36 being regarded as ‘low slip’. Crafted from sustainable timber and aggregate inserts, all Gripsure decking achieves a minimum value of PTV 85, which is classed as ‘very low slip’, and exceeds the British Standard for slip resistance.

Gripsure has experienced a surge in demand from homeowners during the pandemic. We are also proud to have provided our non-slip decking to high profile customers, including Kew Gardens, the Eden Project, Center Parcs and the University of Cambridge.

#SlipperyDeckingDay2023

SHERA: the regulatory choice for balconies and cladding in high-rise buildings

Posted on 14 September 2022 in Industry News

Over the last few years there has been a renewed focus on the need for fire-safe decking and cladding, particularly on high-rise buildings in the wake of recent balcony fires.

In 2018, the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 came into force. This banned the use of combustible materials in the external walls of high-rise residential buildings. The move was in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the Government has since promised higher safety standards. External walls encompass not only the outer walls but also the windows and even balcony decking. Unfortunately, this doesn’t leave developers or architects with many design options for decking materials and cladding. Two of the most popular products on the market which achieve a non-combustible rating are aluminium and SHERA.

So, what’s the best option?

Aluminium decking

While aluminium can be used for traditional decking, you’re more likely to find it on the balcony of a high-rise. There are many reasons why a developer may choose aluminium for their projects to meet building regulations. While it’s said to be waterproof, that doesn’t stop it from making quite a racket when it rains. As the great British weather means rain is more frequent, consider choosing this material carefully if only for the peace of your residents.

Also, aluminium is just a very noisy material by nature. This means it can be quite disruptive even from being walked over. In a highly populated residential building, this could add to high noise levels and complaints from residents.

After the temperatures have reached new heights this summer, you also need to think about metal getting extremely hot. So, this doesn’t make it ideal for standing on, for pets to stand on or to leave furniture on. It’s likely that residents of your latest development won’t be able to enjoy a hot, summery day from their balconies.

SHERA decking

SHERA decking is another option for the flooring of balconies and cladding on high-rise buildings. This stylish alternative to traditional decking materials meets the latest building regulations and fire safety advice for the UK balcony market. It is Euroclass A2 fire-rated and has gone through vigorous testing for that classification.

Aluminium is at risk of oxidisation and rust over time. Buildings near coastal towns and cities and even near tidal rivers like the Thames see accelerated deterioration because of this. So, for many contractors building in these areas, SHERA is the go-to choice. That’s because Shera will not oxidise on contact with water due to its water-resistant properties.

Made of fibre cement, SHERA has the natural appearance of a composite or timber board and is available in a range of different colours. Whether you prefer a Modern Grey, Brown Wenge, Tropical Oak, or anything in between, there’s plenty to choose from. This makes up for the lack of style choices available if you choose aluminium decking.

SHERA is also incredibly easy to install and can be attached with a Clip Lock System. That means there’s no need for drilling or screwing while still achieving a neat and seamless finish. If you’re building a medium to high-rise residential building with lots of balconies, this will be a big time-saver.

In choosing SHERA over aluminium, you’re also making the more economical choice. Aluminium is known for its high price point whereas SHERA is more affordable. Plus, with its rot, frost and heat resistant qualities and expected service life of over 50 years — it’s a worthwhile investment. The fibre cement decking board has also been measured for its stability and was found to experience no warping. The decking is also incredibly low maintenance. An annual clean and regular sweep is all it needs to be kept in top condition.

SHERA cladding

SHERA can also be used to create fire-safe cladding on the external walls of high rises or large buildings. The cladding has all the same fire-resistant qualities as the decking making it stable and easy to maintain.

Whether you’d like your cladding to overlap or be flush against the wall, the choice doesn’t end there. This highly workable material is often the top choice for developers because of its numerous profiles and finishes. Offered in the same variety of colours as the decking boards, you have full say over the colour scheme. Tying in your exterior cladding with your balconies will no doubt make everything look seamless. Plus, as well as looking great, it meets all the same industry-standard building regulations.

Easy to install and durable, SHERA gives developers and architects the ability to create stunning, safe places to live.

Gripsure

Choose SHERA if you’ve been searching for a balcony or cladding that keeps residents safe without compromising on style. Gripsure is happy to share that we stock a variety of colours and finishes available for your next project. SHERA has already been used on a variety of new and refurbished medium to high-rise residential properties. They can be seen in cities all over the UK from Newcastle and Hertfordshire to Cardiff and London.

