Common Deck Safety Hazards
Deck Safety | February 8, 2022
While decks are a great place to relax and unwind with family and guests throughout the year, like any outdoor area, they can develop safety hazards that must be addressed. Proper awareness of these hazards and implementation of solutions is crucial for keeping your deck safe regardless of the weather conditions or the number of people using it. As leading providers of high-quality railing products for all types of outdoor projects, the team at Vista Railing Systems understands the importance of deck safety. That is why we have compiled a list of common deck safety hazards and how to mitigate them to help you keep your outdoor living space safe.
Learn how to winterize your deck to ensure optimal safety.
4 Safety Hazards to be Aware of for Your Deck
The following deck safety hazards are among the most common and potentially dangerous:
1. Slippery Surfaces
Many decking materials can become slippery due to rain, snow, or ice, drastically increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. This is especially true if your deck has not been cleaned for some time as algae and other debris can build up and decrease traction. Regular cleaning, anti-slip coatings, and grip strips are all great ways to increase the safety of your deck without reducing appeal or functionality.
2. Unprotected Stairs and a Lack of Handrails
Though stairs are necessary for many decks, they present several safety risks for young children and elderly users. To minimize the risk of injury, consider installing an aluminum gate at the top of your stairs. This will create a solid barrier between your deck and the stairs, keeping young children safe while on your deck. In addition to an aluminum gate, it is important to ensure that your stairs railings are a graspable and continuous railing system.
3. Poor Lighting and Visibility
If you plan to use your deck at night or your yard is constantly shaded by surrounding trees, it is important to ensure that you have sufficient lighting systems installed. A lack of visibility can increase the risk of trips, collisions with deck furniture, and other accidents. String lights and other outdoor lighting systems are great ways to increase visibility while enhancing the appeal and atmosphere of your deck.
4. Low-Quality Railing Systems
Your deck railing system is arguably the most important safety element of your deck. If your existing railing system is in poor condition, cheaply constructed, or was poorly installed, it is worth investing in a high-quality aluminum railing system, glass railing system, or cable railing system to replace it. These systems will increase safety while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your deck for years to come.
To learn more about deck safety or to inquire about our selection of aluminum railing systems, get in touch with the team at Vista Railing Systems. We can be reached by call or text at 1-800-667-8247 and will work with you to determine the perfect solution for your needs.
While decks are a great place to relax and unwind with family and guests throughout the year, like any outdoor area, they can develop safety hazards that must be addressed. Proper awareness of these hazards and implementation of solutions is crucial for keeping your deck safe regardless of the weather conditions or the number of people using it. As leading providers of high-quality railing products for all types of outdoor projects, the team at Vista Railing Systems understands the importance of deck safety. That is why we have compiled a list of common deck safety hazards and how to mitigate them to help you keep your outdoor living space safe.
Learn how to winterize your deck to ensure optimal safety.
4 Safety Hazards to be Aware of for Your Deck
The following deck safety hazards are among the most common and potentially dangerous:
1. Slippery Surfaces
Many decking materials can become slippery due to rain, snow, or ice, drastically increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. This is especially true if your deck has not been cleaned for some time as algae and other debris can build up and decrease traction. Regular cleaning, anti-slip coatings, and grip strips are all great ways to increase the safety of your deck without reducing appeal or functionality.
2. Unprotected Stairs and a Lack of Handrails
Though stairs are necessary for many decks, they present several safety risks for young children and elderly users. To minimize the risk of injury, consider installing an aluminum gate at the top of your stairs. This will create a solid barrier between your deck and the stairs, keeping young children safe while on your deck. In addition to an aluminum gate, it is important to ensure that your stairs railings are a graspable and continuous railing system.
3. Poor Lighting and Visibility
If you plan to use your deck at night or your yard is constantly shaded by surrounding trees, it is important to ensure that you have sufficient lighting systems installed. A lack of visibility can increase the risk of trips, collisions with deck furniture, and other accidents. String lights and other outdoor lighting systems are great ways to increase visibility while enhancing the appeal and atmosphere of your deck.
4. Low-Quality Railing Systems
Your deck railing system is arguably the most important safety element of your deck. If your existing railing system is in poor condition, cheaply constructed, or was poorly installed, it is worth investing in a high-quality aluminum railing system, glass railing system, or cable railing system to replace it. These systems will increase safety while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your deck for years to come.
To learn more about deck safety or to inquire about our selection of aluminum railing systems, get in touch with the team at Vista Railing Systems. We can be reached by call or text at 1-800-667-8247 and will work with you to determine the perfect solution for your needs.