Whether you’re entertaining, cooking, or relaxing, your deck is the place to be for outdoor fun and downtime for family and friends. The problem? Your deck is exposed to a barrage of nasty elements that can wreak havoc on it, turning your home’s outside activity hub into a safety hazard. Check out these handy tips to make sure your deck is safe.
Inspect Deck Railings
When it comes to deck safety, a stable aluminum railing in Vancouver is a must. If your deck is more than 30 inches above the ground, you’ll need to have a guardrail that measures at least 36 inches in height. You’ll also want to make sure the space between the balusters are no more than four inches to prevent small children and pets from getting stuck or slipping through. And if your railings move when you apply pressure, have it looked over by a professional as soon as possible.
Secure Fasteners
No matter how well constructed your deck might be, everything that is holding it in place can be compromised. Inspect all the fasteners, like nails, screws, bolts, and anchors, ensuring they are properly secured and rust-free. To prevent injury, make sure nail heads are nailed back in place.
Check the Flashing
Deck flashing is crucial for a safe deck. This waterproof material helps divert moisture and debris away from where the deck connects to the home. If your deck has missing or deteriorating flashing, make sure to have a deck repair company assess your deck.
Keep an Eye out for Mold
That little green tinge on your deck could be the sign of a major mold problem. Mold and mildew growth can eat away at the deck, creating some major bills and headaches for homeowners. And if that wasn’t bad enough, mold can also cause a slew of health problems for you and your family.
Look for Rotten Wood
Your deck can take a beating from the elements. Over time, exposure to rain and cold weather can lead to rotten wood. Thoroughly inspect support posts, decking boards, and railing posts. If you’ve noticed any split or decaying wood, you’ll obviously need to get it repaired.
Your deck takes care of you—take care of it. General upkeep is not only a great way to prolong the lifespan of your deck, but also keep it safe for you and your family to enjoy all year long.
Vancouver gets its fair share of wet weather. If you want to guard your deck from everything Mother Nature has in store, NewPort Dry Deck offers a 100% waterproof solution that’ll protect your deck for life.
To learn more about our OmegaStone decking solution, contact us today.