SHERA decking and cladding boards are available by request only. If you’re interested, get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.

Building decking at a holiday home or caravan park

Posted on 5 August 2022 in Decking Tips

We've put together a list of things you will need to take into consideration when installing decking for both a static caravan within a wider caravan park and a holiday home.

Adding decking to your caravan park, static caravan or holiday home is a great way to create extra space. It allows you or your guests to enjoy the great outdoors all year round. However, there are some key things to consider. As well as the look and price, you also need to think about the health and safety elements.

Do you need to carry out a risk assessment? Is everything fire safe? Are there more requirements necessary?

We have put together a list of things you will need to take into consideration for both a static caravan within a wider caravan park and a holiday home.

Caravan parks and static caravans

Adding decking or skirting to your static caravan can be a great way to provide more space for your living area. It can also help to reduce draughts and protect pipes.

Firstly, it’s important to check with the caravan park if you can do so. You will need to look at your pitch licence agreement, as this could specify any guidelines or requirements. Most of the time, particularly with decking, you need to have permission first. They may also have specifications or a decking fitter in mind to build it.

Fire safety

Obviously, with timber decking, the biggest risk to tourists is fire. The UK Government provides fire safety risk assessment material to anybody responsible for sleeping accommodations. This would include static caravans within a caravan park. It explains what an assessment is and how to carry one out. They also advise on further precautions to make sure everyone is kept safe.

Fire can spread rapidly between caravans if they are not adequately spaced. Therefore, adding decking to your caravan is likely to reduce this distance even further. So, it’s important to consider this when thinking about the shape and size of your desired deck. It may also be tempting to use the underneath of your caravan decking for storage. But if what you are storing is particularly combustible this can also be very dange

Proper ventilation

The British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) and the National Caravan Council (NCC) have published guidelines for good practice for those who own a static caravan. One section refers to precautions regarding skirting or decking.

Adequate ventilation needs to be considered before your decking is built. It’s a matter of health and safety and some caravan parks will enforce this. Installing ventilation prevents the build-up of dangerous gas underneath the decking.

The guideline of good practice recommends that ventilation should provide ‘at least twice’ the amount of ventilation that is provided in the caravan. It should also sit ‘as low as possible within the skirting wall.’ Should the caravan sit on sloping ground then ventilation needs to be provided at the lowest point. The exact specifications for ventilation within a static caravan can be found in the EN721 document available from the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Holiday homes

Installing a decking area to your holiday home can add both financial value and experiential value to your property. It not only extends the size of your home, but also makes the garden accessible all year round. It makes for a great outdoor dining or entertainment area while also making space to relax.

First things first, you’ll need to investigate whether planning permission is required. You don’t normally need it if your decking area is going to be lower than 300mm high. The best way to check is to go to your Local Planning Authority.

Escape routes

As with the caravan park, a fire safety risk assessment is a legal requirement for all holiday homes.

If you choose timber decking and you’re likely to be having a BBQ or a fire pit, there is a fire risk. If this is something you’re concerned about, bamboo decking is non-combustible.

All floor surfaces within escape routes should be ‘maintainable, even and slip resistant’. If your escape route includes your new deck, ensure that it’s cleaned regularly and has non-slip properties. To cater for all types of guests, also consider installing a ramp or slope to and from your decking for accessibility.

Slip hazards

Minimising slip hazards is also going to be one of the biggest considerations when installing decking in your holiday home. Non-slip decking is a safe and stylish alternative to other, more slippery styles of decks. Our products boast a non-slip guarantee of 15 years. Be sure to clear the deck of algae and moss regularly to maintain it to its fullest.

Installing a sturdy railing or balustrade can also help to prevent an accident if your guests are likely to be families. This will ensure your outdoor decking area is perfectly safe for children to play on.

Do you offer your guests the luxury of a hot tub or a swimming pool? Of course, where there is water, there is a slip hazard. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has guidance related to running and managing swimming pools specifically. They recommend that all surrounding floors have:

Slip-resistant finishes
A steady, even gradient
Surface roughness
Moisture displacement
Foot grip

Our non-slip decking ranges are safe and bare-foot friendly for use around hot tubs and pools. When it comes to treating the wood, the higher the Usage Class the better. 3 is recommended as a minimum, however, if the deck is constantly exposed to moisture, UC4 or SS4 is best.

