Are you planning a lively gathering on your beautiful deck with friends and family? The laughter, the sizzling grill, and the warm evening sun make for the perfect setting. But amidst the joy, deck safety is paramount to ensuring your gathering remains enjoyable and accident-free. Your deck is more than just an extension of your home; it’s a space where memories are made.
To keep your outdoor area safe and functional, it’s crucial to follow essential safety tips. In this blog, you go through the top eight deck safety tips every homeowner should know, helping you protect your investment and keep your loved ones safe.
Does a deck add value to a home?
Want to know how you can improve your home and increase its value? Then there might be no better way to do this than by building a deck! Aside from providing a nice outdoor place for relaxation and fun, decks tend to increase the value of your property. So, let’s find out how a deck is going to benefit you:
1. Enhances Curb Appeal:
A well-designed deck can make your home more visually appealing, catching the eyes of potential buyers. This increased curb appeal can help your property stand out, leading to a higher perceived value.
2. Extends living area:
A deck will add space outdoors, which is good for all outdoor activities to make a versatile area for hosting gatherings or even just enjoying time with your family. This square footage addition of living space is one major reason many buyers get attracted to homes, especially those with small living spaces inside.
3. Offers a Strong Return on Investment (ROI):
Homeowners can typically recover a large portion of their investment when they add a deck. A deck can recoup up to 70-80% of its construction costs, making it a smart financial decision for boosting your home’s resale value.
4. Attracts a Wide Range of Buyers:
A deck has appeals that reach out to different types of buyers, from outdoor diners to families who love outdoor play areas. Such broad appeal can translate to more interest in your home, which may in turn result in higher offers.
5. Gives more functional convenience and comfort:
These decks allow for a comfortable area that is functional and suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, hence upgrading the overall lifestyles of the residents. Such added functionality may raise the desirability of your home and increase its value in the market.
Here are 8 Essential Deck Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know:
1. Inspect Regularly:
A deck should be regularly inspected to ensure its safety and durability. Weathering, combined with everyday wear, may cause a lot of issues, like loose boards, rotting wood, or corroding fasteners. Some of the points mentioned here have to be inspected regularly:
Points:
a. Identify Safety Hazards:
- Look for loose or unstable boards, railings, and stairs.
- Check for nails or screws that are protruding or rusted.
b. Check for Structural Damage:
- Examine the wood for signs of rot, cracks, or splintering.
- Pay attention to areas where the deck connects to the house or other structures.
2. Ensure Proper Weight Capacity:
You should know how much weight your deck can hold. This is referred to as the “weight capacity” of your deck. It will break or collapse if it has too much weight on it, and this is dangerous. But by making sure you don’t put more weight on your deck than it’s rated to hold, you keep it safe for everyone.
Points:
a. Know Your Deck’s Limits:
- Find out the maximum weight your deck can support. If you don’t know, a professional can help you determine this.
b. Avoid Overloading:
- Don’t place heavy items like hot tubs, large grills, or too many people on your deck at once.
- Spread out furniture and decorations to distribute weight evenly.
3. Check for Rot and Decay:
Rot and decay happen when wood becomes damaged due to moisture and time. If your deck wood starts to decay, it becomes a very frail structure that can be easily broken. You need to check your deck for rot and decay to be sure that it will be safe and long-lasting. If you find a minor problem in your deck and repair it at an early stage, then it won’t turn into a serious issue, and your deck will remain strong.
Points:
a. Look for Soft Spots:
- Gently press on the wood with a screwdriver or your hand. If it feels soft or mushy, it might be rotting.
b.Check for Discoloration:
- Look for dark or discolored areas on the wood. These can be signs of water damage and decay.
4. Secure Railings and Stairs:
Railings and stairs are important parts of your deck that help keep people safe. If railings are loose or stairs are unstable, it can be easy to fall and get hurt. Securing railings and stairs means making sure they are tightly attached and strong. This helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safe when using the deck.
Points:
a. Check for Loose Railings:
- Gently shake the railings. If they wobble or move, they need to be tightened or fixed.
b. Inspect Stair Stability:
- Make sure the stairs are firmly attached to the deck. If they feel shaky, secure them properly.
5. Maintain a Clean Surface:
The deck will be safe and clean when cleaned. If the surface is clean, there will be no accumulation of dirt or leaves and grime, which makes your deck very dangerous by becoming slippery. Keeping it clean will keep the decks nice and reduce the occurrences of slipping or falling accidents.
Points:
a. Remove Debris:
- Regularly sweep away leaves, branches, and other debris from the deck. This helps prevent mold and rot.
b. Clean Spills Quickly:
- Wipe up any food or drink spills right away to avoid stains and sticky spots.
6. Use Anti-Slip Coatings:
Anti-slip coatings are special treatments applied to decks and will render them less slippery. This is so critical because a slippery deck might lead to falls and injuries, especially during the wet season. These coatings help maintain safety on the deck, even during rainy or damp conditions.
Points:
a. Choose the Right Coating:
- Select an anti-slip coating that is suitable for your deck’s material, whether it’s wood or composite.
b. Apply as Directed:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the coating. This usually involves cleaning the deck first and then applying the coating evenly.
The Bottom Line:
Taking care of your deck means you get to have fun on it and create great memories. With these critical safety tips, by doing regular inspections applying anti-slip coatings and keeping the weight limitations observed, you ensure your deck continues to be a great place for everyone.
This will ensure that you get to enjoy a safe, fun deck area by maintaining regular upkeep and keeping a close eye on things, thus protecting an investment and not having an accident. So, before you host your next outdoor event, take a moment to review these tips and make sure your deck is ready for fun and safe gatherings.
