Now that "deck weather" is here and you are planning to spend more time outside, it is important to check your deck for safety. A quick check of your deck system can help prevent injuries and keep your deck in perfect order for a summer of fun.
Check The Railings
Railings give your deck a finished appearance, but they also serve as a safety feature. It is not uncommon for people to lean against the railings on the deck or use them to move up and down the stairs of the deck, so it is essential that they are secure. Loose railings may also indicate that there is wood rot or other damage to your deck. A good inspection of your railings is important for deck safety.
Wood Rot and Insect Damage
With time the weather can cause wood rot on your deck. A little bit of rot near the edges may not seem too harmful, but it may be an indicator of more serious damage. Even a little bit of rot can impact the integrity of the structure.
Wood destroying insects can also damage the structure of your deck. Make sure to check underneath your deck and around the ground areas for insect damage to your deck. Replace wood that has been damaged as soon as possible to prevent structural failure.
Rusted Hardware
Exposure to the weather for many years can cause some of the hardware to rust on your deck system. Most of these parts are located underneath your deck, so while you are checking for wood rot, make sure you look at the hardware as well. Rusted hardware can lead to system failure, and it is vital to replace these parts as soon as possible.
Mold or Mildew Growth
It is not uncommon for mold or mildew to appear on wood decks after they have been exposed to the weather for a long time. Mold and mildew can eventually ruin the wood of the deck, but the more urgent reason to remove mold and mildew is that they make the deck slippery.
Using a combination of bleach and water, it will be necessary to clean the entire deck to remove mold and mildew growth. If they have become deeply embedded in your deck, you may need to replace the wood in those areas.
Uneven, Splintering, or Creaking Boards
If the flooring on your deck is showing extensive signs of wear, it may be time to replace your deck system. Creaking, cracks, splintering, and uneven boards can be a sign of serious trouble to come. These boards could break when you are entertaining, leading to serious injuries.
Call Royal Deck Today
Royal Deck is a leading provider of deck systems in the Chicagoland area. If you would like to have a safety inspection conducted on your deck, have necessary repairs, or replace your deck system, Royall Deck is the builder to call. We have extensive experience in building and maintaining custom deck systems and will be pleased to provide you with a free estimate for our services.