Get in touch

There are plenty of key considerations to make when choosing to build decking at a caravan park or holiday home. Ultimately, it will make a great addition to any property so long as you’ve taken precautions and completed risk assessments. The health and safety of your guests will no doubt be a priority.

Our non-slip decking range can give you the peace of mind you need. Know that your guests will be safe no matter the weather or the number of people in the pool!

You can request a quote from us here or get in touch with one of our friendly team members if you have any more questions.

Bamboo decking: the sustainable non-slip choice for your garden

Posted on 14 July 2022 in Industry News

If you’re looking to make garden improvements that aren’t at the expense of the world’s forests, bamboo decking is the answer.

Bamboo decking is a great, sustainable choice for your garden. It’s got just as many qualities as both softwood and hardwood decking. More people are looking to make sustainable choices as they consider their impact on the planet. You don’t need to settle for composite decking and suffer in slippery silence. If you’re looking to make improvements that aren’t at the expense of the world’s forests, bamboo decking is the answer.

But what exactly is it about bamboo that makes it so good for garden decking?

Just how sustainable is it?

Technically, bamboo is not a tree. It’s a type of grass. There are over 1600 different types of it on the planet. These can often be found in tropical, sub-tropical and mild climates. Depending on the variety, bamboo is native to Asia, Africa, South America, and parts of Australia. Just like hardwood and softwood, there are different ways you can categorise bamboo with each having its own traits.

Bamboo is also renowned for its incredible rate of growth. The Moso species of bamboo, for example, can grow up to one metre every day. Native to Asia, it can reach a maximum growth height of up to 20 metres.
Compared to most trees, bamboo can also release 35% more oxygen and absorb five times more CO2. This can help to offset the carbon output of the world to reduce the effects of climate change.

Moso bamboo has an underground system of roots that can connect a whole host of other bamboo plants. When one strand of bamboo is cut down, it will quickly grow back on its own. This reduces the demand on the farmers as its fast replenishing not fast depleting.

Bamboo is also naturally pest-resistant thanks to its tough outer layer which means there is no need to use harmful chemical pesticides.

Moso bamboo decking

Whilst bamboo doesn’t look as robust as a typical hardwood tree, it actually has a strength level higher than steel. This durable, strong material sees uses within the construction industry and is often used to make floors, furniture and even helmets.

Aside from that, it can be eaten, turned into clothing, used for your garden decking and more. Whilst hardwoods typically take 50 years to mature, Moso bamboo matures in just four to five.

Look at it like this. Bamboo decking has an expected service life of between 30 and 50 years. During this lifetime, the same bamboo used to make your decking has already regrown itself five-plus times.

Whilst the cost of bamboo decking is higher than both softwood and hardwood decking, it’s more durable, it lasts longer and it’s kinder to the planet. It has all of the elements and aesthetics of hardwood. One just comes from a tree and the other from grass.

If you’re looking for a long-term, sustainable decking solution for your garden, then bamboo is worth the investment.

MOSO® Bamboo with Gripsure

MOSO^® are a global brand supplier of both interior and exterior bamboo products. Their decking takes the bamboo and puts it through a process of Thermo-Density^®. This increases the density and hardness significantly. By this point, the bamboo has all the same qualities as hardwood decking. This makes it an ideal solution to finding the most sustainable decking.

With the addition of Gripsure’s non-slip inserts it also becomes safe non-slip decking allowing you to enjoy your garden all year round.

MOSO^® are also focused on sustainability and so all their bamboo products are CO2 negative throughout their lifespan. This makes them a great sustainable decking alternative to tropical hardwoods and composite products.

This decking has a long life span and requires little upkeep. It will start with a dark brown look that can be maintained with oil or you can let it turn to a rich silver grey. The surface can be smooth or grooved with no visible fastening points making for a streamlined look. MOSO^® Bamboo non slip decking is also extremely stable so won’t shrink, swell, warp or split.

If you’re conscious of leading a zero-waste lifestyle, bamboo in the wild can naturally be broken down and left to decompose. So, once your decking reaches the end of its lifespan, it is easily recycled. It can be turned into chipboard or burnt to generate energy. This contributes towards the production of green electricity—all thanks to your well-loved garden decking.

