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Slippery When Wet. Are Clay Pavers a Hazard?

A patterned brick walkway lies between vibrant green foliage on either side, suggesting a well-maintained garden or park path.

Key Takeaways

  • Clay pavers are not the most slippery material, but they still can be slippery under certain conditions.
  • You can mitigate slippery conditions on pavers through several methods, including applying sealers and using surface treatments.
  • In general, the rougher a material is, the more slip-resistant it will inherently be.
  • Clay pavers do not need to be sealed to function properly, but sealant with slip-resistant add-ins can help.

When considering which material you want to use for a patio or driveway, it is important to consider how it will perform under rain and stormy conditions. Some materials are more slippery than others, and you will need to know what kind of traction you can expect from your new surface when it comes to walking on it and potentially driving on it.

Having guests slipping on your property can be difficult to deal with, so it is best to mitigate the risk beforehand. At Batchelder & Collins, we offer a wide range of materials that are safe under rainy conditions while still offering the style and durability you would expect from high-quality pavers. Take a closer look at how our products can transform your space.

Are Clay Pavers Considered a Hazard When Wet?

Wet, multicolored leaves rest on dark, damp pavement tiles, suggesting a rainy, autumnal setting.

Clay pavers can be considered hazardous when wet, and this slippery surface can be a serious problem depending on where the pavers are applied. Commercial applications in front of main entrances will need to be slip-resistant to protect any customers or guests that come in. Pavers at home will need to be slip-resistant as well, especially when applied to driveways, walkways, and pool decks.

How Can I Increase the Slip Resistance of My Clay Pavers?

There are ways to mitigate the risk of slipping on pavers. The easiest solution is to clean any paver the moment you notice anything on its surface that could be slippery. However, that does not do much to prevent slippery conditions, as it requires you to notice the problem before it becomes a problem for someone else.

You may also apply a surface treatment to the pavers to remove slippery conditions. This can be costly, and certain treatments may not be compatible with every type of paver. Always speak with an expert before choosing a surface treatment for your pavers. Sealers may also be effective, but there are two distinct kinds of sealers to consider.

Topical sealers are paver sealers that are applied to the top of the pavers’ surface. When using a topical sealer, opt for one that explicitly contains an anti-slip additive to increase friction. The other option is a penetrating sealer that will actually soak into the pores of your pavers. If you are looking to use the sealer to enhance the aesthetic of your pavers in addition to creating non-slip properties, topical sealers are going to be more effective. Just be careful not to apply too much, as that can actually make the surface even more slippery.

As a disclaimer, exposed aggregate overlays for concrete pavers are inherently slip-resistant, so they can be an easy choice if the aesthetic goes with your outdoor space’s overall appearance.

Are Clay Pavers Less Slippery Than Other Materials When Wet?

A paved walkway with large rectangular stones, casting shadows, is laid amidst smaller cobblestones, suggesting a landscaped outdoor area.

Clay pavers can be less slippery than some other materials when wet. How slippery a material is when wet generally depends on how rough the surface is. Natural stones with rough textures are going to excel when it comes to slip resistance. Of course, just about any material can be made to be slip-resistant with slip-resistant sealers and/or surface treatments.

Additional Resources

Why Our Customers Choose Batchelder & Collins

At Batchelder & Collins, we offer a wide range of pavers and hardscaping solutions for both residential and commercial applications. Plus, our friendly team will work with you to determine the best materials and design options for your unique project. Take a look at what some of our previous customers had to say about our services.

Testimonials

“Visited to buy tools for my son’s new job as a mason apprentice. Ben greeted us and showed us to the tool area. We were then introduced to Justin, turns out Batchelder & Collins carried a mason kit! Contained all the tools needed to get him started with a nice canvas carry bag. Great staff, very helpful. Thank you.” – Victoria L.

“Staff are very friendly and provided excellent service. We worked with Karli and she was very knowledgeable about the the various product lines they carried and made our selections process quick and simple.” – Matthew N.

“Phenomenal customer service! Terri, the latest member of their staff to field my purchase, provided solutions to the problem our design presented the Mason with and for an affordable price.” – Mike S.

Keep Your Home Safe. Seal Your Pavers.

Batchelder & Collins has everything homeowners and business owners need to create a stunning hardscaping project that’s both alluring and safe. Get in touch with our team today at 757-625-2506 or by filling out our online contact form to take a closer look at the high-quality materials we have on offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Concrete Pavers Scratch?

Yes, concrete pavers do scratch, and this can be done from metal furniture or any kind of heavy/sharp object scraping along the paver’s surface. To get rid of scratches, you can use a mixture of dish soap and lukewarm water to wipe down the scratch. After that, rub a steel wool pad on the surface to remove the scratch then use a brush with soap and water to clean the paver afterwards.

Do Clay Pavers Need to be Sealed?

In most cases, clay brick pavers do not need to be sealed. Thanks to the high temperatures used in the manufacturing process, sealing is unnecessary. However, if you want to increase the longevity of the clay paving as much as possible, you can seal them.

What Are the Benefits of Clay Pavers?

Clay pavers come with quite a few notable benefits.

  • The natural coloring does not fade with time.
  • Clay pavers can be manufactured to have exceptional frost resistance
  • Highly slip-resistant
  • Resistance to discoloration from dirt
  • Long-lasting and durable
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