Is your deck or balcony safe for a party?

The warmer weather can be the most dangerous times for deck and balcony collapses according to Archicentre. Archicentre’s David Hallett said often, during pre-purchase housing inspections or specific deck checks, Archicentre architects discovered rotting timbers and rusty steel fittings which could substantially weaken the deck’s structure. ‘‘In the last few years, balcony collapses in several states have resulted in a number of injuries and deaths,’’ he said. Mr Hallett said anyone with a balcony or raised deck, whether it was timber, concrete or features steel supports, should check it out carefully for safety, including an inspection for rotting timbers, shaky hand rails and balustrades, corroded bolts and brackets, rust stains and cracking in concrete balconies. ‘‘People renting properties should check balconies or raised decks and notify their real estate agents if any dangerous conditions are discovered,’’ he said.

Tips for timber balconies Identify the species of timber. Oregon may not be appropriate for external structures. It is distinguishable by a broad softwood grain pattern and by a pinkish colour when fresh surfaces are exposed, like during a split, for instance.

Observe for any compression or deformation of the structural members.

Test the timber by probing with a sharp object like a screwdriver. Decayed timber may feel soft and spongy.

Gain access underneath using a ladder. Check connection points at the beams with a screwdriver for deterioration. Timber generally rots where two pieces of timber join together. Examine brackets and bolts to make sure they are not rusted.

Make sure the timber balcony is properly fixed to the house or that the members run into the house.

Check base of timber posts for rot and again check brackets and bolts for signs of rust.

Posts need to be securely anchored into the ground and not just bolted into the paving.

Check handrails and vertical balustrade to make sure they are not rotted and unstable.

Concrete balconies Look for signs of deflection. If the balcony leans, there is a problem.

Examine the underside of the concrete balcony. Rust stains on exposed steel reinforcing are signs of a serious problem.

Check handrails and balustrades to make sure they are not loose or unstable.

The presence of spalling, where chunks of concrete are flaking off, may be a serious problem and needs to be inspected by an expert.