PROPERTY Residential
Brisbane City Council is urging residents and property owners with a deck or balcony made from timber or constructed before 1946 to undertake a professional structural safety check.
Neighbourhood Planning and Development Assessment Committee chair Amanda Cooper(pictured) said now was the perfect time to check your deck before the weather warms up.
“During the summer, Brisbane residents love spending time outdoors and it's important to check your deck regularly to ensure it is safe before use,” Cr Cooper said. Cr Cooper said that the safety checks were important and there were warning signs that residents should look for.
“There are a number of common causes of deck failure including corrosion in older or rotting decks, water exposure, termite attacks, lack of maintenance, too many people on the decking areas and poor construction techniques,” Cr Cooper said.
“Older properties are especially at risk as structural weakness is not always visible so these property owners need to be particularly vigilant. “Deck or balcony checks should be carried out by a qualified professional and this is usually quick and easy.
“It is vital that these checks are carried out to ensure that your deck or balcony is not at risk of collapse.” Cr Cooper also reminded those residents or property owners looking to build a new balcony or deck of their responsibilities before carrying out any work.
“Requirements are in place to make sure that decks are safe, complement the existing streetscape and do not cause nuisance for neighbours. “It is important that before any work is undertaken on a deck or balcony the design meets strict building and planning regulations,” she said.
For more information on the safety checks and building requirements for decks and balconies visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/safety or phone council on (07) 3403 8888.
