Deck Safety
The popularity of decking has coincided with the move outdoors, as homeowners look to develop alfresco areas for entertaining and relaxing with family and friends. Ideally a deck should be constructed from suitable Steel and timber using the appropriate construction techniques, and offer a stable platform for all manner of activities. Unfortunately, this is however not always the case, as dodgy builders cut corners in the pursuit of the quick buck; or inexperienced DIY enthusiasts make a hash of things. A decking collapse can at the very least be an inconvenience, and at the worst cause serious injury to you, your family or friends. Charles Webber who has (45 years building experience and is a Licensed builder since 1983) director of AZ-Tech Lifestyle Concepts, a Brisbane-based patio and decking specialist – offers some informed advice on decking safety...
What events prompted you to address the issue of safety in your blog?
Charles sees a great deal of evidence of unsafe decks when visiting new customer sites for quotations.
Incidents in Brisbane of deck collapses have been reported in the press in the past couple of years that have resulted in death and injury.
The Queensland Building Services authority has recently tightened regulations on deck safety (it might be good idea to contact their media liaison unit for comment 07 3225 6444)
What are the most common shortcuts taken when erecting decking?
• The use of cut price (poor quality) materials reduces the longevity of the structure and creates unforseen hazards especially to subsequent property owners who are unaware of shortcuts taken
• The use of incorrect timber species that are unsuited for the purpose
• Decks built without council approval resulting in substandard materials and workmanship
What materials do you recommend for ensuring optimum decking safety?
• Premium quality box section steel framing such as Stratco Outback or Pro-beam eliminates the risk of fixings coming loose
• Steel deck framing does not split, warp, crack, twist, or rot and fixings do not come loose. It is also available pre-finished in a range of Colourbond colours which greatly reduces maintenance work that is otherwise often carried out by the home owner who may not work as safely as professionals at heights
What questions should you ask a decking company before you sign on the dotted line?
1. What Guarantees are provided on each and every component of the deck?
2. Who backs these Guarantees?
3. What evidence can the company provide to demonstrate that it is sufficiently big and stable to back their Guarantees over time (beware the $2.00 company backyard operations)
4. Is the company licensed to build decks.
5. If the company is also building a patio roof for you, are they fully licensed to carry out both types of work (not just steel fixers) and can they build both as a single integrated and seamless project. All components need to be compatible to to prevent chemical reactions between materials so as not to risk corrosion.
6. Can you see a deck that was built by the company being considered, (but not one just completed as the true quality of their work becomes clear only over time)
What are the tell tale signs that a deck may need some attention?
1. Loose floor boards or loose, wobbly handrails
2. Split or cracked components
3. Deteriorated ends of structural members
4. Anything that is not straight and true
5. Corrosion of steel
6. Evidence of Ant or Termite activity
7. Stairs or stair treads that are loose, not flat or wobbly
8. Moisture on the side of joints that may indicate evidence of rot
9. Soil has been allowed to build up around the base of posts
10. The deck is an unapproved structure or there is no evidence available of that approval
What ongoing maintenance of a deck do you recommend?
1. Use only quality Oil Based Preservatives on timber deck surfaces and quality paint on timber handrails
2. Ensure any nails are tight and punched down on the deck surface
3. Regularly check and retighten all bolts
4. Replace any deteriorated components without delay – don’t wait for an incident
5. Have suspect components inspected by a licensed Building Inspector or Builder
6. Vermin prevention and control
