Stairs

Decks, Balconies, Verandahs, Patios and Stairs

Australians love outdoor living and entertainment areas, but they can be costly to maintain.

When made of timber and exposed to the weather, outdoor structures are high maintenance. To add to this, a poorly maintained structure is a safety hazard. Some timber floors need to be coated in oil or water-based acrylic paint every year.

Start by inspecting decking and framing timbers for any signs of fungal decay (rot). Decay is usually at the edges of the structure and at the tops of joists where they are more exposed to the weather. Unroofed timber structures deteriorate at a much faster rate as they are exposed directly to the weather. Decayed sections weaken the timber and can cause it to collapse. This is a potential safety hazard and decaying timber should be promptly replaced. When you walk on the floor of the deck or balcony it should not have excessive spring. If the floor is bouncy then the timbers may be undersized.

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