Creating Fast Drying and Slip-Proof Hardscaping Surfaces

If you are a homeowner looking to install or change some of the landscape options around your home, the word hardscaping will likely start to become part of your vocabulary. Hardscape is the use of materials such as concrete, stones, or bricks to add walking paths or seating areas around the landscape of your home. In order to create slip-proof hardscaping surfaces, you can choose to 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 is not collecting in puddles on your hardscape. 

It is also possible to use certain products to get rid of the slickness on your hardscapes.  There are a variety of options available to create hardscapes that dry quickly and help keep you and your family safe and upright when spending time in your yard. 

Install A Drain to Divert the Water Away 

When planning and installing new hardscaping around your home, a drain may not be something you think of to add to the process. However, installing a drain with your hardscape will help ensure that water doesn’t pool in unwanted places or cause the surface to be slippery when it rains or gets wet. There are a few options for putting a drain in hardscape. One of the more popular choices is a channel drain. A channel drain means that you will cut into the asphalt or concrete to insert a metal grate. The drain will then collect the water and divert it to a different location. This is an ideal option for sloped walkways, patios, or driveways built from asphalt or concrete. Installing a drain into an already established area of concrete is possible as well, it just takes a little more elbow grease. You can install the drain yourself using a jackhammer and a drain kit from a manufacturer. Just make sure to follow the directions step by step to ensure 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 as it is both durable and malleable when installing. But concrete is often slippery when wet which can cause unwanted issues and injuries around your home. It is possible to install concrete to be slip-proof, it just takes an extra step but will be well worth it in the end. When installing concrete for hardscape, experts advise adding some texture so that the final result is not as slick. Even using something like a broom while the concrete is still wet can help add the texture needed to make sure you don’t go slipping and sliding on the wet surface. You can also add rock salt to the concrete as you are installing the surface and it will dry with texture to help make sure the final area is slip-proof. 

Create a Classic and Quick Drying Hardscape Area with Bricks 

Even with all of the new and unique materials available on the market, builders and homeowners still choose bricks as one of their top materials for hardscape designs. Bricks naturally dry quickly and provide the texture needed to ensure that the surface you are walking on will not be super slick after the next rainstorm. Using bricks in your hardscape design also means that your surface will not need much upkeep over time and you can choose the pattern for how you want the bricks to lay. Just remember to make sure you are laying the bricks on a level area to ensure you are building a lasting surface that won’t slope or shift over time. 

Getting Rid of the Main Culprit: Moss 

If you already have some hardscape laid around the perimeter of your house or you simply want to be prepared to make sure you maintain the new surfaces you are currently installing, staying on top of the growth of moss is key for maintenance. Moss loves to grow in shady areas and is one of the main culprits for causing slick surfaces outside. When moss mixes with rainwater, it essentially creates a natural slip and slide and can cause mayhem on your hardscape if it isn’t addressed. 

If you notice moss growth on your hardscape surfaces outside, the good news is that it is fairly easy to get rid of with some basic household cleaners. One option is to use boiling water to kill the moss and then once it dries 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 pesky as moss can be, it is important to get rid of the moss sooner rather than later to keep your hardscape both clean and safe. 

Invest in Material and Non-Slip Treatments 

If your budget allows, it is worth investing in high-quality material to create slip-proof surfaces around your home. Flagstone is one of the absolute best materials you can get and tends to have a naturally rough texture. Plus, it is beautiful and adds elegance to the exterior landscape of your home. Whether you install flagstone, concrete, brick, or any other material, at some point you will want to use a non-slip treatment on the hardscaping surfaces to ensure that accidents don’t happen. Using a non-slip treatment basically creates a chemical reaction and takes away any slick elements that could be hazardous when walking. 

A Safe and Slip-Free Outdoors

When spending time outside around your house the last thing you want to have to worry about Is whether you may take a tumble due to a slick surface. The good news is that the circumstance is entirely avoidable when you install the correct materials and maintain your hardscapes. No matter what solution or route you choose to create a slip-proof hardscape, you can rest easy when you are outside knowing that you have created a safe and slip-free environment for your family and friends to enjoy.