Outdoor living has taken Australian homeowners by storm. Nothing beats spending time on your timber deck during the summer entertaining guests or simply enjoying the wonderful weather. So if you have been considering constructing an outdoor living area for your house, you may be thinking of hiring professional constructors to build you a custom timber deck. But even with professional construction, it is still essential to inspect the condition of your deck routinely. From insects to water damage, there are multiple factors that will contribute to the deterioration of the integrity of your structure. Here is a list of routine safety checks you should carry out on your custom timber decking.

Stairs

If your custom deck is raised, it will be important to inspect the stairs from time to time. Start by investigating the condition of the risers as well as the treads. These structures should be sturdy and not shift when weight is exerted onto them. If you see any indications of decay, call on your deck contractors to repair or replace the affected steps.

Balustrading

Irrespective of the materials chosen for your railings, it is judicious to keep an eye on their condition so that any potential issues are caught early. Timber railings are particularly vulnerable to water damage, so you should always keep an eye out for signs of decay and have them replaced as needed. Steel railings could corrode and become less strong, so they should also be maintained on schedule. Lastly, when constructing your custom deck, ensure that the railings do not have large gaps as children can easily squeeze through them.

Flashing

If your deck has a roof, it is vital to also look out for any signs of damage that can end up harming your timber deck. One aspect of the roof to be wary of is the flashing. If part of the flashing is missing, rainwater will make its way to the timber deck. Over time, the moisture seeps into the wood, causing it to rot. Regularly check the flashing for any parts that are coming loose and have your deck contractors repair them immediately.

Fasteners

The fasteners that keep the timber boards in place are also a critical area to monitor when performing safety checks on your timber decking. From anchors to screws, loosening is an issue that will crop up as your deck gets older. Furthermore, if the surrounding wood is deteriorating it is only a matter of time before the fasteners are affected too.