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Media Release |
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Archicentre Launches DECK SAFE
Monday, 28 June 2010 13:46
Archicentre, Australia's largest supplier of housing pre-purchase inspections and design concepts has targeted balcony and deck safety with the release of a new service specifically aimed at balcony and deck safety checks.
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Handrails and vertical balustrades need to be checked on decks and balconies to make sure they are not rotted and unstable. |
The release of the new service follows the ongoing injuries and deaths of people involved in collapsing balconies and decks with each event leaving a potential trail of expensive legal and medical bills for home owners and people involved.
South Australian Archicentre spokesperson Edward Lukac said the safety checks would provide home owners with a status report on their balcony and recommended actions for maintenance and repair.
“Anyone purchasing a home with a deck or balcony should ask to see the appropriate building permits to find out when the deck was built and if it was built with appropriate permits. If unsure of the condition of the balcony or deck purchasers should also request a recent safety report by a qualified and registered person such as an architect or engineer.”
South Australian Archicentre spokesperson Edward Lukac said the safety checks would provide home owners with a status report on their balcony and recommended actions for maintenance and repair.
“Anyone purchasing a home with a deck or balcony should ask to see the appropriate building permits to find out when the deck was built and if it was built with appropriate permits. If unsure of the condition of the balcony or deck purchasers should also request a recent safety report by a qualified and registered person such as an architect or engineer.”
Mr Lukac said balconies and decks whether constructed of timber, steel or concrete, are exposed to the extremes of climate and need to be periodically checked for deterioration, because of their height and deterioration of materials or in some cases illegal and poor building practices.
“The introduction of DECK SAFE is aimed at providing vendors, home buyers, home owners and body corporate organisations with a reasonably priced condition report to minimise the potential for injury and expensive legal cases.”
Archicentre's pre-purchase home inspection statistics show that approximately 6% of Australian homes have a timber balcony or deck.
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.
Mr Lukac said the DECK SAFE REPORT would check timbers, fixings and the structure that support and attach the deck to the home, support beams of the deck, timber posts and steel columns, condition of concrete and provide the home owner with a practical repair and maintenance strategy.
The DECK SAFE report will be backed by the offer of a $15,000 guarantee.
For more information on Deck Safe call Archicentre on 1300 13 45 13.
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre Mobile: 0417 329 201