Deck Safety – Proper Fasteners & Fastener Locations

It is that time of year again.  Old man winter has finally decided to make his annual retreat leaving us with warm days and warmer thoughts.  This month w shake off the sweatshirt and trade it in for a bathing suit.  Before you put the hot coffee down and run out for a cold beer there’s a couple things you should double check.  The thing that may take the spring out of your step the quickest, is a sprained ankle.

May is NADRA’s (North American Deck and Railing Association) “deck safety month” for good reason.  This is the time of year we really start to use our decks often.  Based on data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 6,000 people are injured each year in incidents involving the structural failure or collapse of a deck or porch.  The worst part of these accidents isn’t that they ruin a spring and summer but more that they are preventable with a little bit of forethought and diligence.  You are going to want to make sure that everything is sturdy instead of appearing sturdy.  One of the most common failure points is the ledger.  Here’s a couple things to look for on a ledger.

Read more

Safety Month – Week 4: Should you look at your deck’s furniture & décor?

The last week of Deck Safety Month is here, which means it’s time to address an aspect of deck inspection that’s often overlooked: the furniture and décor.

Though these objects may seem trivial, they are used by your friends and family every day, so it’s important to make sure they are well-maintained.

Read more

Deck Safety Month: Get Weekly Safety Tips

May is Deck Safety Month, making it the perfect time to fix up your deck. Getting started now will give you enough time to finish projects before the summer parties hit.

Safety is a vital aspect of your deck. After the winter snow and the spring rain, your deck needs to be inspected for out-of-place or broken components. Doing this now rather than later will give you ample time to order new material and fix any problems.

Read more

Deck Inspection: How to Inspect Ledgers, Girders, and Joists

Girders and joists work together as the support system for your deck.
Girders and joists work together as the support system for your deck.

Girders and joists are an integral part of your deck. They work in harmony to support the entire walking area. Because these connections are so important, you need to inspect that they were both properly installed, and properly fastened.

Read more

Deck Inspections: Facts

deck inspection tips
Getting your deck inspected can prevent larger headaches in the future.

Did you know that roughly 40% of all the decks in America are deemed safe? When you add in the fact there are an estimated 40 million decks that are over 20 years old and you quickly realize becoming a statistic is a real possibility for many homes.

Just like every aspect of your home needs to be solidly and correctly built, so does your deck. Even though decks appear to be simple and straightforward structures, you should consider them to be a rooms without walls or a roof. It’s an outdoor space that needs to be planted in strong foundations.

Read more