Simple Solutions for Slippery Outdoor Pavers
Having some pavers in your garden is a good idea for several reasons. They keep people off your lawn and away from plants, they look attractive and they make it safer for people walking to and fro. Safer, that is, unless your pavers become slippery. This can happen because of wet or icy weather, and when it does, it can suddenly become more of a hazard than a help.
Dangerous, slippery pavement can be made much safer, however. You don't have to rip it all up and start again with pavers that have a better grip; just try one of these ways of increasing the grip on your existing path.
Cleaning
In some cases, this is all it takes to add a bit of grip to your pavers. The problem is that, over time, moss and lichen build up on concrete, which is not only slippier in itself it also holds onto water. This, in turn, adds to the slipperiness, especially if it freezes.
If your pavers have become more slippery as time has passed, this could be the reason. All it takes is a good scrub to remove all of the moss and lichen, which should leave the surface much safer. Weedkiller helps to stop it growing back.
Sealer and sand or grit
If you have very smooth pavers, they can become treacherous in the right conditions. Adding a bit of friction to the surface is a good solution.
Using a suitable outdoor concrete sealant, paint a layer on each paver. While it's still wet, sprinkle it with an even covering of sand, preferably silica sand. When the first layer has dried, paint over the top with more sealant and let it dry naturally. Your paving should now be much safer.
Tape
Using a grip tape for extra traction isn't the best solution for long-term use, but it can help on a temporary basis. Make sure it covers a good portion of each paver's surface – placing strips diagonally in an 'X' shape is a good way to do this.
Look for a tape that's suitable for use outdoors, and has strong adhesive.
Resurfacing
This is a more time-consuming solution, but it is very effective. Using concrete mix or cement, you can resurface each of your pavers. Before the surface sets, you have a few options to increase grip.
You could simply use a tool to make a pattern in the wet concrete, which will provide more friction when it sets. A popular choice, however, is to cover it with rock salt, press it gently, into the surface and smooth it out. When it's dried, the salt will eventually dissolve, leaving an interesting pattern on the surface.