The terrace of your house can be a really pleasant and peaceful spot. You can relax, go outside without actually leaving the house, or have a cookout for your loved ones. But how can you guarantee that your deck will be secure enough to utilize for years to come? Here are some deck preventive measures to keep in mind.
1. Start with the Foundation:
The foundation of the deck, which is made out of support pillars, determines how dependable and safe it will be. The pier system needs to have holes that are sufficiently deep and far below the frost line to ensure that the deck will be sturdy and provide you with solid footing. When ground moisture freezes and the earth shifts throughout the winter, the support post may move if the holes are shallow.
Before the support posts are concretely secured to the pier, it is best to surround their bases with galvanized plates. Such foundations serve as an additional safeguard against rot and slow down the deteriorating process over time.
2. Examine the Railings:
The key safety element of the deck is its railings, especially if you are traveling with children or dogs. When it comes to railings, there are three main problems. Then, you must confirm that it is sturdy and solid enough to withstand pressure totaling at least 200 lbs. on all sides. Give it a good push and pull to see if it holds firmly even with the added pressure to verify this. Most U.S. building codes mandate that railing support posts be spaced no more than 6 feet apart. This guarantees the railing on the deck’s stability.
Second, the railing must be at least 36 inches or 3 feet above the deck’s floor. The railing must have a diameter of no more than 2.25 inches and be simple to hold. Lastly, each baluster should be no more than 4 inches apart as an extra safety measure to prevent kids and pets from getting through the rails. These safety precautions are crucial, especially if your deck is built very high up.
3. Check the fasteners:
Because screws have a better grip on wood than nails do, they make better fasteners for decks, whereas nails can loosen over time. Whatever fasteners you choose to use for your deck, you should regularly examine them for corrosion and to see if they have loosened. Repair protruding nails and tighten slack screws as soon as possible.
The cracking noise and little wobble should be eliminated as a result. It is advisable to have a professional assess your deck and make the necessary repairs if this doesn’t resolve the issue because the deck’s structural integrity may be at risk.
4. Use Non-Flammable Pads:
When you have a wooden deck, fire can be a serious issue. So, it’s preferable to set up the grill somewhere other than the deck if you’re having a BBQ party. Candles, chimneys, and fire pits all fall under this category. To ensure safety, add a fireproof mat if you absolutely must have a barbecue or candles on your wood deck.
5. Provide Ample Lighting:
You can’t afford to ignore the importance of a well-lit deck for your property’s safety as well as its aesthetic appeal. You should therefore periodically check for and replace any damaged light bulbs. Check to see if the electrical outlets and lighting fixtures you’re utilizing are up to code.
6. Have a Maintenance Plan:
Natural factors like sunshine, snow, and moisture frequently cause significant damage to your deck. You should establish the practice of performing a regular deck maintenance check and cleanup. You don’t need to spend a lot of effort on these safety guidelines and deck recommendations. If the existing finish has faded, you can also make some repairs and seal or refinish the deck.
A deck can be a priceless addition to any home and is the setting for many joyful moments. On the other hand, a serious accident could occur on the deck. Hence, it is important to have a qualified inspector undertake a routine review of your deck’s structural integrity to ensure that you never have to face the possibility of accidents caused by collapse or structural concerns.
Setting up a Home Maintenance Inspection is the ideal course of action in this situation. About 300 items, including your deck, will be carefully inspected by a licensed, trained, and insured WIN Home Inspector during deck preventive inspection.
