If you're a homeowner looking to install or change some of the landscaping options in your home, the word hardscaping will likely become part of your vocabulary. Hardscape is the use of materials such as concrete, stone, or bricks to add walkways or seating areas in the landscape of your home. To create non-slip hardscaping surfaces, you can focus on using a material that is naturally textured, or you can find ways to add texture yourself. One of the best options is to Install a drain to ensure that water does not collect in puddles on your landscape.
It is also possible to use certain products to get rid of the smoothness of your hardscapes. There are a variety of options for creating hardscapes that dry quickly and help you and your family stay safe and upright when spending time in your yard.
Install a drain to drain the water
When planning and installing new hardscaping in your home, a drain may not be what you are thinking of adding to the process. However, installing a drain with your harsh landscape will ensure that water doesn't build up in unwanted places or that the surface becomes slippery when it rains or gets wet. There are a few ways to add a drain to the landscape. One of the most popular options is a sewer drain. A sewer drain means that you cut into the asphalt or concrete to insert a metal grate. The drain then collects the water and redirects it to another location. This is an ideal option for sloping sidewalks, patios, or driveways made of asphalt or concrete. Installing a drain in an already established concrete area is also possible, just a little more elbow grease is needed. You can Install the drain yourself with a jackhammer and a manufacturer's drain kit. Just follow the step-by-step instructions to ensure a proper installation.
Add texture to the material
Many homeowners choose concrete as an option when installing hardscaping areas around their homes. Concrete is an excellent option because it is both durable and malleable when you install it. However, concrete is often slippery when wet, which can cause undesirable problems and injuries in your home. It is possible too Install concrete to be non-slipIt only takes one extra step but will be worth it in the end. When installing concrete for hardscape, experts recommend adding texture so that the end result is not so smooth. Even if you use something like a broom while the concrete is still wet, you can add the necessary texture to make sure you don't slide and slide on the wet surface. You can also add rock salt to the concrete as you install the surface. This one dries with a texture to ensure the final area is non-slip.
Use bricks to create a classic and quick-drying hardscape area
Even with all of the new and unique materials available in the market, builders and homeowners are still choosing brick as one of their top materials for hardscape designs. Bricks naturally dry quickly and provide the texture needed to ensure the surface you are walking on isn't particularly smooth after the next rainstorm. Using bricks in your hardscape design also means that over time your surface won't need a lot of maintenance and you can choose the pattern of how the bricks will be laid. Remember to lay the bricks on a level surface to ensure that you are creating a permanent surface that won't tilt or shift over time.
Get rid of the main culprit: moss
If you've already laid a harsh landscape around the perimeter of your home, or just want to be prepared to take care of the new finishes you're installing, keeping track of the moss growth is critical for maintenance. Moss likes to grow in shady areas and is a major contributor to slippery surfaces outdoors. When moss mixes with rainwater, it essentially creates a natural slide and slide that can wreak havoc in your landscape if left untreated.
If you notice moss growth on your hardscape surfaces outside, the good news is that getting rid of them is pretty easy with a few simple household cleaners. One way is to kill the moss with boiling water. Once dry, it can be swept away. You can also mix baking soda and water to kill the moss by spraying the solution and letting it sit overnight. As annoying as moss can be, it is important to do so get rid of the moss sooner rather than later to keep your tough landscape clean and safe.
Invest in physical and non-slip treatments
If your budget allows, it is worth investing in quality material to create non-slip surfaces around your home. Flagstone is one of the absolute best materials you can get and it tends to have a naturally rough texture. Plus, it's gorgeous and adds elegance to the exterior of your home. Whether you are installing flagstone, concrete, brick, or any other material, at some point you should apply a non-slip treatment to the stubborn surfaces to ensure accidents don't happen. Using a non-slip treatment basically creates a chemical reaction and removes any slippery elements that can be dangerous while walking.
A safe and non-slip outdoor area
When you spend time outside in your house, the last thing to worry about is whether or not you could take a fall due to a slippery surface. The good news is that if you install the right materials and take care of your harsh landscapes, the circumstance is completely preventable. Whichever solution or route you choose to create a non-slip environment, you can just rest when you are outside knowing that you've created a safe and slip-free environment for your family and friends.
