Hurricane season is a good reminder that your deck has to withstand more than everyday foot traffic, patio furniture, and the occasional summer storm. High winds, heavy rain, and flooding can put considerable stress on an outdoor living space.
Checking your deck is one of those jobs that’s much easier when you aren’t scrambling around because a storm is already headed your way. Spending a couple of hours inspecting the deck and securing loose items now can save you some headaches when the forecast starts looking serious.
Although you can’t make an existing deck completely hurricane-proof, you can take a few practical steps that may help reduce damage.
1. Inspect the Deck’s Structure
First, give the entire deck a careful once-over. You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Walk across the deck, look underneath it, and pay attention to anything that seems loose, damaged, or out of place.
In particular, check:
- The ledger board and its connections to the house
- Posts, beams, and joists for rot or damage
- Joist hangers and other metal connectors for corrosion
- Loose or damaged deck boards
- Stairs and stair stringers
- Railings and railing posts
- Connections between posts, beams, and footings
Pay attention to the connections. The decking boards are what you see, but the framing and hardware underneath do much of the heavy lifting.
If you find significant structural damage, though, don’t wait until a storm is approaching. Have a qualified contractor or structural professional take a closer look.
2. Check Your Railings
Next, give the railings a shake. They shouldn’t move excessively at the posts or connections.
Check the fasteners, too. A screw can feel tight even though the wood around it has started to deteriorate, so simply tightening the hardware may not solve the problem.
Although a loose railing might not seem like a major concern during normal use, high winds can put additional stress on the entire system. If something feels loose or unstable, repair it before hurricane season.
3. Secure Anything That Could Become Airborne
Patio furniture, umbrellas, planters, grills, toys, tools, decorations, and other loose items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Whenever possible, bring them inside.
Don’t just look at what’s sitting on the deck, either. Walk around the entire outdoor living area and look for anything a strong wind could potentially move.
Before a storm, bring inside:
- Patio chairs and small tables
- Cushions and pillows
- Umbrellas and umbrella stands
- Planters and decorations
- Children’s toys
- Yard tools
- Trash and recycling containers
- Lightweight outdoor accessories
For larger items that can’t be moved indoors, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for securing them. Don’t assume tying something to a deck railing makes it safe. The railing may not have been designed to handle those loads.
4. Clear the Deck and Check Drainage
Sweep leaves, dirt, and debris from the deck, then clean your gutters and downspouts. If you have an under-deck drainage system, check the areas you can access and make sure debris hasn’t blocked the system.
While you’re at it, look at the ground around the deck. If water regularly pools around the footings or against the house, it’s worth addressing the drainage issue before hurricane season.
Although good drainage won’t stop flooding or storm surge, it can prevent an existing drainage problem from making a bad situation worse.
5. Look Up
Dead or damaged branches near the deck can break during high winds and damage the decking, railing, roof, or house.
You don’t necessarily need to remove every tree near your deck. However, large or damaged branches deserve some attention. If you’re unsure about a tree or branch, consider having a qualified arborist take a look before hurricane season.
Don’t Wait Until the Storm Is Coming
There’s a big difference between preparing for hurricane season and preparing for a hurricane that’s already approaching.
If a storm is headed your way, follow local emergency instructions and focus on securing loose items and preparing your household. Most importantly, don’t put yourself outside trying to make major structural repairs while dangerous weather is approaching. No deck is worth risking your safety.
For future storms, a little preparation can go a long way. Inspect the structure, check the railings, secure loose items, clear the drainage areas, and deal with problematic branches before the forecast turns ugly.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
You can’t make an existing deck completely hurricane-proof. However, you can avoid going into hurricane season with obvious maintenance problems and loose objects waiting to become airborne.
Take care of the small stuff while the weather is still calm, so you’re not rushing around when a storm is already on the way.
Planning a new deck or replacing an existing one? Explore Advantage Lumber’s selection of hardwood decking, framing materials, fasteners, and railing options to build an outdoor space that’s designed for the long haul.