At Gripsure we are all for responsible forestry, so our bamboo products are FSC^® certified. Whilst bamboo’s fast-growing nature doesn’t cause forest depletion, we certify our bamboo decking nonetheless.

Browse our bamboo

As exclusive distributors of MOSO^® Bamboo decking, Gripsure is confident in its benefits towards sustainability. This highly stable decking is durable, safe, and fire-resistant. MOSO^® also has a 25-year warranty on its outdoor decking. So, you can relax in your garden knowing you made a sustainable decision to enjoy for years to come. Browse our bamboo decking range or get in touch with us today.

View MOSO® Bamboo X-treme® with Gripsure

Slippery Decking Day 2022: when are decks most dangerous

Posted on 13 January 2022 in Industry News

We have named Saturday 29 January ‘Slippery Decking Day 2022’. That’s because this is when all the contributing factors are aligned, putting us at the greatest risk of an accident as decking in the UK reaches ‘peak slipperiness’.

Traditional timber and composite decking boards become dangerously slippery when wet or icy and as the result of the build-up of algae and leaves. We have pinpointed the last Saturday in January as the day when ordinary decking is potentially at its most treacherous.

January is the wettest month of the year, with ice more likely as average temperatures drop towards the end of the month. Mean monthly evaporation is at its lowest, causing decking to stay wet for longer. Algae is also most likely to be prevalent during the winter and after a wet spell, while fallen leaves are decomposing and becoming slippery.
Short daylight hours add to the risk and, with people more likely to venture into their gardens at the weekend, this increases the likelihood of accidents.

“Our team of decking experts has assessed all the risk factors and the combination of wet, cold weather, damp conditions and rotting leaves and algae creates a perfect storm. We believe Saturday 29 January is the day in 2022 when decking will reach peak slipperiness, putting people at risk of accidents.

Gripsure has experienced a surge in demand from homeowners during the pandemic. We are also proud to have provided our non-slip decking to high-profile customers, including Kew Gardens, the Eden Project, Center Parcs and the University of Cambridge.

#SlipperyDeckingDay2022

Why timber decking is ideal for hot tubs

Posted on 2 September 2021 in Industry News

Over the past decade hot tubs have become increasingly popular. Whether they're in an entertainment space at home or a suite of new holiday lodges, hot tubs are a great way to relax at the end of the day. In this blog we take a look at what you'll need to consider when using deck boards around a hot tub.

Construction

When filled with water, hot tubs can weigh up to several tonnes so you need to be sure that the structure is capable of holding its weight. Decking is often chosen for this as it can be built around the hot tub, meaning it doesn’t need to carry the load.

Whereas a hot tub can be sunken into the deck, allowing people to sit straight into it, there is also the option to install decking steps, guiding people up to reach the water.

Safety

Getting in and out of hot tubs, and walking across a deck or other surface dripping wet after being in the hot tub, is potentially dangerous as the water makes the deck slippery. Whilst hot tubs are able to be enjoyed all year round, there can be greater risks during the winter months when lying surface water turns to ice making access to the tub challenging.

As a solution to this, homeowners and holiday parks alike have chosen our non-slip products to keep their families and guests safe whilst using hot tubs.

Bare feet friendly

We sometimes get asked whether our non-slip decking is bare feet friendly…and it absolutely is! Feeling the non-slip aggregate with your hands can feel course to sensitive fingers, however, when walking across with harder skin on the soles and balls of your feet it is like walking across any other surface.

Need more convincing? Our boards are tried and tested across many homes, holiday lodges, and tourist hotspots in the UK. For example, The Wave, an inland surfing lake located just outside of Bristol, uses our anti-slip decking to keep surfers safe as they transition from the water to the changing rooms. Our boards are also walked over by hundreds of pairs of swimmer’s feet at the external swimming pools at numerous Center Parcs sites across the country!

Treatment classification

The majority of deck boards are treated to Usage Class 3 (UC3) which will give a long-lasting deck around hot tubs in people’s homes. For holiday sites where parks are investing in dozens of lodges and decks, we would recommend increasing the treatment classification to UC4 or SS4 which will treat the timber with a higher percentage of preservative.

As hot tubs are likely to be used pretty much every day, the deck around the hot tub will often be wet for long periods of time as people make the most of it during their stay. If the boards are treated with usage class 3, the expected service life will decrease as timber treated to this classification isn’t meant to be exposed to moisture constantly which can happen around hot tubs.

