Decks are such an amazing feature of any home. They offer just the right place to sit down and relax, entertain your friends, or simply enjoy the fresh air. But while it’s a space where you can have a good deal of fun and comfort, it also requires much attention in terms of safety.
Like any other part of your home, your deck requires regular attention and maintenance to stay in good shape. Whether you are building a new deck or taking care of an existing one there are some simple steps that you can follow to ensure everything is safe and sturdy.
- Regular Inspection
First things first make sure your deck gets a routine checkup. Much like taking your car in for service, a deck needs just a little attention every now and then. The easiest way to accomplish this would be by taking a casual walk around paying close attention to different parts of the deck.
First, start by inspecting the wood for rot or damage. This is quite important, especially for those decks made of wood, since wood tends to deteriorate over time, whether from too much rain or moisture, even insects at times. Check for soft spots in the wood that feel spongy upon pressing. If you find some, it will be a good idea to replace those boards beforehand to avoid any accidents.
Next, take a look at the screws, nails, or bolts that hold your deck together. These can work loose or rust after some time, weakening the structure. If anything appears loose, tighten or replace it. Regularly checking these little details helps you catch small problems before they become big issues.
- Keep Railings Strong and Secure
Railings are there for a reason: to keep you, your family, and your guests safe. They are especially important if your deck is raised off the ground. To ensure your railings are doing their job, you will want to give them a good shake. If they wobble or feel unstable, it’s time to fix them.
A sturdy railing should resist pressure without budging. If your railings are loose check the brackets or screws that hold them in place and tighten or replace them if necessary. If the railing itself appears weak consider replacing it with something sturdier.
- Prevent Slips and Falls
A fun day outdoors can be turned into an excruciatingly painful one by just one little slip onto a wet or icy deck. To avoid this, there are some steps necessary to take in keeping the decking surface slip-resistant. One of the simplest things one can do is to clean the deck on a regular basis. Specks of dirt, leaves, and other debris may make the surface slippery when it is wet. By sweeping and hosing down your deck often, you will keep it safer to walk on.
Those who find their deck extremely slippery may wish to purchase composite decking. It is built with non-slip grooves to prevent falls and enhance safety. This way, you can be sure that the decking area is safe for your family and pets.
- Protect Against Fire Hazards
If you love to grill on your deck or use outdoor heaters, be sure to exercise caution regarding fires. Decks, in particular, made of wood may easily catch fire if proper precautions are not taken. In order for your deck to be safe, make sure that either your grill or fire pit sits on either a fireproof mat or a heat-resistant surface. This will protect your deck from accidental sparks or heat damage.
Keep any combustible materials such as cushions, blankets or plants away from the grill or an open flame. It also makes good sense to have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
- Maintain Proper Lighting
A well-lit deck is a safe deck, especially if you use it in the evenings. Good lighting helps people see where they are walking and prevents accidents. Start by checking that your deck lights are working properly. If any bulbs are out, replace them. If you don’t already have lights on your deck, consider adding some.
There are many outdoor light options to choose from. Solar-powered lights are great because they don’t need any wiring and automatically charge during the day. You can place them along the stairs, railings, or around the edges of your deck to make sure everything is visible after dark.
- Watch Weight Limits
It can be easy to think your deck is solid, but remember it does have a weight limitation on how much weight it can handle. Too much weight can put additional stress on a structure that may weaken it over time. This becomes even more important if you will be holding large gatherings of people or plan to add heavy items such as hot tubs or outdoor furniture to your deck.
Check with manufacturer instructions or a professional to ensure your deck is able to hold the weight. If you are not sure, it is always better to err on the side of caution and not overload your deck with too many people or heavy objects.
Conclusion
Decking safety certainly isn’t the most glamorous part of alfresco living, but it sure is one of the most crucial. Regular checking of your deck, cleaning, and making sure everything is secured averts accidents and lets you enjoy your outdoor space carefree.
Other precautionary measures that ensure safety include securing the railingsadding light, and watching the weight limit. This way, one gets to have a beautiful deck where you, your family, and friends are assured of safety.
