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Outdoor Stair Treads
Indoor and outdoor stairs are a common feature of most homes. It is important to use the right kind of stair treads in order to create a non-slip surface. Of course, the décor considerations also must be kept in mind when selecting the treads for your stairs. Outdoor stairs are exposed to rain and snow and will become slippery; therefore the outdoor stair treads need to be selected with a lot of care to ensure safety and protection.
The key aspects that must be contemplated when selecting stair treads for outdoor applications are as follows:
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The treads should be of superior quality because they are constantly exposed to the elements.
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The treads should have an anti-slip surface to prevent people from slipping and injuring themselves. This becomes significantly more important in public places as a personal injury can lead to litigation.
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Aesthetic considerations need not be compromised.
A wide variety of outdoor stair treads are available in the marketplace. The most popular ones are those made out of rubber, fiberglass, and vinyl when cost and ease of use are factored in.
Rubber treads go well with stairs made of wood. The treads have a smooth and flat underside and can be laid evenly on the step. The lip of the step holds the tread in place. For additional safety, outdoor rubber adhesive can be applied to a dry and clean step to affix the rubber tread. You must be sure that that the rubber treads can be attached to the steps without any overhang.
Fiberglass stair treads are suitable for most flat surfaces including those made of wood and metal. This type of tread is typically fixed using screws. Fiberglass treads are available in a range of strengths and fine textures that are comfortable when in bare feet.
Vinyl stair treads are available in different designs and colors and are easy to apply. They come with self-adhesive tapes and can be cut to any size and shape quite easily. After cutting the tread as required; simple peel the paper on the back to expose the tape and fasten it to the step.
Color coded anti-slip or non-slip tapes meant for specific applications are also available. These include:
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Yellow Coarse Traction Tape: is coated with a deep aluminum oxide mineral to prevent clogging due to ice and mud. This type is ideally used in ski resorts.
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Black Standard Non-Slip Tape: has a self-adhesive, plastic base and is coated with tough aluminum oxide. It is suitable for general non-slip applications.
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Conforming Non-Slip Tape: is useful for all uneven surfaces. Typically, it is used in high risk areas with highly noticeable black and yellow stripes.
- Transparent Non-Slip Tape: comes in handy when there is a requirement for an unobtrusive, but effective non-slip surface. Ideal for use on marble, terrazzo and other areas where aesthetics are important.
Outdoor stair treads are not only essential for safety, but also for protecting stairs against wear and tear. Further, it is less expensive to replace the treads than the stairway surfaces themselves. Another great advantage is that it offers the flexibility to change colors and designs every few years.