What Deck Safety Hazards to Be Aware of when Family Visits for the Holidays

As the holidays approach, we know that people across the New England area are doing some last minute repairs and updates to their homes for welcoming guests. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check for any hazards on your deck. The last thing you need is an injury to your family and friends. According to the National American Deck & Railing Association, here are the parts of your outdoor living space that you should inspect before any holiday visits.

Railings and Banisters

Is your deck high off the ground or multilevel? It is so important that your deck railing and banisters are as secure as possible. Simply pushing on them should tell you if they are safe. If you see or feel any wobbling, repairs are needed immediately. They also need to be tall enough to ensure no one falls over them.

Stairs

Checking your stairs on a regular basis is very important to keep your family safe all year long. Here, you will want to make sure that all parts of your stairs are securely in place. There should be no lifting, buckling, or exposed screws. Also, make sure that your stairs are clear of any tripping hazards such as planers, decor, and toys.

Rotting Wood

Sometimes despite your best effort, there may be rotting or splitting wood somewhere on your deck. There are several areas that need to be checked since you cannot determine the safety of your material by just one spot. You will also want to check the ledger board, support posts and joists under the deck, deck boards, railings, and stairs. If there are areas that remain damp throughout the year, they are especially susceptible to rot. Also, small holes in the wood could be an indication of insects like termites.

Flashing

All decks should have flashing. This is a metal or plastic guard that directs water out and away from high-risk areas on your deck. Flashing is so important because where your deck and home meet, moisture can get trapped. Trapped moisture can even be a problem inside your home. If there are areas you can see pooling or collecting water, you should consider repairing or even completely replacing your deck’s flashing.

Lighting

If your holiday parties tend to go well into the night, you should consider lighting upgrades and inspection. One of the biggest safety hazards on your deck can be poor visibility. SEAL-A-DECK can help you with any light repairs or installation prior to any planned festivities. We also offer holiday lighting packages if you want to be even more festive.

Furniture

During the winter, your outdoor furniture can take just as much of a beating from ice and snow as your deck’s wood. Make sure that there are no soft spots, loose boards, or unsteadiness anywhere on your furniture. Especially when hosting holiday parties, you’ll need safe places for people to relax.

Get Professional Repairs

SEAL-A-DECK offers high quality and licensed deck construction and repair. We can help you get ready for the holidays if you notice anything odd with your deck, lighting, or furniture. We also offer the Advantage Plan to save you money on repairs throughout the year. Give us a call today at 1-877-SEALADECK for a free estimate.