Antiskid tapes for steps: selection criteria

The materials used to make the stairs often have a smooth and slippery surface. The chance of slipping on the steps is very high. Antiskid tapes for steps minimize the risks of falls and injuries. Selection criteria and features of anti-slip tape linings should be considered in more detail.

The surface of lacquered wood, ceramic tile, metal or natural stone finishes is rather slippery. There is always a big risk of slipping and getting hurt on smooth steps. Anti-slip tape to prevent such accidents. Unlike other types of anti-slip pads, tapes are the easiest to use and are inexpensive.

In addition to its main purpose, this product has antisplash properties. Installed on the steps of the stairs, which is located outside the room, the tape with an abrasive coating partially removes dirt from the sole of the shoe. Due to the wide range of colors you can choose not only a practical option, but also suitable for the interior of the room or the color of the stairs. The principle of the tape is very simple. Most products of this type have an abrasive coating, which is similar in structure to sandpaper. Rough coating, mating with the sole of the shoe, prevents slipping.

Despite the large variety of anti-slip pads, many give their preference to the tapes.

The product is very popular due to a number of significant advantages over other materials, such as:

• provides a high level of anti-slip protection;
• the surface of the tape is insensitive to fat and oil products;
• protects steps from heavy dirt, chips and other damages, as well as from abrasion;
• low cost compared to other types of anti-slip pads;

• ease of dismantling.If the tape is torn off or worn out at some section, it can be easily replaced without damaging the surface of the step;
• thanks to a wide range of colors, the ribbon can be used as a decorative element;
• resistance to both high and low temperatures. The working range of tapes from different manufacturers may vary. Average values ​​range from -40 to +80 degrees;
• easy to attach. On the lower part of the product is applied high-quality adhesive composition. To install the tape, simply remove the protective paper from the adhesive layer and attach the product to the desired surface;
• increased strength and durability;
• resistance to precipitation;
• chemical resistance.

The anti-slip tape has its drawbacks, among which are the following:

• Despite the fact that the strips are resistant to natural precipitation, a large amount of snow or ice reduces the effectiveness of the abrasive coating;
• The tape has some installation restrictions. Loose, porous, or damaged bases are unsuitable variants;
• after installing the product, it will take some time for a stronger bond withthe base. During this period, the sticker is not recommended to be subjected to strong mechanical loads and moisture.

The scope of anti-slip stickers is quite extensive and is not limited to installation on the steps of stairs in residential buildings.

Most often, the anti-slip strip is used on the following objects:

• commercial organizations;
• public buildings;
• industrial premises;
• street stairs in apartment buildings and private houses;

• stairs inside buildings;
• thresholds of cars;
• public and cargo transport;
• rapids and stairs in wet rooms and structures, such as a bathroom, swimming pool, shower.

Particularly relevant is the installation of such a tape in places with high maneuverability. In the first place - it is public places and office buildings. The staircase at the entrance of the room, from whatever material it was made, is often the cause of injury to visitors. In bad weather, whether it is a rainy or frosty day, the steps become wet or covered with frost, which increases the risk of slipping on such a surface.

If we talk about the types of steps on which you can install anti-slip tape, here there are practically no restrictions.

Most often this product is used for the following materials:

• granite tiles;
• laminate board;
• metal surfaces;
• commercial, semi-commercial and household linoleum;
• marble natural and artificial;
• quartz agglomerate;
• glazed tile

All anti-slip tape can be divided into two main types.

• Abrasive products have a rough surface, while the granularity of the layer may be different. The grain size varies from 0.20 to 0.425 millimeters. The higher the graininess, the stronger and more reliable the surface of the tape. Abrasive products are ideal for installation in buildings of public and office use, where the mechanical load on the strips will be particularly high.
• Non-abrasive products have a polyvinyl chloride base and a textured outer layer. Such tapes are convenient because you can walk barefoot on them. The coating has a soft and elastic texture, and also perfectly repels water and cleaning products.

Depending on the material from which the tape was made and the surface texture, there are several types.

• Rubber. Available in the form of stripes or corners. Thanks to a durable adhesive layer, they are securely attached to any slippery surfaces.
• Vinyl. Such products are highly resistant to mechanical stress. The average life of vinyl tapes is 4 years on average.
• Based on aluminum foil. Such tapes can be used for installation on a surface of a complex shape, on which there are also irregularities.

Anti-slip ribbons are available in various colors.

Depending on the color of the product can be divided into several groups.

• Colored. Such products in addition to its primary purpose perform a decorative role. You can choose a model of similar color with the surface of the steps.
• Transparent. This option is almost invisible on the stairs and does not stand out on the surface of the stage.
• Signal. This model has a color in the form of black and yellow stripes. Signal tape not only protects against slipping, but also warns of slippery steps.
• Photoluminescent ribbons tend to glow in the dark.

The choice of anti-slip tape affects the place of installation of the product. In places with high permeability, it is best to use options with a coarse surface. In swimming pools, bathrooms or on the stairs, located inside a country house, direct contact of bare feet with anti-slip strips is almost inevitable. For installation on similar objects, non-abrasive elastic models will be the best option.

When choosing stickers on the stairs, it is important to pay attention not only to the texture of the outer layer of the strips, but also to the shade of the product. If it is important to emphasize the interior of the room, it is recommended to use a ribbon to match the steps. Natural stone surfaces have a beautiful pattern that a colored stripe can ruin. In this case, it is better to use a colorless model. Special marking tapes are available for marking steps.The surface of the stripes can be absolutely smooth, in which case the stripes will only warn about the need to be careful on the stairs. In dark rooms with poor lighting, photoluminescent tapes are ideal.

Installation of anti-slip adhesive tapes is not particularly difficult. An important step before installation is surface preparation. The base is cleaned of dirt and degreased with a solvent or alcohol-containing agent. Before fastening the product, it is important that the surface of the steps dry well. After preparing the base, you can proceed to the installation of the tape.

Works are recommended to be carried out at air temperature not below +10 degrees. A protective paper or film is removed from the inside of the product, under which the adhesive layer is hidden. The tape is applied to the outside of the step and tightly pressed. Full adhesion of materials occurs in about a day. Within 24 hours it is not recommended to expose the installed tape to strong mechanical loads.

See the following video for criteria for choosing a non-slip tape for your feet.