When you set out to create an outdoor oasis, the last place that you want to find yourself is on the evening news because something went horribly wrong. Your deck should be a place that serves as the backdrop for some of your favorite stories and memories for years to come, not a tale of woe in the wake of a mishap. What do you need to know to prevent a deck disaster?
Of the 2.5 million decks that are estimated to be built in North America every year, the most critical steps that you can take to prevent a deck collapse are:
1. Your foundation:
Install footings under your deck to ensure that the surface will support the maximum occupancy you may host in your outdoor leisure space. These footings can also serve to prevent the deck from lifting in the event of severe winds and storms.
2. Protection from the elements
Even when you are finishing your deck with vinyl, which is waterproof, you want to ensure that the lumber that comprises the frame below has been treated to prevent moisture-related rotting. Before laying down your vinyl, ensure that the frame and floor have been sufficiently sealed.
3. Choose your fasteners carefully
It is generally recommended to use zinc-coated, corrosion-resistant screws instead of nails and to consider stainless steel or galvanized steel for anchors and joint hangers. Consult your local building codes to ensure that you are in compliance with the number and size of fasteners you need to have for your project to avoid costly remedies down the road.
4. Install railings
Code requires that any outdoor surface that stands more than 30 inches off the ground requires a railing. Other standards to consider are that the railing must stand at least 36 inches tall with slats every four inches. Aluminum railings are an attractive and configurable solution to meet your need in this regard.
5. Pay attention to your seasonal maintenance
While many homeowners enjoy the relatively worry free, low maintenance benefit of vinyl decks as being easy to clean and requiring little preventive maintenance, it is still critical to tend to seasonal maintenance and tend to any repairs in a timely fashion.
6. Be aware of your capacity
Many deck-related disasters occur when the occupancy limit for a deck or balcony is simply ignored and structures are compromised by too much weight. You can be pro-active in limiting the number of guests attending your hosted events to ensure that nobody’s safety is put at risk.
When you need expert advice to help you take your deck design from concept to completion, Alberta Vinyl Decking and Railing can help. Let us help you avoid the common pitfalls, ensure you are code compliant and cost effective, and most importantly that you’re going to love the deck once completed. Visit our website, give us a call, or drop in to see us and let us share our experience to ensure your success.