If you have an outdoor decking in Australia, it is important to ensure it is safe to avoid accidents. If you see warning signs then you should repair the deck as soon as possible. Some decks are beyond repair and replacement may be the only option. Remember your deck should adhere to the new building codes and if it was constructed a long time ago then it may not adhere to the building codes. When inspecting your deck for some of the most common warning signs, here are a few things you should look at.
Missing connections
When building a deck in Australia, it is important to ensure it is built using a series of nails, wood members, metal connectors, and screws to create a continuous load path. You need to inspect how your deck is built and if you can see exposed nails then that is a red flag that your deck is not safe. Apart from nails being a safety hazard by themselves, exposed nails can lead to rotting and weak joints and compromise the integrity of your deck.
Corrosion of fasteners and connectors
Nails, metal connectors and screws can corrode or rust over time. You need to look for red rust and any other signs of corrosion that may weaken the structure of the deck. If you notice that most of the nails have rust then you may need to disassemble the deck and build it afresh or you may need completely new decking solutions.
Rot
If your deck in Australia is made of wood then you should be ready to see the wood rot over time. The period it takes for wood to rot depends on how well the deck is maintained. When wood is exposed to elements, it will rot within a very short period of time. Wood members within the frames of your deck that have rotten may be weak and won’t be able to perform the function they were installed to perform. This will make your deck unstable and unsafe for use.
Cracks
When wood ages, you will start noticing some cracks in your deck that weren’t there before. Excessive cracking or large cracks can weaken your deck. When you start noticing large cracks in your deck, it may be time to replace your deck.
Repairing an existing deck
Once you determine that your deck is unsafe, it is important to either retrofit it or repair it. In some cases, you will have to rebuild it using new materials. If rebuilding your deck isn’t feasible then there are some improvements you can make to strengthen your deck. Some cases may require professional services to fix. Always remember that you need to work with a licensed professional who has a good reputation. Do not forget about your deck once the repair work has been completed. You should inspect it regularly. Your outdoor decking Australia is exposed to elements and it may need coating with a water-resistant sealant to protect it from elements especially when you are using wood.
