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My brick steps are getting slippery when wet, what gives?
I just finished a set of front steps with common red bricks. After the first rain, they were super slick, almost like ice. I used a standard mortar mix and brushed the joints clean. The bricks themselves seem fine, no glaze or anything. Is this a brick type issue or did I do something wrong in the laying process? I'm worried about safety, especially for older folks. Has anyone else run into this and found a fix?
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stellat8714d ago
Red bricks often get slick in the rain if they're too smooth. Mortar residue can seal the surface even after you brush the joints. Try an acid wash to rough up the brick face for better grip. Adding sand to a sealer or using anti-slip strips might fix it for good. That slickness is a real danger, so don't put off dealing with it.
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taylor.betty13d ago
How bad was the slickness on your bricks? My back steps were a death trap every spring... I ended up mixing coarse sand into a clear deck sealant and brushing it on. It made a gritty surface that still looks nice. The acid wash idea works too, but it's messy and you gotta be careful with the runoff. If you're not into DIY, those adhesive anti-slip strips cut to size can save a lot of hassle. Just don't wait till someone takes a tumble... it's not worth the risk.
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