We’ve all heard of slip and fall cases. Someone walks on some innocuous sidewalk, slips and falls, usually because the concrete was wet. What about you? Do you think twice about stepping out onto your walkway or patio after it rains? What about when you’re getting out of the pool?

There’s no mistaking it, wet concrete is a slip hazard just waiting to happen. You could put down some rubber mats, like they do at the grocery store when it rains, or outdoor rugs. But who wants ugly mats ruining their walkway or patio? Not only that, but how long does it take for those things to dry? What if they get moldy? 

Fret not. There are alternatives to slipping or putting some ugly rubber mats on your patio. Your concrete can be installed so that worrying about slipping will be a thing of the past. 

Why does concrete get slippery when it’s wet?

It all comes down to friction. Concrete by itself is not a slippery surface – it’s the finish applied to the surface that can become slippery. That’s why you may have noticed that city sidewalks have ridges. They were finished, literally, with a broom. The cement contractor uses a broom over the wet concrete to give it a textured surface. 

But what else is making concrete slippery? If your concrete is in a shaded area, you may have noticed that green stuff growing on it. Any algae, mold or other organic material can also add to the slipperiness of concrete when it’s wet. Oil and age are two more big culprits. Over time and with heavy use, the grit of concrete can wear off, leaving a smooth surface. 

How can I make my concrete non-slip in Los Angeles?

There are a few different ways you can go about making your concrete a little less slick. 

Acid Wash

No, we’re not talking about jeans. Bon Jovi is not going to show up and fix your concrete. 

Acid washing concrete involves using an acid solution to etch and roughen up your slippery concrete. The acid removes the top layer of the concrete. That will expose the sand that has been mixed, giving your concrete a surface that feels like sandpaper. 

No acid wash jean jacket necessary here. 

Top Cast

It sounds like a reality TV contest series, but it’s not. It’s actually a what’s called a surface retarder. This is how it works: Your concrete contractor will spray it on your concrete surface. Then the Top Cast prevents the top layer of the concrete from curing. Once the rest of the concrete is cured, the contractors wash off the top layer, leaving your concrete a little bit rough. 

You can get a variety of different looks with the Top Cast. You can go for the micro etch, which leaves your concrete surface with a lightly textured surface. You can also choose medium or full-depth etch, which will show off more of the rocks that are mixed with concrete. 

Heavy Broom Finish

It sounds like something you’d do to your patio before a party. But, no. A heavy broom finish is applied when the concrete is poured. It may look like your contractor is merely sweeping your concrete, but they are actually using a specialized metal broom to create grooves in the concrete. You’ve likely seen these grooves in walkways or sidewalks. 

The idea is that the grooves will provide the friction you need to avoid slipping on a wet concrete surface. 

Exposed Aggregate

It may seem a little old fashioned, but exposed aggregate is a beautiful and sturdy solution to your slippery cement. You know aggregate – that concrete that looks like it’s full of rocks. Actually, it is full of rocks. 

Concrete is always mixed with rocks, called aggregate. The size of those rocks will affect the look of your concrete. Also, because that aggregate is heavier than the concrete, it tends to sink, so you won’t see it, unless your contractor grinds off top layer, exposing the aggregate. Hence the name, exposed aggregate.

Because the exposed aggregate has already been ground down, your surface will be non-slippery – even during those wet El Niño winters. 

Is Stamped Concrete Non-Slip?

This is one where you should definitely talk to your concrete contractor. While stamped concrete can mimic the look and feel of almost any surface, you do have to take care. The stamp used should have full texture and a non-skid additive should be used in the sealer. 

Whenever you pour larger concrete jobs (think patios, walkways, sidewalks, steps, etc.), use a licensed concrete contractor. For example, when installing stamped concrete, timing is of the utmost importance. If the concrete starts hardening during the stamping process, the amount of texture will be greatly reduced, leading to a more slippery surface.  

Concrete Contractor in Los Angeles

Anytime you’re thinking about installing concrete, I highly encourage you to use a licensed concrete contractor. Only a licensed concrete contractor has studied the ins and outs of concrete. Concrete is all about timing, because the pouring process is a one-time only event. If you mess it up, you can’t go back and fix concrete. This is especially true in creating a non-slip surface. Whatever method you use to make your concrete as non-skid as possible, only a licensed concrete contractor will ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to ensure a quality finish.

So, call us today for a free estimate.