Check the Deck Before the Party

Check the deck before you have a party this holiday season is the message from Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects.

The warning follows the collapse of a balcony last night in Lorne where a railing gave way with three people falling and being injured. A number of incidents have occurred over the past twelve months where deck and balcony collapses have been responsible for deaths and serious injuries.

A recent seaside balcony collapse where a person was severely injured

David Hallett, Victorian State Manager of Archicentre said during the festive season many decks are often loaded with groups of people, which can result in serious injury or death if the deck collapses.

"Often a deck is just used by one person for a leisurely daily cup of tea in the sunshine. The deck's structural integrity has never been tested with any significant weight. But come the festive season when family, extended relatives and friends visit, this same deck can become a deadly hazard under the extra load."

Archicentre's pre-purchase home inspection statistics show that approximately 6% of Australian homes have a timber balcony or deck and that about 2% of these ( 8000) are potentially fatal.

At a recent Coroners' Court case in Brisbane questions were asked as to who is at fault when a balcony collapses? The builder, the building inspector, the pest inspector, the engineer, the former owner, or the current owner? And importantly what is the tipping point for a collapse?

Archicentre stresses there is a need for people to inspect their decks and balconies for rotting timbers and rusty corroding steel fittings which could lead to life threatening balcony collapses.

"In the last few years, balcony collapses in several states have resulted in a number of injuries and deaths with coastal properties in the high risk categories because of the harsh environment and salt damage to metal fittings."

"As a safety measure, all homeowners should thoroughly check the timbers, fixings and structure that support and attach the deck to the home, and check the bracing members and support beams of the deck, timber posts and steel columns looking for soft, spongy sections of compressed timber and rusting steel. If doubts still linger, it is best to arrange a professional inspection.

"Apart from the possible injury or death to family members or friends, home owners would be foolish to ignore the legal liability and damages claims which could arise from a collapsing deck which is proven to be in poor repair.

"We urge everyone with a balcony or raised deck, whether it's timber, concrete or features steel supports, to check it out carefully for safety, including an inspection for rotting timbers, shaky hand rails and balustrades, rusting bolts and brackets, rust stains and cracking in concrete balconies.

"If people find faults they should take immediate action to repair them and if they are not sure to seek professional advice."

How to look out for a Balcony Collapse

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 timbers.

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 concrete balcony slab deflection. If so 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 rotted, 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.

Archicentre has a fact sheet on Balcony Collapse available for download at http://www.archicentre.com.au/Balconytips.pdf

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
David Hallett, Victorian State Manager Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0439 439 115
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201