Edmonton Handyman: 4 Common Deck Safety Concerns

Anyone who has a deck attached to their home knows that it can be challenging to maintain. For example, wooden decks can warp pretty easily, and boards can become loose in well-travelled areas of the porch. There are certain issues that can be especially dangerous, and when a homeowner spots those issues, they should contact deck repair services in Edmonton right away. Here are four potentially hazardous deck safety concerns to watch out for. 

1. Unlit Stairs

Steps or stairways with no lights, or very dim lighting, are hazardous to those walking up and down the stairs at night or in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Homeowners should consult with an electrician if they need to put lights either directly on their steps or put an overhead light above the stairs. A motion detector light in particular can help conserve electricity by not being on when nobody is outside and can provide extra security as well. Lights that go directly on the steps themselves can be very aesthetically pleasing and add to the curbside appeal of a house. 

2. Rotting Wood

Rotting wood is dangerous because it can compromise the structural integrity of the deck. There are several reasons for wood rotting on a wooden porch. However, the important thing is to make sure to notice right away when wood first begins to rot. Some of the signs of rotting wood include:

• Wood that appears to have different colours 

• Planks that appear smaller in size 

• Splinters and cracks in the wood 

Once the rot gets to a certain stage, the wood may feel soft, at which point there is a greater risk of some or all of the deck collapsing. Fortunately, if the wood is not yet in this stage of rot, there are some professional Edmonton deck installation services that will assist homeowners with preserving the materials of their home’s deck. 

3. Broken Handrails

Broken handrails pose a hazard to everyone who uses the deck, but especially to those who have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. It should be easy for someone to grab a handrail if they become unstable, and the railing should not become loose under their weight. 

Furthermore, if there are no handrails at all along the stairs and other areas of the porch, that is cause for even greater concern and is something that a homeowner or landlord should get fixed immediately. Hiring a professional to do this job is ideal since they will make sure that all construction is up to code and will do a good job on the construction the first time. 

4. Existence of Mould or Mildew

There are several reasons why the existence of mould or mildew on a porch poses a hazard. The first reason is that many people can experience ill health effects when exposed to these substances. For example, mould can cause symptoms such as coughing, congestion and headache in certain individuals. The last thing that a homeowner wants when they are entertaining guests on their deck or patio is for someone to become ill because of a substance in or around their home. 

Another reason mildew can be dangerous is that it can be slippery. This is a problem when walking on the deck as well as when holding onto a handrail. A fall from any height can cause an injury, especially in older adults.

Handyman Connection is happy to help any homeowner who notices these four issues with their deck. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to give us a call and speak to one of our knowledgeable and helpful professionals today.