Treating boards to UC4 or SS4 means that the boards are better protected and will maximise the service life and the investment made into the holiday site.

Get in touch

If you are thinking of getting a hot tub and want a safe and stylish deck or looking at replacing decks around existing hot tubs, feel free to get in touch with the team at Gripsure who would be delighted to discuss your plans and our products further.

UK timber shortage: can I still get decking for my garden?

Posted on 9 June 2021 in Industry News

A shortage of timber and other building materials is having far-reaching consequences for homeowners and the construction sector. However, Gripsure still has plenty of non-slip decking in stock.

The UK is facing a shortage of building materials, including timber. This is the result of many factors but soaring demand as we bounce back from the pandemic seems to be the main driver. We want to reassure our customers that Gripsure has a good supply of non-slip timber decking in stock.

What’s causing the timber shortage?

Here in the UK, and across much of the world, there is a shortage of building materials. This is mainly the result of the pandemic. Covid has disrupted supply chains, causing delays and shortages. The pandemic has affected the whole timber industry, from forestry right through to timber shipping and treatment. The Timber Trade Federation has been reporting on this throughout the crisis.

At the same time, demand has soared, both from commercial developers and home owners. The construction sector is bouncing back from the pandemic while lockdowns have inspired record numbers of people to consider home improvement projects. A recent Houzz survey of more than 3,700 UK homeowners, reported in Professional Builder, highlights the trend. Three in five respondents said they were inspired to start a home renovation or design project during the pandemic.

There are other factors too. A warmer than average winter affected timber production in Scandinavia. Some firms also say that Brexit is impacting on both supply and demand. This combination of issues has resulted in materials shortages and rising prices, affecting large construction firms, small builders and homeowners.

Decking in demand

Timber decking is just one building material that has been impacted by the pandemic. However, while it is affected by the same pressures as other construction materials, it has the added element of being an outdoor living product.

The shift towards outdoor living, as restrictions change, has made decking even more desirable. Growing numbers of homeowners are seeking to improve their gardens to make the most of them for outdoor entertaining. Builders’ Merchants News reported on research that found that Google searches for ‘decking’ doubled in the first week of lockdown in March 2020. And an article in The Times said that Brits had “fallen back in love with decking.” This certainly reflects our experience here at Gripsure.

In the period from March to September 2020, we sold significantly more decking than we did in the previous 12 months. Orders from our commercial customers, from house builders and architects to visitor attractions and hotels, did not slow down. Meanwhile, enquiries soared from homeowners seeking to create safe and beautiful spaces in their gardens.

How Gripsure is responding to the timber shortage

The timber shortage and Covid disruption has, of course, posed some challenges to us here at Gripsure. However, we are not facing any stock shortages.

Gripsure Managing Director Mike Nicholson says: “Although we are not immune to the issues facing the timber industry, we are in a strong position. We have excellent relationships with our key suppliers, many of whom we have worked with for many years. In addition, we are benefitting from increasing our stock holdings in the last quarter of 2020. This means we have had plenty of timber to see us through this period of heightened demand.

“The desire for decking shows no signs of slowing down so the challenge for us is to continue to meet our customers’ needs. We are planning well ahead with our customers and suppliers and are continually monitoring the situation so we can adapt if we need to. This approach is serving us well. We’re delighted to continue to get positive reviews and feedback from people who have transformed their gardens with Gripsure non-slip decking.”

Get in touch

If you have any questions or would like more information, get in touch with one of our friendly team.

Slip ratings, hazards and solutions for deck boards

Posted on 20 November 2019 in Industry News

In this blog we look into slip ratings, how they are measured, potential hazards and consequences of inadequate protection and why it is important to choose a product which will provide a safe surface in the long term rather than in the first stages of a product's life cycle.

As the name suggests, at Gripsure we specialise in non-slip deck boards and pride ourselves on the quality and performance of our products. In this blog we look into slip ratings, how they are measured, potential hazards and consequences of inadequate protection and why it is important to choose a product which will provide a safe surface in the long term rather than in the first stages of a product’s life cycle.

