Deck Safety - Warning Signs - Preventing Your Deck From Collapsing

Deck collapse stories become more prevalent as we head into the height of the summer season. Many decks are unsafe because they were built incorrectly, have not been maintained properly or are beyond their lifespan. To help prevent deck collapse events it is important to inspect decks for safety at least once a year. While many decks initially look sturdy, on closer inspection it becomes apparent how proper construction makes all the difference when it comes to safety. Look for these five warning signs when inspecting your deck for safety:

#1 - Missing Connections
Look underneath your deck for missing connections. A deck needs to be built with metal connectors, nails, screws and bolts. Nails are smooth and alone can easily pull out. First, make sure all of the wood framing under your deck is tied together with metal connectors. A safe, strong deck should be connected together from the house all the way down into the ground with metal connectors. The most critical connection of a deck is the ledger, which is where the deck attaches to the house. This is the area where most decks fail. Nails should not be used to make this connection; instead ledger screws or bolts should be used.

#2 - Loose Connections
The second warning sign is loose connections. Check to see if any railings are wobbly or if any stairs are loose. If they are, these need to be repaired immediately. It's also important to check the balusters on the railing and make sure they are spaced not more than four inches apart so a small child can't slip through.

#3 - Corrosion
The third warning sign is corrosion. Metal hardware, such as connectors, nails and screws can corrode over time. Look for red rust or other signs of corrosion that can weaken your deck. When replacing metal hardware like rusty nails, make sure the hardware is rated for outdoor use to resist corrosion.

#4 - Rot
The fourth sign is rotted wood. Over time, wood can rot and degrade making it unable to support your deck properly. To test the wood on your deck, stick a screw driver in the area of wood that you think is rotted. If it appears soft, it should be replaced.

 #5 - Cracks
The fifth sign to look for is deck boards with large cracks. As wood ages, it's common for cracks to develop. Large cracks or excessive cracking can weaken your deck. Deck boards or posts with large cracks should be replaced.

If you suspect your deck has any of these warning signs or appears to be unsafe, call a professional to check and repair any problems before hosting friends and family on your deck. With proper maintenance and care, deck collapses are preventable. Check your deck each year. Regular checkups and maintenance will help keep your deck and family safe.

For more information, visit www.safestronghome.com and www.homesafetycouncil.org.

 

Phyllis Lerner, Realtor

Broker / Owner

http://westchester-real-estate.us
914-438-7556