In residential complexes with communal staircases, safety is of great importance, especially in an environment with a broad mix of residents. In the residential complex on [street name if known] in Klazienaveen, the bare concrete steps posed an increasing risk. Due to wear, slipperiness in wet weather and lack of profile, dangerous situations could arise, especially for the elderly, children and people with limited mobility.
In order to make the use of the stairs safe and comfortable again, an effective, sustainable and quickly implementable solution was chosen: treating the steps with 2C Colour Coat, combined with anti-slip granules. This solution combines a modern look with structural safety and long-term protection.
Purpose and added value of the treatment
The treatment had a broad purpose, focused on technology, safety and appearance:
- Providing the surface of the steps with permanent anti-slip properties
- Protecting the concrete against wear, moisture and contamination
- Adding a visual improvement that suits the building and its residents
- Making the stairs safer in rain, condensation, snow or cleaning activities
- Enabling long-term low-maintenance use
- Performing a treatment with minimal inconvenience to residents
This preventive approach also reduces the risk of liability in the event of fall incidents, an important point of attention for housing corporations and homeowners' associations.
Execution: step by step
1. Cleaning and preparation
The steps were intensively cleaned and lightly sanded to make the surface suitable for the coating. Irregularities and loose material were removed.
2. Application of 2C Colour Coat + anti-slip
The first layer of the 2C Colour Coat was applied in a pre-selected RAL colour. Anti-slip granules were evenly sprinkled in immediately after application. These granules provide a rough profile that provides grip, without feeling sharp or disturbing.
3. Fixing finishing layer
A second, thinner layer of the same coating was then applied over the sprinkled granules to fix them completely and seal the whole thing. This ensures a durable bond and a neatly finished appearance.
Why 2C Colour Coat?
- Two-component coating with high wear resistance
- Suitable for concrete steps, galleries, entrances and floors
- Fast processing time and short drying period
- Available in many RAL colours – matching architecture or corporate identity
- Easy to repair: damage can be repaired locally
- Contains UV-resistant components, which limits discolouration
Anti-slip: more than comfort, a safety requirement
Legal guidelines and ARBO standards impose increasingly strict requirements on walking surfaces in public and shared spaces. Anti-slip is essential in this respect – especially on stairs.
- The grains used ensure an R10-R11 roughness value, depending on grain size
- The roughness is retained, even in damp or dirty conditions
- The surface is easy to clean with regular cleaning agents
- The fixing top layer prevents loosening of grains or wear spots
- These properties make the system ideal for multi-year use with minimal aftercare.
Maintenance and management
The finished steps are:
- Easy to clean with a mop, scrubber or water vacuum cleaner
- Less sensitive to wear, especially on busy areas
- Resistant to dull spots caused by rubber soles or dirt adhesion
- Easy to maintain within the regular cleaning regime of a VvE or corporation
Periodic inspection and, if necessary, local touch-ups are sufficient to maintain the quality for years.
