The problem of slippery stairs seems to be a threat only in winter, when temperatures indicate values below zero and the cold weather is accompanied by snowfall. However, this is a myth! Such surfaces can also pose a risk of falling in summer, spring or autumn – especially during heavy rain. So how to guarantee safety on the stairs regardless of the season? Choose the right material!
For a staircase to be properly designed, the height and depth of the steps must match. Their ratio is expressed by the formula:
2h + s = 62-65 cm, in which: h – the height of the steps, s – the depth of the steps.
The depth of the steps should correspond to the length of a person’s foot. 30-35 cm is considered comfortable.
What for the exterior staircase?
The material for outdoor stairs should be distinguished by certain performance parameters.
The most important of these relate to low absorption, referring to the lack of susceptibility to moisture, resistance to abrasion and other mechanical factors, as well as safety, which is expressed by the degree of anti-slip. No less important will be resistance to sunlight and frost, as well as ease of maintenance. Not all available materials meet these requirements.
Lack of durability and the need for cyclic impregnation are characteristics of wood. Stairs made of them – although they look noble and guarantee a natural visual effect – will not stand the test of time. Factors affecting their rapid deterioration will be moisture or UV rays. The surface as a result of their action may swell and fade, which will give rise to the need for frequent replacement and will further erode the household budget. Such situations can occur even in the case of exotic hardwood. Its more practical replacement may be:
– ceramic tiles, among them clinker, porcelain stoneware or terracotta as a finishing material for reinforced concrete exterior stairs
– stone tiles,
– Paving blocks or patio slabs
– most durable – ready-made concrete stairs (stair blocks)
The finished product – stair treads are made of noble rock aggregates, thanks to which their surfaces are distinguished by maximum durability, high resistance to various external factors and porosity, which is a natural protection against slipping. These are solutions that can imitate a variety of textures – including natural ones such as wood, as exemplified by Bruk-Bet Garden Beam, or Travertine blocks, the beauty of which is also reflected in Kavero® stair blocks.
Block steps require little maintenance and are easy to install. Before installing them, it is necessary to properly prepare the ground; level the surface, create a frost-proof layer of gravel or aggregate and a bedding of semi-dry concrete. During installation, it is worth remembering to maintain the minimum gradient of the step (about 1%) and the correct gaps of 3 to 5 mm in width. The resulting gaps are filled with flexible grout. Detailed instructions for the installation of stairs can be found in the Bruk-Bet contractor’s guide.
Sanded or unsanded pavement?
Stair treads are a category of diversified products, both in terms of aesthetics and finish, which will affect not only the visual characteristics of the solution, but also the functionality of the cured area. At this stage, it is worth asking yourself whether sanded or unsanded variants will be better?
Non-sanded steps provide a greater level of safety in terms of slippery pavement. Their surface is naturally rough, so they protect against unfortunate slips. With their participation, it is easier to create a non-slippery staircase that will last for many years. Unsanded surfaces include slightly rough Teratec, shot-blasted Rustical, Color-Mix color melanges, Color (e.g. sblock steps Baza).
The grinding process does not necessarily significantly reduce slip resistance. The Terazzo® finish from Bruk-Bet, which consists of a treatment-grinding process that results in fine grains of fine aggregates being visible on the surface of the tiles, as well as grinds of coarser fractions, is smoother than other Bruk-Bet pavements. This solution is reminiscent of fashionable terrazzo, which will prove to be a tool to break the modern architectural trend or will be an interesting addition in classic realizations. It should be noted that, this variant (Terazzo) satisfactorily meets the conditions of PN EN 1378-2, so it has slip resistance and can be used in areas exposed to water and moisture.
How to increase safety on the stairs?
Slippery stairs can be the bane of many builders, but it’s a problem that can be quickly eliminated – whether with the right material from Bruk-Bet or more ad hoc tools such as rubber mats and anti-slip letters. These are elements attached to the treads or laid on the surface of the staircase, which increase the safety of people and animals moving through. The steps then do not slip and are resistant to harsh weather conditions.
They will last for many months in unchanged condition. In the case of the elderly, in addition to the previously mentioned non-slip materials, it will also be helpful to install additional handrails or balustrades to enable support during ascent and descent. Non-slip stairs do exist! All you need to do is choose concrete stair treads with the right finish, and for even greater safety reach for rubber mats, strips and rugs. With such products, ice, water or moisture will not be a threat.