Slip ratings

With safety being a paramount consideration for choice of material, end users and specifiers need to be certain that the product will be safe in all weather conditions and will pass the test of time. The primary way this is done is by checking the Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of a product against the Stanley Pendulum test. This test measures the coefficient of dynamic friction in accordance with BS 7976 and the UK Slip resistance Group’s guidelines. This is a widely used measure for all sorts of surfaces.

On the Stanley Pendulum test, one of two sliders can be used which are attached to a weighted ‘shoe’. This is allowed to swing downwards from a horizontal starting point. The weighted ‘shoe’ is mounted on a spring loaded bracket and will make contact with the surface for a known distance. The height to which the weighted ‘shoe’ reaches after making contact with the surface will give the surface a measured PTV.

The two common sliders which are attached to the weighted ‘shoe’ are both made from rubber. Slider 96 is used to imitate the sole of a standard shoe. Another, less abrasive rubber, called slider 55 is used to simulate bare feet. To get the final PTV of a product, the surface is tested in three directions (width ways, length ways and diagonal). Each direction is tested 8 times in dry conditions and 8 times in wet conditions. The first three readings in each condition is discounted. The final dry and wet condition PTV is the mean value of the combined 15 readings. These results will only give a product its initial PTV (like a snap shot) and consideration should be given into how the product will perform into the long term which is explained later on in the blog.

PTV range	Potential for slip
0-24	High
25-34	Moderate
35-64	Low
65+	Very low

To achieve a low slip risk, a surface must score a minimum PTV of 36. Anything under 36 then you are at risk of personal injury. All surfaces will achieve a low slip potential in dry conditions, but not in the wet. All timber deck boards without non-slip inserts will present a slip risk in wet conditions. Depending on the product and the non-slip configuration of the board, Grispure’s range of products with aggregate inserts will achieve a minimum initial PTV of 85. Further information can be found here.

Potential hazards

There are a number of potential hazards on decks. The most common hazard is standing water after rainfall. Depending on the season and the amount of rainfall, decks can stay wet for weeks. Even a quick shower in the summer months, water will stay on the deck surface long enough for them to present a hazard. Users of the deck can quite easily fall on slippery decks and cause personal injury.

Other hazards include slipping on boards where a maintenance regime has not been upheld. If boards are not cleaned of surface debris, then they are at risk of having a build up of dirt and grime which can be slippery like standing water. In the winter months, decks like other surfaces will also be slippery in icy and snowy conditions. The HSE estimate that 1/3rd of all accidents occur because of slips and trips. With this being such a major reason for injury it is very important to protect people.

If someone is injured on a deck, then the property/land owner may be liable against compensation and insurance claims. This can be very costly to first meet those claims and then secondly to make the surface safe to prevent it from occurring again. It is much more cost effective to protect people and get things right first time round by choosing deck boards with non-slip inserts.

Long term solutions

The only way to mitigate the risk of personal injury completely is by using deck boards with non-slip inserts. These boards have resin-bound non-slip aggregate added into the boards and sit proud of the timber. This gives the user of the deck a secure footing every time, even in wet conditions. No other solution on the market will provide a better safety performance. Retrospective solutions will only work for a limited time and are not cost effective as they are normally labour intensive.

Composite decking boards are often marketed as a low slip product. What is often overlooked is that manufacturers will only only state an initial Pendulum Test Value (PTV). This means they are giving ratings of boards which have come straight from the production line and into a controlled testing environment. What needs to be considered is that the PTV of deck boards will fall over time as they are exposed to the different elements, build up of dirt from footwear and rainfall in between maintenance schedules, and footfall on the deck. The PTV of boards that have been in situ for a number of years will be less.

If a deck board only just scores above a PTV of 36 (which the majority of composite deck boards do), then it is likely that the boards wont be safe over the full service life of the product. The only way to protect users, is by using a board with non-slip inserts which will provide a very high initial PTV which wont drop to a unsafe level over time. The photo below shows a composite board which no longer offers adequate protection so signs have to be displayed warning users. This does not remove the risk, as users (especially children) may not read the sign and is not an adequate solution.

As well as getting our boards tested for initial slip ratings, we have also tested our boards which have been in situ at The Eden project for over ten years. The Eden Project has used our boards for visitor walkways across the site including within the world famous biomes themselves. We chose boards from this site, as the boards get heavy use so it would reflect the robustness of our product. What we found was that the PTV of the boards fell by 30 points. As our boards achieve a very high initial PTV, this drop still means that our products are above the minimum requirement for a low slip potential surface and the initial PTV of every composite board on the market.

