Is your balcony or deck safe?

Over the last few years we’ve seen a number of accidents across NSW and the rest of the country caused by unsafe balconies and decks. While all balconies, decks, balustrades and railings must comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) it’s important to understand that these need to be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they can handle the pressures placed on them and that they remain safe for use.

As part of your home maintenance, you should conduct a thorough visual inspection of your deck or balcony structure at least once a year. Things to look out for include:

• Pooling of water – if water pools on the surface of your deck or balcony it may indicate poor drainage, and could result in the structure deteriorating.

• Loose handrails and balustrades – these should be fixed directly into the main supporting structure for the strongest stability. If loose, they could potentially collapse under someone’s weight, so should be fixed as soon as possible.

• Posts and columns – these are located beneath timber decks/balconys and support the beams, which in turn support the whole structure. It’s important to check that the posts and columns have not shifted due to ground movement, and still support all beams. It’s also worth checking the base of the posts and the connection points of the beams. If the brackets and bolts are loose or rusting they’ll need to be fixed. You should also check to ensure no water is pooling at the base of the posts/columns.

• Damp patches/discolouration – in timber decks/balconies, this can suggest decayed timber from water damage

• Decking boards – check for any loose weak or broken boards

A well-maintained deck or balcony should last for years with routine maintenance. Observing and inspecting different elements of your deck are a key part of maintenance. If you’re unsure of anything, or are suspicious about the stability of the deck or balcony, we recommend having the structure inspected by an expert.

If buying a home with a deck or balcony, and you’ve chosen to use the services of a building inspector, it’s important to check that their inspection specifically includes the deck or balcony, as it may not necessarily be included.