AS the weather heats up, homeowners have been warned to take care of any safety or maintenance issues on their decks and balconies.
Archicentre managing director Robert Caulfield said as people began to use these outdoor entertaining areas more frequently, there was an increased risk of collapse.
“In the past 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,” he said.
The warning comes after five people were injured when a balcony 2.8m above the ground collapsed in Albany. About 20 people were on the balcony when it gave way at a two-storey house about 7.45pm on Saturday.
St John Ambulance officers and the fire brigade attended the scene, where five people were treated for broken limbs, facial injuries and cuts.
Two women suffered broken ankles when the balcony collapsed under the weight of the people and furniture.
Figures show that 6 per cent of Australian homes have a timber balcony or deck.
First National Real Estate managing director Krys Tully said milder weather provided a good opportunity to inspect and protect homes from damage.