Name:

AZ-Tech Lifestyle Concept

Title:

Tip:

Common shortcuts to look for with your deck supplier

• The use of cut price (poor quality) materials that reduces the longevity of the structure and creates unforseen hazards
• The use of timber species unsuited for the purpose
• Decks built without council approval risking substandard materials and workmanship


Materials recommended for optimum decking safety

• Premium quality box section steel framing such as Stratco Outback or Pro-beam eliminates the risk of fixings coming loose
• Steel deck framing does not split, warp, crack, twist, or rot and fixings do not come loose. Pre-finished Colourbond (available in a range of colours) greatly reduces maintenance that is otherwise often carried out by a home owner without professional knowledge of safe work practices

What questions should you ask a decking company before you sign a contract?

1. What are the Guarantees on each and every component of the deck?
2. Who backs these Guarantees?
3. What evidence can the company provide to demonstrate that it is sufficiently big and stable to back their Guarantees over time (* avoid backyard operations whose promises don't protect the purchaser)
4. Is the company licensed to build decks?
5. If the company is also building a patio roof for you, are they fully licensed for both types of work and can they build both as a single integrated and seamless project. The various license categories force some firms to outsource part of the work and that reduces control and warranty protection. All components need to be compatible to to prevent chemical reactions between materials so as not to risk corrosion.
6. Ask to see a deck built by the company, (remembering that the true quality of the work becomes clear only over time)

What are the signs that a deck may need attention?

1. Loose floor boards or loose, wobbly handrails
2. Split or cracked components
3. Deteriorated ends of structural members
4. Anything that is not straight and true
5. Corrosion of steel
6. Evidence of Ant or Termite activity
7. Stairs or stair treads that are loose, not flat or wobbly
8. Moisture on the side of joints that may indicate evidence of rot
9. Soil has been allowed to build up around the base of posts
10. It is an unapproved structure or there is no evidence available of approval

What ongoing maintenance of a deck do you recommend?

1. Quality Oil Based Preservatives on timber deck surfaces and quality paint on timber handrails
2. Ensure nails are tight and punched down on the deck surface
3. Regularly check and retighten all bolts
4. Replace deteriorated components without delay – don’t wait for an incident
5. Have suspect components inspected by a licensed Building Inspector or Builder
6. Vermin prevention and control

Name:

Michael Peters

Title:

Tip:

An Essential Tool

A simple and too often overlooked item in any painter’s toolbox is an old, soft cotton rag.

• Wrap it around a putty knife and wipe over painted glass when cutting in window frames.


• Use it to mop up any split paint or other materials immediately, before they cause damage and make extra work.


• Use it to keep your hands clean. Remember, clean hands make for a clean and perfect paint job!


• Create a clean and professional looking job throughout each step in the process of painting by wiping runs and fixing uneven applications.


• Save time by cleaning up as you go rather than making a big effort at the end of the job.

Hmm… with so many uses, you might need two!

Name:

Lindsay

Title:

Tip:

Before signing on the dotted line, be sure to read the fine print. Ask for all hidden costs to be identified and written into the contract.
Ask if overburden removal is included in the site works, also the need for pool only soakwells. These two alone could add thousands to the installation costs.

Name:

Steve

Title:

Tip:

Weed-proof membranes help to stop weeds from growing between your flowerbeds. Lay the the membrane below a mulch such as woodchips,gravel or bark. The best type is woven polypropylene as this lets water through. To plant, just cut the fabric.

Name:

Victoria

Title:

Tip:

An important step forward in pest management is to maintain or create healthy soil.

It produces more healthy plants, which should be better able to withstand disease and even insect damage.

Name:

Tom

Title:

Tip:

To make easily transportable compost, put all weeds into a black plastic bag. Cut small holes in the bottom. Pour some water in the bag. When weeds are dry, seal the bag with a tie.

Name:

Joseph

Title:

Tip:

When cleaning cartridge filters, soak them in a cleaning solution for 24 hours, then hose them off before reinstalling.

Name:

Caroline Bergstijn

Title:

Tip:

Mulch your flower beds and trees with 3" of organic material - it conserves water, adds humus and nutrients, and discourages weeds. It gives your beds a nice, finished appearance.