Need Recommendation on Slippery Front Porch Tile on Rental

[Cheryl Clarke]

Hi BP,

This is my first post on here, I've definitely gathered a great amount of useful tips from you all so thank you!

I'm underway with a rental rehab we just acquired, the porch has tile.  Our concern is when wet how slipperly it could be or how slippery a litigiously inclined tenant would suggest the tile is.  I was at the property after some wet weather and it was a little slick.  

This area rents between $750 and $850, we're on the higher end as the kitchen and bath were renovated prior to acquiring.

Would love some recommendations on a cost effective solution.  Attached are pictures of the screened porch, without a door.  Below are the ideas we've been considering would welcome any you have.

• Do we put down exterior carpet?
• Spray an anti-slip agent? Concern of how frequently we'll have to reapply
• Remove tile? (Not so cost effective)

Thanks in advance!

Cheryl

[Jon Graham]

This is an interesting question. Couple things stand out to me. 

1. If the tile is allowed to be used outside per the manufacturer, it should be rated with proper slip resistance. 

     A. Not all tile is acceptable for exterior use. Typically only porcelain tile and the tend to have more texture.

     B. Tiles are rated with a slip resistance that is acceptable for different applications etc. 

Most floor tile is acceptable in a shower so I don't see any difference in an exterior application. If you have a snow/ice condition then it will have to be de-iced same as a sidewalk. 

2. You may have improper tile used in an exterior application, in which case it probably won't hold up long term anyway. 

     A. If this is the case you should probably start saving for repairs anyway. 

     B. You might want to try a tile on the edge and just see how securely it is put down. Improper tile might be popping loose already anyway and be easier to get up than you think. 

I'm assuming you have some kind of concrete patio under the tile. If you are still concerned about slipping hazards, you really have two options. 

1. Cover it with some cheap ugly looking exterior carpet and glue that down on top the tile. 

2. Break up the tile and paint whatever is under it with paint that has an additive for grip. You can buy packets of sandy mixture to add to your paint to get good grip in it. 

I guess you could also paint over the tile similarly but that just seems like a shame to ruin the tile like that. 

Cheers