Hit the deck for safety

THE steep terrain throughout much of the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges means decks and balconies are used extensively by homeowners to extend the “play area” of properties.
Recent deck collapses have prompted Building Commissioner Tony Arnel to issue a warning to property owners to regularly check and maintain decks and balconies.
Statistics reveal numerous rotting balconies and decks that could cause injury or even death in the event of a collapse.
Mr Arnel said most at risk are structures built between 1970 and 1990 when they became prevalent and there was sometimes the use of inappropriate timber, inadequate structural design, poor workmanship and no building approval.
“Any balcony or deck has the potential, if not appropriately maintained, to fail at some stage,” Mr Arnel said.
“Ongoing maintenance of a home balcony or deck rests with the homeowner. And if it collapses, the legal, financial and health implications for homeowners can be enormous.”
The following tips are useful in the ongoing maintenance of balconies and decks:
• Look for any compression or deformation of the supporting posts, beams or joists. Decayed timber will feel soft and spongy.
• Get underneath decks or balconies and check for deterioration, particularly where timber members join. An instrument, such as a screwdriver will penetrate the surface of rotting timber.
• Make sure the deck or balcony structure is properly fixed to the building.
• Check the base of timber posts for rot and check brackets and bolts for signs of rust.
• Ensure that posts are securely anchored to the foundation in concrete or attached to concrete footings using proprietary metal brackets.
• Make sure water does not pool at the base of a post or wall support.
• Check handrails and balustrades to ensure they are not rotted, corroded, loose or unstable.
• Be aware that certain timbers, such as untreated pine, are more susceptible to external environments, requiring frequent inspections.
Anyone who suspects a problem with a balcony or deck should contact a building surveyor, structural engineer or registered builder, architect or building inspector.
For further information or to obtain a brochure on balcony or deck maintenance, visit the Building Commission website www.-buildingcommission.com.au.