Deck safety starts with a great design and a good maintenance checklist.
Your backyard deck should be a place where you don’t have to think about safety. In other words, you should be able to go out onto your deck and enjoy the outdoor living space without worrying. You can do this by keeping up routinely on this backyard deck safety checklist. It’s quick and easy!
Inspect the Deck for Damage
The first step is to know what condition your deck is in. It can be a good practice to inspect your deck at least once a year, checking over, around, and under it for any signs of damage. Once you have noted its condition, you can proceed with the rest of the deck safety checklist.
Replace Rotting Parts
If you notice rotting parts or warped, damaged deck boards, those problems are first on your list. Replace rotting parts and do not let anyone access the deck if it is structurally unsound. If the deck has rotted too much overall, it is better to replace it.
Tighten Loose Fasteners
If the deck’s components are still decent in quality, still make sure that no parts are loose. If you notice any loose deck boards or railings, be sure to refasten them. You don’t want someone to lean against a deck or deck stair railing and have it give way to their weight.
Correct Cracks
A creaking wood deck could be a cause for concern. If your deck has cracks, you can fill them with epoxy or caulk. Fix small cracks early so they don’t become more dangerous and expensive problems later on!
Remove Dirt, Splinters, and Mold or Mildew
Cleaning the surface generally will keep the deck in a good, safe condition. Plus, you can address painful splintering wood and mold growth, if present. You can clean the deck by pressure-washing it or using a deck cleaning product and a stiff-bristled brush. Follow up by sanding out splinters and staining the deck if necessary.
Maintain Sufficient Deck Lighting
Deck lighting allows traffic to flow safely to and from the deck in the evening. These lights can be as simple as string lights or as sophisticated as built-in deck lights and deck stair lights.
Practice Fire Safety on Your Deck
Are you planning on putting a grill or fire pit on your deck? Remember to take care with proper fire protection and have an appropriate fire extinguisher on hand.
Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!
Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.