Here at Gripsure, we offer a unique 15-year guarantee that our boards wont fall under a PTV of 55. This means that all our products give specifiers and end users alike peace of mind that our boards will offer a safe solution into the long term. We would also anticipate that our boards will continue to offer a safe solution for much longer than the 15-year guarantee.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or would like more information, get in touch with one of our friendly team.

Pre-order your TDCA 2020 charity calendar

Posted on 27 August 2019 in Industry News

To showcase the beauty, versatility, durability and sustainability of timber decking and cladding, the TDCA have ran a calendar competition which will feature twelve inspirational projects for each month with the aim to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The TDCA asked their members to submit entries of their stand out projects for the previous twelve months.

We are delighted that our two entries will feature in the calendar and that the Rising Path Project at the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge which we supplied with non-slip Accoya deck boards was named as the overall winner of the competition and will feature on the main cover as well as take the September spot.

The project captivated the judge, Peter Willson, with him commenting “it is a beautifully elegant structure that is entirely synergistic with the environment it sits within and made more so by the decision to use Accoya for both decking and balustrade. The overall feel of the structure is one of precision in the use of wood in its design and construction and is a delightful contrast to the range of species within and around it.”

The second project we submitted was of the European Redwood deck boards we supplied for the large boardwalk at Bristol Zoo’s Wild Place Project at their recently opened Bear Wood Exhibition and will be the feature project for December. The boardwalk reaches up to four metres in places to give visitors a unique view of the ancient woodland and the inhabitants living in them including European brown bears, European grey wolves, Eurasian lynxes and wolverines. Peter commented, ‘something of a feature in zoos nowadays, this particular elevated walkway is formed from Gripsure’s European redwood decking boards, is a major demonstration of the product’s robustness. Widening in places to accommodate large scale explanatory graphics, the boardwalk has been designed to be both functional and educational, whilst protective in its separation of inhabitants and visitors.’

We hope the competition will raise a lot of money for the charity and the incredible work that they do. Copies are available to pre-order now here.

Bear Wood opens to the public

Posted on 14 August 2019 in Gripsure News

Gripsure supplied over 17,000 ln/m of non-slip decking for the immersive boardwalk which puts visitors in the heart of the forest, giving panoramic views of the woodland and the unique species living in them by being elevated above the forest floor.

Bear Wood, set in 7.5 acres of ancient woodland tells the story of our British woodlands, taking you through a journey starting 10,000 years ago to the present day. The exhibition has re-introduced native species who once roamed our woodlands including European brown bears, European grey wolves, Eurasian lynxes and wolverines.

Gripsure supplied over 17,000 ln/m of our Gripsure Classic product for the immersive boardwalk which puts visitors in the heart of the forest, giving panoramic views of the woodland and the unique species living in them by being elevated above the forest floor. We supplied our boards across a number of scheduled deliveries to Elmtree Garden Contractors so that they could keep to their construction programme and limit the amount of storage space required on site.

Gripsure took a brief from the zoo and we developed a specification to achieve:

longevity in a wet and damp woodland environment by providing boards treated to Sector Scheme 4 treatment classification (30 years)
longevity in a wet and damp woodland environment by providing boards treated to Sector Scheme 4 treatment classification (30 years)
a low slip risk for the anticipated high volumes of visitors which was achieved by using three non-slip inserts which has been tried and tested at other attractions
push chair and wheel chair friendly achieved through a smooth profile to avoid discomfort as well as being easy to maintain
deck boards cross cut to the width of the boardwalk to minimise waste and speed up installation

If the large boardwalk isn’t impressive enough, we also supplied infographic boards to create time hop sections and an imitation of roots around ‘Steve the tree’ to help tell the story of our woodlands and the species and habitats within them. Our custom infill service has had great feedback at Bear Wood, as well as at the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge, where we have demonstrated how you can create any design using our non-slip aggregate to produce stunning designs on the deck.

Gripsure will be shortly developing a full case study with further details about the project. We are delighted to have been involved and it was a pleasure to have dealt with all parties involved. Bear Wood not only tells the story of our ancient woodlands but also what we can do to help protect what is left and the species that live within them. That is a story we can all get behind and the team at Gripsure are looking forward to visiting the site together at our team day in October where we hope to see the bears through the autumnal leaves.