The terrace of your house can be an extraordinary and serene place. You can relax, spend some time outdoors without leaving your home, or enjoy a cookout with your family. But how do you ensure that your platform is safe to use for years to come? Here are some deck tips and safety precautions to consider.
Get Started With The Foundation
The platform is only as reliable and secure as its base, which comprises support posts. To ensure that the deck is durable and provides you with a firm footing, the pier system must be drilled deep enough and well below the frost line. If the holes are shallow, the support post can shift during the winter when moisture in the ground freezes, causing the soil to go.
Inspect The Railings
Deck railings are your primary safety feature, especially if you have children or pets with you. There are three main problems when it comes to railings. First, you must ensure it is solid and stable enough to support at least 200 pounds. Pressure everywhere. To check this, give it a good push and pull to see if it stays secure even with the added stress.
Be Careful With Stairs
As far as stair railings are concerned, the same safety measures apply to platform railings. Also, check the integrity of the stairs and make sure they don’t wobble. The stability of the staircase can be attributed to the risers, stringers, and treads. So, please ensure that these individual parts of the stairs are still firm and securely attached, especially the connection point between the platform and the stairs.
Replace Damaged Wood
Rot and wood-destroying organisms such as termites are the worst enemies of wood and should be avoided at all costs. Immediately remove leaves and other buildup, such as moss or mold. For starters, the floor could get slippery on these. Also, moisture could cause the wood to rot and splinter.
Check Fasteners
Between nails and screws, screws are better deck fasteners because of their better grip on the wood, while nails can loosen over time. Regardless of the type of fasteners you use for your deck, you should check them periodically for corrosion and to see if they have reduced. Replace popped nails and tighten loose screws immediately.
Use Non-Flammable Pads
Fire can be a real problem when you have a wooden deck. Therefore, if you plan to organize a barbecue party, placing the grill somewhere away from the terrace is better. The same goes for campfires, fireplaces, and candles. However, if you must have a grill or candlelight on your deck, use a fire-retardant mat to ensure safety.