It is a matter of fact that wooden flooring gives a great look to the house's interior and exterior.
But there are pros and cons to everything. Timber floors can become slippery with time. The
good news is that the effect is completely reversible. By implementing routine practices of floor
maintenance and using anti-slip coats, timber floors can become non-greasy.
REASONS WHY TIMBER FLOOR GETS SLIPPERY
Are you observing that your child and pets slip on the floor often? Well, there could be many
reasons for the fall. The frictionless floor is the most likely cause of recurrent slip and fall events.
Over time, timber floorboards lose their ability to provide a firm walk resulting in accidents.
The reasons why wooden floors get slippery with time could be one or all of the following:
- Excessive use of floor cleaning agents.
- Not following all steps of finishing after sanding the timber floor.
- Spillage of any liquid containing silicon. As silicon dulls the finish of wooden floors, the result will be disastrous.
- Accidental spillage of oil on the kitchen floor.
STRATEGIES TO AVOID SLIP AND FALL
A slippery floor should not be left untreated as it can cause some serious health problems. Health
issues such as bone fractures and muscle pulls can result from slipping on the floor. It is wise to
learn from the experience of a fall and adopt some measures and avoid future accidents.
Some simple strategies which can lessen the likelihood of slipping on wooden floors are:
1. APPLYING ANTI-SLIP COATS AND SPRAYS
Non-slip epoxy paints such as Dura Grip® are trending nowadays. These paints are suitable for
areas of high humidity such as decks, kitchens, patios, and swimming pools. Test the anti-slip
paint wooden floors in an inconspicuous area first. The non-slip epoxy paint prevents
frequent slip-and-fall accidents at homes. You can even walk barefoot after the application of
anti-slip coatings and sprays.
- Certain limitations of using the anti-slip coats and sprays are:
- Applying an anti-slip coat over oil-finished wood can cause cracking or peeling of wood.
Essentially, these coats trap oil underneath the floorboards. - Sufficient drying time should be provided for the coat to settle appropriately on the wood.
- The proper application of an anti-slip coat is to wet the wood first and allow it to dry.
- After that sand the floor and apply the non-slip paint or spray.
2. KEEP THE TIMBER FLOOR DUST FREE AND MOLD-FREE
We can follow some routine practices to avoid the floor becoming greasy. Using area
rugs and felt pads below the furniture can create a big difference. Door mats can trap dust
particles and prevent damage to the floor finish. Mold growth is another prominent factor
in making the floor slippery. The use of a humidifier in high-traffic areas can prevent
mold growth to a great extent. Wipe out any spills on the floor immediately to avoid their
penetration.
Sanding the floor is the last option for returning the ideal smooth and resilient wood
floor. A professional service provider for sanding and polishing saves hustle and waste of
money.
Budget Floor Sanding is always at your service to give the best advice and a free quote. Call us
now for any queries at 0418 882 678
