What Makes Aluminium Decking Slip-Resistant?

14 Sep What Makes Aluminium Decking Slip-Resistant?

Aluminium decking can be made slip-resistant in a variety of ways, from applying a non-slip material to the surface of the aluminium or by incorporating a specialist coating during the manufacturing stage.

Please note: methods for incorporating slip resistance to the aluminium decking product will affect the aluminium’s fire rating. This is particularly important if your project involves a balcony, terrace, walkway or other ‘specified attachment’ above 18 metres in height.

Here at Alfresco Floors, we use a unique coating system that provides anti-slip functionality. According to the European Classification system, this makes the decking Class A2 rated, and therefore an appropriate flooring solution for your high-rise specified attachment.

Why Does Aluminium Need to be Treated?

As a metal, aluminium is non-combustible. This may prompt the question,

If it is naturally non-combustible, why treat the aluminium in the first place?

The answer is, of course, that untreated, aluminium is very smooth. When used as a flooring application, this can pose a significant slip hazard, particularly in environments that are susceptible to surface moisture/precipitation.

Other Methods for Slip Resistance on Aluminium Decking

As mentioned in the introduction, an alternative for an aluminium anti-slip coating is through using some form of rubber insert that may be incorporated into the aluminium deck board.

However, whilst these types of aluminium deck boards are ideal for ground-floor applications, the use of combustible components such as rubber mean they will not comply with the current Building Regs that only permit Class A Fire-Rated materials on applications above 18 metres in height.

So, if you want to specify aluminium deck board on your high-rise project, we recommend using an aluminium deck board with an anti-slip coating. Feel free to check out the Alfresco range here.

What About the Adjustable Pedestal?

Our A-PED® adjustable pedestal has been made with 100% recycled aluminium and has not been treated in any way. This means that it is fully Class A1 rated. Note that all pedestal accessories are also made of aluminium and so do not compromise the A-rating of the system unlike plastic or rubber components.

The reason why the A-PED® does not need to be treated is because as a sub-frame it has no reason to be anti-slip.

Why is Aluminium Decking So Popular?

As a material, aluminium boasts numerous benefits, which is why it is such a popular choice for many construction applications. As a decking material, aluminium is a great choice.

Aluminium is:

• Strong
• Durable
• Lightweight
• Recyclable
• Visually appealing (provides a modern, stylish finish)
• Resistant to rust

With all these elements combined, it’s unsurprising to see why aluminium decking is such a popular choice for specification.

Conclusion

With our unique anti-slip coating technology, you can maintain the visual appeal of aluminium decking whilst providing a safe solution for your high-rise external flooring project. Available in three stock item colours, it can also be supplied in any RAL colour to ensure that you get exactly the aesthetic your scheme demands.

If you’d like any more information on how aluminium decking can provide you with a safe, fire-rated result, don’t hesitate to talk to an expert today. Simply call 020 8977 0904.

(Be sure to also check out The A-PED: one of the UK’s only Class A1 fire-rated adjustable pedestals).