How To Make Your Mobile Home Porch Slip-Proof Before The Rain Comes
Porches can make a fantastic addition to mobile homes. They not only add value but also give you another way to enjoy the outdoors. But isn’t it sad that you often can’t enjoy them all year round?
Decks can become treacherously slippery in wet weather. Luckily, where there is a will, there’s a way. Let’s look at different steps you can take to make your mobile home porch slip-proof.
Mold protection
It’s a common misunderstanding that it is the wood itself on porches that becomes slick. However, most of the time, it’s actually due to fungus or mildew on the planks. That is also why decks aren’t only slimy during the rain but can make you slip at other times too.
So you can reduce the chance of slipping by removing fungus from the wood and prevent any growth.
To do this, you should remove anything standing on the deck and brush it using a broom with stiff bristles. Then hose the wood down with a jet washer or even a garden hose. Buy a dedicated fungus or algae cleaner and wash the deck following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Otherwise, make a cleaning solution from scratch.
Repeat this every few months or when you notice growth. Or else, do it before the rainy season starts.
Keeping it dry
Another measure you can take to protect the porch is to try to keep it as dry as possible. Doing this can help you protect the wood from mold or rot. But the water itself can make you slip and fall.
Of course, one of the best ways to do this is to cover the porch. Take a look at this tutorial for building a roof for your deck.
Even then water can pool up on the floor. Besides this, you might need to install gutters or other drainage measures to redirect some of the rain.
If none of this is an option for you, you should at least try to dry up water from the porch as soon as you can.
Abrasive strips
Anti-slip tape can be a lifesaver. The products are sold and manufactured under many different names. However, they’re all strips with some grit or abrasive material on the top of it.
Manufacturers make it very easy for you with self-adhesive tape. Unfortunately, these products generally don’t last very long. On the other hand, you can choose strips that you screw on. These are more durable and sit tighter.
No matter which type you choose, it is a relatively low-cost solution. Yet it is extremely effective at preventing slips and falls.
You could stick some on all planks on the deck. Or, you could only apply it to critical areas where you walk most of the time. You can even get creative and make patterns with the strips!
Non-slip coating
One more excellent option to make your porch slip-proof is to apply a non-slip treatment. These are finishes with an abrasive material in it. It can significantly improve your grip on the deck.
The three main options available to you are:
- Anti-slip decking paint
- Non-slip decking varnish
- Anti-slip decking oils & stains
You can use any of these choices to paint the wood.
Overall, oil seems to be an excellent choice. It soaks into the deck, is quick to dry, and won’t crack or peel.
But paint and varnish can work very well too, as long as you allow it to dry.
DIY non-slip paints
You can tackle all of these projects by yourself. However, if you want to get even more nitty-gritty, you can make DIY non-slip paint as well.
All you have to do is buy a grit additive and mix it with a finish of your choice. You will find both of these at any hardware store.
You will have far more customization alternatives with this method. And there will be plenty of appearances and qualities that you can select.
Use about one pint of grit for every gallon of paint. Combine it evenly and continually stir the mixture throughout the process. You can use it to paint the porch just as you would with the premade products.
Non-slip decking
As a last resort, you might have to replace the entire deck or at least critical sections of it. It is probably the most labor-intensive alternative. Although it is one of the most effective as well.
Nowadays, manufacturers make decking with grit inserts so that they are less slippery. They also design planks with ribbing and grooves.
Whether this is possible or not depends on the construction or condition your porch. If you are lucky, you can remove the old cladding and install the new pieces.
Love rainy days
Nobody appreciates an unplanned slip-and-sliding session across their mobile home porch. Hopefully, with the help of these solutions, you won’t have to fear crossing your deck in the rain any longer.
If you love spending time outside, read our guide to creating the perfect outdoor area for your mobile home.