Are imprinted concrete driveways slippery?
They look so shiny which is why customers often ask are imprinted concrete driveways slippery? The answer is, no. This is why in places with a lot of foot traffic, such as fast-food restaurants and amusement parks, as well as in private residences and public spaces like zoos and amusement parks, imprinted concrete is frequently employed. In contrast, if imprinted concrete had a low skid resistance value (SRV), this would not be the case. Everyone knows that about imprinted concrete. But it’s vital to keep in mind that people can and do slip on other surfaces as well, including wet or damp wood decking as well as tarmac and regular concrete.
Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL) testing
The TRRL has independently tested the SRV of pattern imprinted concrete. They deemed it suitable for use in areas with pedestrian and vehicular traffic, passing the tests addressing SRV. When compared to other types of surfaces, such as block paving, asphalt or paving slabs that have a lower traction value, pattern imprinted concrete is an excellent choice for pedestrians and drivers alike. For example, moss and algae growth on paving slabs can make them dangerously slick, and most people have experienced the dangers of walking on damp wooden decks. It’s less likely that moss or algae will grow on imprinted concrete because it’s sealed. However, moss and algae can still develop on imprinted concrete. But it’s less likely and easier to remove with a water jet because the surface has been sealed.
Time helps SRV advance
One thing to keep in mind is that imprinted concrete’s SRV (slip resistance value) is better when the area is a few months old. This is rather than the day it was sealed since dirt and micro abrading naturally raise the SRV.
So imprinted concrete driveways aren't slippery
Imprinted concrete’s skid resistance isn’t a cause for concern, according to research conducted by the Road and Transport Research Laboratory. There are numerous different applications for pattern-imprinted concrete, from high-traffic public spaces to private residences to even swimming pool surrounds. So stamped concrete patterns in Huddersfield do not affect SRV, thus there’s no need for alarm.