Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
(OP)
Hello all,
We are currently reviewing alternatives to increase the surface roughness of an existing concrete walkway that runs along a beach area. Being a resident of the area also, I've encountered very slick conditions along the boardwalk in question when wet. The boardwalk is swept daily via sweeper truck, which I believe has essentially sanded the surface down to a much finer state than when originally placed. Original specs called for medium broom finish, however the current condition is much more smooth due to the daily sweeping.
What are some alternate methods for increasing a concrete walkways surface friction for pedestrian use? I'm somewhat familiar with bead blasting, but would like to see if anyone is aware of other alternatives. Thanks
We are currently reviewing alternatives to increase the surface roughness of an existing concrete walkway that runs along a beach area. Being a resident of the area also, I've encountered very slick conditions along the boardwalk in question when wet. The boardwalk is swept daily via sweeper truck, which I believe has essentially sanded the surface down to a much finer state than when originally placed. Original specs called for medium broom finish, however the current condition is much more smooth due to the daily sweeping.
What are some alternate methods for increasing a concrete walkways surface friction for pedestrian use? I'm somewhat familiar with bead blasting, but would like to see if anyone is aware of other alternatives. Thanks





RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
Dik
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
--I will certainly look into hydrodemolition and application of paint or epoxy with grit. I like the idea of simply applying a coating rather than demolishing the surface and generating dust. I failed to mention the many high-price residences adjacent to the walkway, and dust generation would certainly be an issue.
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
I have never used it myself, however, would recommend looking into a concrete sealer that has silica cast/mixed into it. While a concrete sealer is a type of coating, it differs from paint or a membrane in that when it starts to breakdown or debond, it doesn't result in flaking, etc... It is reasonably clear, so you can't really tell when it breaks down (other than the missing silica/grit). It won't be as robust as a full waterproofing type system, but will be easier to maintain. Surface prep is still required.
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
I've had pretty good luck with epoxies and grit holding up for 15+ years (installed 15+ years ago) and subject to snowblower activity and long, continuous, cold winters.
Scabbler is good and can produce a really rough surface.
Dik
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
You have to make sure the surface is well cleaned and has no detrimental material attached/embedded/leached. Check with supplier for surface prep... see Canuck's caution, grit or traction is good, but shallow, except if snow or ice covered. Ron's suggestion of using a scabbler is good, and, can provide a very agressive rough surface, but, with lots of debris.
Dik
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
They did that every year at my college campus, just before Parent's and Alumni Weekends. I don't recall debris being a problem, but you could have someone following behind with a wet vac to pick it up.
RE: Increasing Concrete Surface Roughness
That is a very good point, even a muriatic acid etch might be worth a try. I believe there are contractors now that even do stenciled sand blasting.