Make sure that you do not have any of these problems occurring on your deck to ensure a safe sanctuary you can rely on!
Are All Your Connectors There?
To date, there are over 40 million decks in the United States that consist of wood, nails, and some screws. If your deck looks like it is only put together with nails or other non-compliant fasteners, there is a great possibility that your deck is not safe. Make sure to have a licensed contractor come out and look at your deck as soon as you notice this issue and make sure to not go out onto your deck until it is taken care of.
Are Your Connectors Tight?
If you have loose boards, railings that are wobbly or ledgers that are not tightly pressed against your home, your deck probably have loose connections. This can happen over time due to a variety of factors, but it is vital to get them fixed as soon as you notice these issues.
Are Your Connectors or Fasteners Corroded?
Your deck is vulnerable to the elements and because of this, the galvanized metal connectors and fasteners are at risk of corrosion. If they are corroded, your structure is weakened. So make sure to check your connectors throughout the change of seasons each year.
Is Your Wood Staying Strong?
If you did not choose exotic hardwood for your deck, you need to make sure that your deck does not have any weak sections where the pressure treated wood may begin to rot. Rot and Decay occur due to being exposed to the elements. and if the wood does start to decay, the deck will also become unstable.
Are There Cracks In Your Wood?
As wood is exposed to the sun and UV rays, cracks occur. Check for larger or excessive cracking; this is a main factor in deck collapses so it’s very important to check for any changes!
CONCLUSION
Do a google seach for deck collapse and you’ll see daily stories on recent collapses. Luckily, many of these decks fall without major injuries. But, some have tragically cost the lives of people who were completely unaware of the danger. If you own a deck that’s over 10 years old, now is the time to get it inspected by a local contractor or deck inspector. If any of the pictures above even remotely look like something on your deck, take action now before it’s too late.
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