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Fiberglass Stair Tread Covers

Case Study Customer Project: Crystal Cave
Location: Spring Valley, Wisconsin

Situation

Crystal Cave in Spring Valley, Wisconsin has been a popular tourist destination for over 70 years. Open April through October, the cave is a unique geological feature that offers something for everyone including tours and panning for gems and fossils at the nearby creek. The attraction has been owned and managed by Eric McMaster and his wife, Kristen since 2012.

reinforced polymer fiberglass stair tread at crystal cave

Faced with slippery wooden steps throughout the cave due to natural moisture and muddy surfaces, Eric McMaster contacted Sure-Foot in search of a solution that would allow visitors to safely navigate through the cave. A new anti-slip solution would need to replace the current indoor/outdoor carpet, and withstand heavy foot traffic.

To not interfere with the cave’s peak tourist season, McMaster planned to find a stair tread solution that could be installed during the winter months.

Recommended Solution

Many options were discussed and presented during the initial discovery phase between McMaster and the Sure-Foot team.

Knowing that anti-slip tape would not adhere well to damp wooden stairs, the Sure-Foot team recommended fiber glass stair tread covers. A heavy-duty grit grade was explored, but ultimately ruled out as too aggressive for the casual footwear often worn by visitors. After considering the staircase environment, type of foot traffic and visitor volume, Sure-Foot recommended our medium grit FRP solution.

Based on drawings, measurements and step templates provided, Sure-Foot developed a custom fit fiberglass solution for the cave’s unique stairs and platforms, covering the length of the staircase.

Implementation

Sure-Foot’s non-slip fiberglass stair treads are created to withstand the elements, especially moisture, and are ideal for high-wear applications. These stair covers feature a yellow stripe, which draws attention to the front edge. The step and platform covers were delivered to specifications and ready for immediate install.

Results

Sure-Foot’s FRP material and ability to develop custom-sized pieces was the perfect solution for Crystal Cave. In total, 60 pieces were used throughout the cave’s stairs and landings.

“We were looking for a solution that would work in a continually damp environment and our testing showed that adhesive tapes would not withstand the harsh environment of a cave,” McMaster said, “As such, we were looking for a FRP product. Due to the naturally formed entrance into Crystal Cave, there are many odd shaped stairs and landings. Sure-Foot was able to create custom treads based on our templates, which tremendously sped up installation.”

Are you interested in the long-lasting safety benefits of Sure-Foot’s FRP solutions? Request a sample today. 

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