The deck is one of those places at home that allows us to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air. It is a place where we can have a good time with our family and friends during warmer months of the year. However, keeping children safe on your backyard deck takes some extra planning and effort. Sometimes it makes sense to use the Chicago deck repair services.
Very often, the deck is located in the backyard, and our children really like to play in the open space where they can run, jump, hop, climb, and play ball. Like any space around the house, a deck may pose certain risks. Therefore, with a few simple steps, you should be able to prevent any accidents that might happen. Below are some tips that can help caregivers prevent some of the more common day to day backyard accidents kids experience.
Child Safety
Children’s curiosity to discover the world is much greater than the obstacles they may encounter in their path and, therefore, it will not take them long to learn that by climbing on any surface they can reach a window and see the world outside that awaits them on the other side.
When you are in charge of your child’s safety, you quickly realize that you have to take your home and backyard safety prep to another level and that things that may seem harmless such as a window or a deck, may not be so harmless after all.
Double Check The Railings
A platform deck can pose several safety risks for our children. Installing railing guards and security gates might be a good idea. Suitable barriers shouldn’t have horizontal railings and should be at least 36 inches high, as kids under the age of 5 are usually below 36 inches. This way toddlers, as well as smaller children, won’t be able to climb over these barriers. Appropriate railings shouldn’t have wide gaps either. If your barriers have gaps that are wider than 4 inches, you’ll need to make some adjustments to prevent your little ones from squeezing through. Deck netting or plexiglass can secure the barriers and prevent kids from climbing or forcing their bodies between the spindles.
Keep Patio Furniture Away From The Railings
Don’t give your child a chance to climb up a table or chair and go over the railings. This includes stools, tables, flower pots, a clothes dryer, and other items. If a child has access to the deck without adult supervision, such items should not be placed there at all. Ideally, of course, small children should not be allowed on the deck alone. After all, a child can bring a chair or stool from another room and use it. Therefore, window and door locks are also a good solution, as they will prevent a clever child from entering the deck without their guardians’ knowledge.
Extra Padding
Outdoor games are mostly fast and energetic and can lead to tumbles, falls, and turns. To reduce the chances of your child hurting his or herself, babyproof your outdoor furniture with padded seating with rounded corners and a plush ottoman. Sharp edges can be covered with a bit of foam tape, which can be bought at a local convenience store. You can additionally minimize the consequences of a fall by laying out a soft cushioned material, that can offers the best protection for falls and minimizes injury risk.
Proper Deck Maintenance
In addition to those caused by falls, some sharp wooden elements sticking out, splinters, hooks, broken boards can also cause wounds and serious injuries. It’s important to get in the habit of regularly maintaining your deck so that you and your family are safe and can enjoy your backyard all summer long.
Here are some tips to perform a solid deck repair:
- Look for signs of corruptions, popped nails, loose railings, and boards.
- Check the ledger, joists, struts, railings, and beams.
- Crop nearby bushes and overhanging branches.
- Clean it regularly by sweeping and washing.
- Invest in deck staining service.
Deck Repair Chicago
Children and adults need to enjoy the outdoors. As a parent, one of the most important responsibilities is to guarantee a child’s safety. Adults must keep in mind that accidents happen no matter what kind of precautions we take. Maintaining a safe deck is key to keeping your child safe outside.
To keep your deck safe and enjoyable you can maintain it yourself, and if done properly you won’t have to call professionals 708) 268-5405 for a long time.
However, if you need help or have any questions relating to deck or porch repair, you can always contact our Chicago deck builders at Branico and rest easy knowing we guarantee our workmanship, 100% quality, and customer satisfaction.
