UglyDeck.com reminds homeowners to make sure that their decks are safe for use by checking railings and other components for damage and proper installation.
Each year, there are over 5,000 accidents and injuries related to unsafe deck conditions. Many of these are due to improperly installed or damaged deck railings. The team of Minneapolis deck builders at UglyDeck.com wants to remind homeowners to put their wellbeing first this summer. Ensuring safety and preventing accidents is a relatively easy procedure—simply perform regular maintenance checks on decks each summer before use to see if deck maintenance or deck repair is required.
For those seeking to build a deck, other factors should also be considered before construction begins to keep things as safe as possible in the future. These criteria include:
• The height of the deck railing. The typical height of a deck railing should lie within the range of 36″-42″. Check local city codes to find out the precise measurements to stay in compliance.
• Spacing between railings. This is especially important to keep small children or pets from falling through the railing spaces. Ideally, there should be no more than 6″ between the railings, possibly less depending upon individual city codes.
• Decking materials. Decks made of wood need to be checked often for mold, rot, decay, termite and insect damage, weather damage, and other factors that could diminish the structural integrity of the deck.
One option to improve safety and reduce regular deck maintenance is to build a maintenance free deck. A deck and deck railings constructed of maintenance free decking materials are much less susceptible to the damage listed above, making it a good choice in terms of future upkeep.
An existing deck that may not need repair can still be improved by replacing its deck railing with one constructed of maintenance free decking materials, which are more durable than many wood materials.
Beyond regular inspections by the deck owner, UglyDeck.com suggests having an expert inspection on a yearly basis to ensure deck railings, deck stairs, and the platform itself is in good shape, or if any deck repair or deck restoration is necessary.
UglyDeck.com builds maintenance free decks, adds deck railings and outdoor spiral staircases, and provides maintenance free decking materials to do-it-yourselfers. Visit their Shakopee showroom to see the wide variety of deck railings, deck design ideas, and the quality, durable materials that can be used.
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Ugly Deck.com
Telephone: (952) 736-3308
4870 12th Ave E.
Shakopee, MN 55379
