Slippery Stairs?

Question

A few years ago, I tiled my front entrance and stairs (with outdoor tile). In the winter time, when the stairs are covered by snow, they are extremely slippery.

I have tried adding sand/grains when applying sealant in the summer. It doesn't work all that well. Currently, the best way to ensure a no-slip surface is to simply keep the snow cleared.

Obviously, stairs will always be slippery in the winter. Just wondering if anyone has ideas re. how to improve surface traction?

Answer 1

Spray it will a sealant ~ I think Thompson's water seal or a type of polyurethane for tile ~ it goes on clear so your guests won't notice it but you will because of the texture it leaves behind for your and their safety.  Go to Home depot or Menard's or Lows and ask (one of the senior workers) they should know what I am talking about.

I may respond again this weekend ~ if I get over there tomorrow I'll check the name of the product I used ~ IF I remember.  There is a product I just can't think of the name.

Answer 2

mix sand with a little a little dry dirt making it more thicker

Answer 3

Keep the snow cleared and put down salt. Other than this you can use heated stairs.

Answer 4

You can buy at your local hardware store a plastic material that has a non-skid surface on one side and pressure sensitive adhesive on the other.  Put strips of that on the steps.  It will detract from the look of the tile, perhaps, but it will solve the traction problem.

Answer 5

Put a cloth on your stairs or a towel and when it snows just fling the snow off the stairs