Household Tips and Improvements
How to ensure decking safety
There have been some serious incidents recorded in Australia about decking safety. This is not as rare an event as we'd like to think, and there have been several times when people suffered significant injuries or worse due to deck failure.
Staff Writer
Sep 6, 2013
There have been some serious incidents recorded in Australia about decks collapsing. This is not as rare an event as we’d like to think, and there have been several times when people suffered significant injuries or worse due to deck failure.
Your deck might seem structurally sound, but are you confident that it is actually safe?
Major decking concerns
You might assume that only really old decks fail or collapse, particularly those built before the current building standards were implemented. However, the age of the deck is not the only indicator of potential safety risks. Insects, wet rot, harsh environments, heavy loads, and poor construction or materials can make even a newly built deck unsafe.
If you have a deck, ensure that it is regularly inspected for structural integrity and safety. Otherwise, there could be human, legal and financial implications.
Child safety is another major concern. There are shocking statistics on just how many children have ended up in a hospital after falling from unsafe decks or balconies.
Stairs leading up to decks should have railings fitted that are sufficient to stand against the weight of one or more people either leaning or falling against them. Regulations also require balustrades to be built as a protective barrier for decks that are one metre or more above the ground. Any openings or gaps between the balustrades must be 125 mm or less so that little children cannot fall through accidentally.
An inspection can uncover several problems that affect the safety of a deck or balcony, including:
- Termites and borers compromise the strength and condition of decking in an uncomfortably short time.
- Rotting due to timber being in contact with the ground or constant pooling of water or moisture.
- Coastal or other corrosive environments can damage steel structures and fixings such as bolts and nails.
Another aspect to remember is the risk of overloading your deck with large, heavy pots, furniture, water features, or just unusually large numbers of people, which may be more than the structure was designed for.
Get a professional safety inspection
The guide mentioned above advises that safety inspections on decks should be carried out by a professional. Don't rely on your own assessment. An article in the Sydney Morning Herald reported that a deck that collapsed this year was only eight years old, and there had been no indications that it was unsafe.
It is also wise to employ a licensed decking specialist if you are planning to build a deck, stairs or balustrades. Get free quotes from decking experts now.
For more information, check out the resources below:
* “Maintaining Decks and Balconies” (QLD Department of Housing and Public Works)
* “Deck, balcony and window safety” (QLD Government)