How to Ensure Deck Safety

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How to Ensure Deck Safety
Decks, like our roofs, windows and siding bear
most of the brunt of snow, cold temperatures and
extreme ice during winters and rain during
spring. Maintenance is of utmost importance if
you want to ensure the safety and longevity of
your Deck. This article will hopefully help you
determine if there is any need of repairing or
maintenance for your deck. Following tips will
help homeowners quickly and quite easily diagnose
some of the most common problems associated with
decks. Taking timely action will prevent
premature and permanent failure of your deck and
save you money too. Whether you do the repairs
yourself or hire a professional, following are
some problems that you should be keeping an eye
on for the safety of your deck.
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Rotten or Decayed Wood
Always keep an eye on areas that remain wet. You
would want to find any rotten or decayed wood as
soon as possible. If such an area exists, try to
pull out a piece with the help of a screwdriver.
If the wood is spongy then it is a clear sign
that it is in need of replacement with the help
of a professional.
Keep an Eye on Fasteners
Nails, anchors and screws are included in the
fasteners. If there are corroded screws or nails
sticking then it is an indication that there
could be a big problem. Missing, loose or
corroded fasteners continuously damage the wood
and damage the structure of the deck, stairs and
railings. If you spot this issue then its time
to call a professional to get it sorted.
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Stairs, Banisters and Railings
Examine the banisters and railing by pushing them
to make sure they are safe and secure, keep an
eye out on stair treads and deck surface to make
doubly sure that there is no cracked boards or
sagging. Stand on the surface or stairs move back
and forst to check if there is excessive bounce
or sway. If you spot any of these issues then the
deck is in need of repair.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Discoloration, moss and mold can quickly damage
the deck if left unattended, the right thing to
do it to remove them as soon as possible.
Cleaning and maintenance of deck is a whole new
topic and task in itself, so you should be
performing it regularly to ensure the safety of
your deck, but if its something that you are not
to keen on doing then you should call for
professional help.
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These helpful tips to ensure deck safety has been
presented by DeckDaddy who are the pioneers of
deck building and deck restoration services in
Washington, D.C.