Three Common Decking Safety Hazards
A deck can be a wonderful extension of your living space. It’s a place for the family to make memories throughout the year. If you neglect to take care of your outdoor living space, though, this amazing addition to your home can be an accident waiting to happen. SEAL-A-DECK wants you to be fully aware of the hazards that may be lurking on and under your deck. Your safety is not something to take lightly. According to an article in the Washington Post, “a Consumer Product Safety Commission analysis for The Associated Press estimated that 4,600 emergency room visits were associated with deck collapses in the past decade and another 1,900 with porch failures.” Don’t let this happen to your family. Here are the top three safety hazards that we find during our work and how to make sure you’re not a victim of these failures.
Railing Hazards
While the rails of your deck are installed to help you move safely around the area, they can become one of the most dangerous parts of your deck if not properly maintained. The railing and balusters need to be assessed regularly for the following issues:
If the contractor that built your deck was not SEAL-A-DECK give us a call immediately to get an inspection. We want to make sure that your family is safe year-round.
- Balusters detaching from the rails
- Soft spots from rotting or termites
- Becoming loose or wobbly at any section
- Splits, cracks, or warps
- The use of nails instead of screws at the time of construction. (Nails will eventually lift and cause the rails to detach from the balusters)
Problems with Steps
Another area of your deck that will see drastic wear and tear are the steps. Whether they were made out of concrete or wood, some things must be checked regularly to ensure safety. One tell-tale sign that your steps are having issues is that they begin sinking. Sinking steps can be trip hazards by causing uneven walking surfaces. If your steps have begun to sink, it is time to call in a professional. SEAL-A-DECK can fix the foundation issues and rebuild steps that remain safe over time.
Wood Deterioration
Rotting wood is the enemy of any outdoor living space. Your deck takes a beating from the rain and sun consistently. Without proper maintenance, your decking materials will become warped, weak, and rotting. Rotting deck boards can lift or even collapse. There have been instances where someone has a foot go directly through the wood floor. Don’t let your children, guests, or pets fall through your deck. If you notice soft spots or discoloration on your deck, don’t wait. Call in a professional to check out the quality and durability of the wood.
Schedule an Inspection and Maintenance
The only way to combat decking safety hazards is to schedule regular maintenance. SEAL-A-DECK offers the Advantage Plan for yearly maintenance to customers across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and South New Hampshire. This plan will keep your deck from deteriorating and causing harm to your loved ones. If you’re ready to schedule your inspection, give us a call today at 1-877-SEALADECK.
