Anti-slip products tend to be things we install once and forget until they stop doing their job. Whether they’re on outdoor steps, ramps, decking, or walkways, these safety features play a big part in keeping everyone steady on their feet. When they wear down, the risk of slips and falls rises quickly. That’s why knowing when to swap them out is just as important as having them in place to begin with.

Deck grip strips are one of the most commonly used non-slip products outdoors. They help people move safely across wet or uneven surfaces, especially in gardens, on landings, or near entrances. But even the most durable deck grip strips can wear out with time from being exposed to sunlight, rain, and foot traffic. Below, we’ll go over how to spot damage, how weather affects them, and why changing them at the right time makes all the difference.

Signs Your Anti-Slip Products Need Replacing

No product lasts forever, and anti-slip materials are no different. They get walked on every day and deal with everything from shoes to leaves to heavy boots. Over time, they start showing signs of wear that shouldn't be passed over. Some of the most common signs include:

- Peeling edges lifting away from the surface
- Cracks developing through the strip
- Smooth or missing areas
- A slippery feel underfoot
- Faded or dull colours, which are harder to see in dim light

All of these signs point to reduced safety. A grip that once helped prevent slips might now be doing very little. If your deck grip strips—or any anti-slip surface—have been down for a few years and look tired, it’s probably time to inspect them more closely. Leaving them too long might mean someone gets hurt when it could have easily been avoided.

For example, if someone walking up steps drags their foot or seems unsure of where to tread, it could be a sign the strip feels worn or has begun to peel. Subtle things like that should alert you to take a closer look. Your outdoor grip strips might look fine at first glance, but one quick check could save you from bigger problems later on, especially in damp or rainy areas.

How Weather Impacts Anti-Slip Products

Outdoor grip strips face more than just foot traffic. Rain, sun, frost, and heat all wear away even the strongest materials. Deck grip strips are built to stand up to bad weather, but that doesn’t mean they’re permanent.

Autumn is a great time to check your strips before the winter sets in. With wet leaves, colder mornings, and early sunsets, surfaces stay damper for longer. Strips that have been through many seasons could have tiny cracks, edges curling up, or colour fading that all work against their grip. Cold snaps can make parts snap more easily, while hot, sunny summers might cause strips to lift or warp at the corners.

Look out for these weather-related clues:

- Warped or softened material following extreme heat
- Edges that start to curl as temperatures drop
- Algae or moss growth where moisture collects
- Signs of sun damage, like fading or surface change

Checking your grip strips after heavy weather is always smart. Even if they seem fine, hidden damage builds up over time. By the time it’s clearly a problem, someone might already have lost their footing.

By late September, autumn is well settled in. That makes it a good time to scan over steps near trees, garden paths, or timber landings that stay wet or collect fallen leaves. If a strip looks strained after a big rain, now’s the moment to replace it—well ahead of winter, when repairs get harder and surfaces more dangerous.

Tips for Regular Maintenance

Taking care of deck grip strips doesn’t take much time or effort. A basic routine keeps them working better for longer and helps you spot trouble early.

A once-a-month look or a post-storm check makes a difference, especially for commonly used areas or those where puddles tend to gather. When dirt, wet leaves, or mould start to build up, the surface gets slick—even if the grip strip is still in one piece.

Here’s a simple way to take care of your deck grip strips:

1. Clear off debris with a stiff broom or brush to remove leaves, mud, and small stones
2. Wash with mild soap and warm water to lift dirt—cleaners that are too harsh can damage the surface
3. Look at the edges for signs of peeling, curling, or splitting
4. Feel across the top—if any part feels smoother than the rest, it might not be gripping as it should
5. For wood decking, check underneath for damp or rot, which can make grips come loose over time

Doing this means you can plan ahead instead of reacting last minute. You’ll catch signs before they become dangerous and avoid dealing with replacements during bad weather. Chances are, if something looks off, it's already working less effectively than when it was first installed.

Choosing New Anti-Slip Products

When a strip or mat has reached its limit, choosing a new one that fits your space and your needs becomes the task at hand. Picking the right anti-slip product starts with knowing what surface you’re protecting and understanding the daily foot traffic.

Wood decking, stone paths, and concrete steps all behave differently depending on temperature, damp levels, and grip material. A good match between product and placement helps everything last longer and stay safer over time.

Think about the following factors:

- Slip resistance, especially in wet or icy weather
- High-visibility colours or patterns that stand out on dark or worn surfaces
- Cleaning ease—some textures trap dirt, others can be hosed off in seconds
- Fixing method—adhesives work well, unless previous strips peeled from weather exposure, in which case bolt-down ones might be better
- Weather rating—outdoor-rated materials hold up better against UV rays, frost, and rain

Getting this part right means fewer replacements in the future and a smoother experience when walking areas that would otherwise feel uncertain or unsafe. Long-lasting products save time, stress, and money down the line.

Keeping Walkways Safer All Year Round

Deck grip strips might not seem like much once they’re installed, but they’ve got one job that really matters—keeping people upright. Since outdoor spaces are exposed all year, paying attention to wear and responding to it fast is key.

Always watch out for signs like cracking, peeling, or slickness. Keep up with routine checks, especially when the seasons change or the weather gets rough. And don’t hesitate to swap your anti-slip solutions the moment they stop doing what they’re supposed to.

It’s better to change a strip now than to wait until someone loses their footing. Care now prevents accidents later, and it’s a small task that helps in a big way. Stick to regular care, stay aware of weather harm, and always choose the right replacement when needed. That’s how you stay ahead and keep walking spaces safe year-round.

Staying on top of safety outdoors starts with having the right features in place. At Slips Away, we offer reliable solutions to keep walkways steady and protected in all seasons. Explore our selection of deck grip strips to find the best fit for your space and make sure every step outside stays secure and slip-free.