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Strips On Steps, to prevent falls.

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posted 2 years ago

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I would think that this the proper time of year for this idea.
Here is a couple of pics, of some metal strips I put on the back steps.
I found the strips at the local hardware store. They were made as shelf brackets, They have a "U" shape. I cut them in half and nailed them to the steps. They only go part way across the step so they are not a problem when it is dry. I have found that even when you sweep the step there can be a thin layer of ice. (ask me how I know) And one broken bone can ruin your whole day.

MetalStrips1.jpg

MetalStrips2.jpg

John C Daley

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posted 2 years ago

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There are aggressive strips I have seen around Australia.
but why not build ramps in stead of steps, would that help?

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John F Dean

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posted 2 years ago

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Hi John,

Ramps have their place. In most cases I have encountered, they are superior to steps. But, they can be limited by the degree of incline. Even with a sufficiently gradual slope, they can be downright exciting when covered in ice. Traction strips can help on a ramp, but they need to be sufficiently close together.

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Anne Miller

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posted 2 years ago

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We have always used sand and paint.

I prefer John`s suggestion for ramps. Sand and paint work for both ramps and steps.

I know nothing about using metal strips. I guess if that is what you have then that is best.

I am an avoid trip locations so I would avoid metal strips. And rugs.

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Tereza Okava

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posted 2 years ago

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Hey Anne, do you use some sort of special paint with the sand, or will any paint do? We have always used those glue-on strips but they get pricey.

Anne Miller

steward

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posted 2 years ago

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As far as I know, any paint will work.

What we used was called porch paint and that is what we used the paint for, painting our porch.

So, I just asked dear hubby who said to use enamel because he did not think latex would work where someone walks.

Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner

Jane Mulberry

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posted 2 years ago

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I'm not sure what sort of paint it was, but in the past i've used pre-made non-slip paving paint - designed for painting concrete steps and with coarse sand already added. It was fine for the area I lived in then which didn't get long hard freezes. I'm not sure it would be enough of a solution for very icy steps that stay frozen.

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Douglas Alpenstock

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posted 2 years ago

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Grip strips are not only for outside -- in our current house some fool (previous owner) installed a lot of smooth tile because "it's pretty, it's upscale!" Well it's also lethally slippery if there's the slightest bit of moisture, or if you're in stocking feet. Or getting out of the damn shower. So there are little rubber-backed carpets everywhere, which is practical because tile is really cold in the winter. And there is musician-grade gaffer tape on the steps, which I really should replace with industrial grip strips.

Kyle Hayward

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posted 2 years ago

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I'd hate to walk those and fall down on those metal strips with my arm or head making contact.
You can buy tape that has gripping sand in it for just this reason. Falling on that would give you a burn but not slice you open.

Douglas Alpenstock

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Location: Canadian Prairies - Zone 3b

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posted 2 years ago

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I've seen a hardware cloth mesh used on stairs in parks in coastal areas where there's a lot of rainfall and moss/lichens make the stairs lethally slippery.

I don't mind the metal strips, but in snow/ice I think they will become a lot more slippery than the rest of the stair. Still, any sort of hard sill you can stomp down on is better than sailing away down the stairs.

Posts: 19

posted 2 years ago

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They make self-adhesive "traction strips" that you can stick on the edge of stairs, but those quickly get frozen over. With the metal strips I can warm then with a hair dryer or heat gun and they quickly pop up to give you some grip.
A ramp covered in greasy-slick ice? Sounds like the next feature on America's Funniest Home Video.

John C Daley

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posted 2 years ago

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https://crocgrip.com/collections/aluminium-treads
and another special paint
https://www.directpaint.com.au/product/tredgrip/

Tredgrip-White-4lt-Front-Cropped.jpg

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