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Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 7:59 pm
by twooks
Hi, looking for a reliably non-slip material for the drive and patio. My husband has problems with mobility / lack of balance so we need something easy and safe to walk on in all conditions, also needs to be capable of use by small van >3 tonne and car.
I realise that there are no 100% guarantees on anything and extreme weather conditions occur, but am looking to limit risk as much as possible.
There's no gradient on the land area.
Have thought about PIC, seems to be low maintenance which is also important, but can it provide the spec that I need?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 8:24 pm
by rab1
Pic is rarely done to any sort of standard in the UK. Monoblock/Tarmac are good solid types of paving.
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 8:44 pm
by Pablo
Is this for grant work or are you doing it on your own. If you're getting a grant then there will be specs provided by the council as to how it should be done if not then a reputable paver/ Tarmacer will be able to advse you on the best surface for your needs. Pic looks good when done well but it's so hit and miss and it probably takes the lions share of complaints on here from unhappy clients. You've only got one chance to get it right and it can't be fixed if it's not coupled with the fact that there are more idiots out there doing it than pro's makes for a huge risk. Get a few contractors round from each discipline and tell them your requirements and see what they can come up with also if you're funding it yourself you should enquire about any grant assistance available from the council etc.
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:07 pm
by lutonlagerlout
the issue here twooks is not so much the surface as steps and something to grab hold of
paving and drives are much of a muchness slip wise
but ideally hubby needs a railing to steady himself
as pablo said PIC isnt really suited to the uk
block paving on the drive and PCC slabs at the rear,with some sort of handrail would be my advice
cheers
LLL 
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:11 pm
by local patios and driveway
Go block paving, pic is shite imo.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 12:37 pm
by ringi
Resin bonded gravel is about as none slip as you will get, but it is not cheap and needs a skilled person to install. However it will still get ice/snow on it.
I can not see how you can do "safe to walk on in all conditions".
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:22 pm
by simeonronacrete
Ronacrete Resin Bonded Surfacing will give you a very low risk of slip as determined by the UK Slip Resistance Group and indicated by our test results.
Maintenance to keep the surface clean and free of slip and trip hazards is essential as is the use of correct footwear. There are many pages of advise on how to reduce the risk of slips and trips from the HSE - HSE Slips and Strips.
Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 2:36 pm
by twooks
Thanks for your time and input.
Don't understand why PIC should be so unpopular / deemed unsuitable in the UK.
Is it in part a refusal to consider new ways of doing things, or perhaps a lot of influential investment is tied up in the other methods??
:p
Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 3:30 pm
by lutonlagerlout
the training course for PIC is a couple of days
not enough
PIC has to be done right ,and its a 1 hit application
if it goes wrong the whole lot must come out
in the states they have people who can do an awful lot with PIC,sadly theres not many good PIC firms in the UK
LLL
Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 4:16 pm
by Brucieboy
Hi - the main reason PIC is not that popular in the UK is due the fact that too many cowboy "specilaists" (generally via a franchise) have given the product a bad name through abuse over the years. Shoddy workmanship has often resulted in cracking, spalling and dusting of the surface after only a year or two requiring either extensive repairs or a complete removal and replacement - in a high proportion of cases at the client's expense!!
If you are seriously considering going down the PIC route, only use a highly reptuable company. One that comes to mind is Bomanite. An American company, they've been in the buisness for over 50 years (30 or more in the UK if I recall - first time I supplied them with ready mixed concrete was in the early 80's). Their operatives should be well trained in the whole process - however, ask to see some of their work, don't just take their word for it. As LLL quite rightly says, it's a one hit application - it must be done right first time. To be a success requires proper preparation, specifying and receiving the correct grade of concrete (mostly supplied ready mixed), expertly laid and in the right weather conditions.
If done properly, it does look attractive and is generally quite durable.
Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 5:06 pm
by Dave_L
I'd say if non-slip was a prerequisite then resin bonded would be the ideal surface to go for.
What surfacing is present in the areas currently?
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 10:52 pm
by twooks
Thanks, curiosity nicely satisfied.
Currently have gravel, which is fine until it snows then is difficult to clear except with the rock salt stuff which is getting more expensive each winter.
Shall explore prices / options on resin, and hope for a lottery win.
Ciao 
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 7:00 am
by cookiewales
Setts are none slip there none permeable and before any one says ice . Correct falls no standing water no ice ps you still need a little loto win
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:48 pm
by GB_Groundworks
Pic is a nightmare in the wet or frost/snow the moulding of it results in a very smooth finish which is like an ice rink last time I walked on pic in just damp I went down hard on my arse so haven't been a fan of it since grr