Stairs can be a major safety concern if they are not designed or maintained properly. The potential for falls and slips on stairs can be reduced by using anti-slip tape near the noses of the stairs, or using an anti-slip coating to cover stairs made with slippery materials, such as polished stone. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits and best practices for using anti-slip tape and anti-slip floor coatings to make stairs safer.

Anti-Slip Stair Grip Tape

Anti-slip tape is a popular choice for improving the safety of stairs. It is a cost-effective solution that is easy to install and can be used on various surfaces such as wood, concrete, stone, or metal. Anti-slip tape is made of a coarse, abrasive material that provides additional traction and reduces the risk of slipping.

Benefits of Anti-Slip Tape

Anti-slip tape has several benefits, including:

1. Slip-resistant: Anti-slip tape provides extra grip on stairs, making them slip-resistant and reducing the risk of falls.

2. Easy to install: Anti-slip tape is easy to install and can be cut to fit the size of stairs.

3. Durable: Anti-slip tape made with aluminum oxide is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic.

4. Affordable: Anti-slip tape is a cost-effective solution for making stairs safe.

Best Practices for Using Anti-Slip Tape

To ensure that anti-slip tape is effective and long-lasting, it is essential to follow these best practices:

1. Proper surface preparation: The surface on which the anti-slip tape will be applied should be clean, dry, and free of debris. Any oil, grease, or dust should be removed before applying the tape.

2. Correct application: Anti-slip tape should be applied in a straight line, with no air bubbles or wrinkles. The corners should be rounded to help stop them from peeling up at the edges. Apply non-skid tape no more than an inch from the nose of the stairs.

3. Regular maintenance: Anti-slip tape should be checked regularly to ensure that it is still in place and providing adequate traction. Any signs of wear or damage should be repaired or replaced immediately.

Anti-Slip Floor Coatings

Anti-slip coatings are another effective way to make stairs safer. They are a durable solution that provides a gritty surface, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Benefits of Anti-Slip Coatings

Anti-slip coatings have several benefits, including:

1. Durable: Anti-slip coatings are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, especially SparkleTuff Anti-Slip Floor Coating.

2. Long-lasting: Anti-slip coatings can last for many years before requiring reapplication.

3. Versatile: Anti-slip coatings can be used on various surfaces such as wood, concrete, stone, or metal.

4. Aesthetically pleasing: Anti-slip coatings can be customized to match the decor of a building, making them aesthetically pleasing. For instance, you can add gloss or color to your stairs with our anti-slip floor coatings.

Best Practices for Using Anti-Slip Floor Grip Coatings

To ensure that anti-slip coatings are effective and long-lasting, it is essential to follow these best practices:

1. Proper surface preparation: The surface on which the anti-slip coating will be applied should be clean, dry, and free of debris. Any oil, grease, or dust should be removed before applying the coating.

2. Correct application: Anti-slip floor coatings should be applied according to the manufacturer’s directions to ensure adequate traction.

3. Make sure the coating has been tested for slip resistance before application. Some coatings manufacturers use old and outdated COF test methods to sell slippery products that could make your stairs even more slippery. Outdated and withdrawn test methods include all SCOF testing methods, such as ASTM C1028 and the James Machine (UL 410). Reliable floor slip resistance testing is done with dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) test methods.

In conclusion, using anti-slip tape or anti-slip floor coatings that have been tested using reliable slip resistance test methods can significantly improve the safety of stairs. They are a cost-effective and durable solution that provides additional traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls. By following the best practices for installation and maintenance, we can ensure that anti-slip stair grip tapes and anti-slip stair coatings are effective, adequately slip resistant, and long-lasting.