Preventing Slip & Falls on Backyard Decks

During the spring and summer, spending time on your deck can be a wonderful way to enjoy the warmer weather. Whether you’re using your deck to visit with friends and neighbors or to simply relax with a book, people don’t generally think of their decks as an unsafe place to be. However, as is the case for other areas of your home, it’s important to make sure safety issues don’t become a problem. In the case of decks, poor maintenance can lead to structural issues. Deck surfaces can also easily become very slippery, whether it’s because of recent rainfall, a buildup of moss or algae, or decking materials that simply don’t have a lot of traction. In some cases, things as simple as dew in the morning or high humidity levels can be enough to create enough moisture to make the surface of a desk slippery. 

Want to make sure your deck will be as safe as possible this summer? Here are a few things you can do to help prevent a fall. 

Stair & Deck Treads or Grit Tape

One of the simplest ways to add traction to a deck is to install treads or grip tape on the stairs and main surface. You can typically find these products at any hardware or home improvement store and are very easy to install. You may even be able to find options that are close to the color of your deck so that they blend right in. 

Non-Slip Deck Stain

While grip tape can be a simple solution, some people can get frustrated with how easily it can come unattached from the surface. If that’s a problem for you, you might want to consider using a non-slip stain on your deck instead. These stains have a grit in them that helps improve surfaces on wood surfaces that would otherwise be very slippery when wet or icy. 

Clean Your Deck

Even though decks are meant to be exposed to the elements, that doesn’t necessarily mean they never need to be cleaned. Sometimes, decks can be prone to mold or algae growth, which can make the surface of a deck very slick. If you notice discolored spots on your deck, cleaning your deck with a cleaning solution designed for decks can help solve the problem. 

Look for Slip-Resistant Decking

If you’re in the position of building a brand new deck from scratch, an important thing to do is make sure you look for materials that will provide traction to prevent falls. Some decking material features texture to improve slip resistance and to prevent the growth of mold and algae. 

Add Lighting

While lighting doesn’t directly improve the traction on your deck, it’s still important in helping people avoid falls. If you tend to use your deck a lot during the night and evening, adding some outdoor lighting can help people avoid falling while using the steps or otherwise walking around the deck area. 

Contact a Michigan Slip & Fall Lawyer

Getting back up after a slip and fall accident isn’t always easy. If you were injured in a fall, don’t hesitate to contact a slip and fall lawyer for help. If your fault was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to have someone on your side who can help you get the justice you deserve. At Scott Goodwin Law, you’ll be able to get help from a lawyer experienced in handling fall cases in the state of Michigan. Contact us today to find out how we can help you. 

Image:  Zac Gudakov / Unsplash