Summer Deck Safety Tips: After the Inspection
More opportunities to use that beautiful outdoor space are approaching. Entertaining guests, spending time with family, and even remote-working on your deck are in your future as summer approaches. Getting that routine inspection done, whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, is the first step to a safer summer.
After the inspection, you’ll know if there are any repairs needed. Repairs only go so far in ensuring you and your family’s safety. You’ll also need to prevent future damage and follow these tips so you can truly relax outdoors.
Related Article: How to Perform a DIY Deck Inspection
Get Rid of Debris
A multitude of things can make the surface of your deck a potential danger to you and guests. Fallen leaves and other debris, like sticks or larger limbs, can cause someone to trip or fall.
Further, buildup of debris can cause an accumulation of moisture. For certain materials like wood, wet and warm environments can cause rot, attract pests, and grow mold. This buildup can also hide damage, allowing it to worsen and become an expensive repair project.
Preventing a Slippery Surface
Rain, dew, and recreational water activities can all create a slippery surface on your deck. Many homeowners choose to build their deck around their pool, and certain deck materials are better than others for preventing accidents. Choosing vinyl, cellular PVC, or composite decking may require rugs or mats to mitigate the risks of slips. If you find slippery surfaces to be an issue on your deck, there are several ways to improve your safety.
For example, you can try adding outdoor rugs, anti-slip mats, or other surface items to the deck to create friction or grip. Another way to reduce the potential of a slippery deck is to consider upgrading to another material like wood. If your deck surface in general is worn and old, you might consider deck resurfacing.
Related Article: Creative Deck Design Ideas to Transform Your Backyard
Backyard Grilling
It is a popular home feature across the United States to have your grill out on your back deck. Grilling outside with family and friends is a staple activity of warm weather days. However, if the proper precautions are not made, your grill could become a hazard, potentially damaging your deck and surrounding structures.
If you choose to grill on your deck, there are some simple precautions to consider. For example, you should make sure your grill is at least eight to ten feet away from any flammable railing or furniture. Remember that sparks can often fly with greasy meat or vegetables. Providing ample space to let sparks extinguish before they reach a flammable surface can help avoid a deck or house fire.
Another item to add to your deck may be a grill mat. This item can help prevent fires that would occur from grease or debris dropping down from the underside of the grill and hitting the surface of your deck.
Design Your Deck with Safety in Mind
While all homeowners should practice these safety tips every summer, those who are considering adding or upgrading their deck can especially benefit from safety measures. From the outset, designing your deck and outdoor space with safety in mind will ensure the best results. Whether you want to create a larger entertainment space or a cozy backyard getaway, our experts can help you design your dreams while staying safe.
Contact Advance Inc. to schedule your in-home consultation and begin designing your dream deck.