Don’t Be a Statistic – Check Your Deck Regularly to Ensure That It’s Safe
Decks are supposed to be places of fun and leisure. They provide sanctuary when you need some peace and quiet and are ideal for gathering your friends together for a cookout. Unfortunately not everything about decks is bright and sunny. Old or poorly maintained decks often collapse, resulting in damage to property and in some cases, even death.
According to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), between 2000 and 2006, 30 people died when the decks they were standing on collapsed. Over roughly the same period of time more than 350 injuries were reported, also as a result of deck failures. These rather alarming statistics prompted the NADRA to declare an annual Deck Safety Month to highlight the importance of regular deck maintenance and to emphasise deck safety.
Deck safety has become such a pressing issue that the NADRA has drawn up a 10-point Inspection Checklist to ensure continuing deck safety. They’re not alone in their concern, however, as researchers at Virginia Tech University have also produced a deck safety document. Their “Manual for the Inspection of Residential Wood Decks and Balconies” is available for purchase from the NADRA’s official website.
To ensure that your deck lives out its lifespan of around 10 – 15 years, there are a few important things that you need consider. First of all, when you’re still in the planning and designing stage, you need to think carefully about the weight that your deck is expected to bear. That includes the weight of all human bodies over the years, as well as pressure exerted by nature, such as wind, snow and the occasional earthquake. According to strongtie.com, there are three types of forces that you need to plan for:
• Gravity, which includes the weight of people and any snow, ice or debris that may accumulate over time.
• Lateral pressure, which includes the backwards and forwards motions caused by people walking on the deck, as well as that caused by heavy winds.
• Uplift, which is the pressure exerted by wind flowing beneath the deck.
Secondly, NADRA recommends that you conduct an annual deck inspection, with or without the help of a deck safety expert, and carry out repairs and maintenance as the situation demands. Problems to look out for include:
• Split or decaying wood. It’s important to check several areas of the deck for sign of rot or splintering, such as the support joints below the deck, the stairs, deck boards and banisters. It’s recommended that you use a sharp tool like an awl or ice-pick to find damaged sections. You should also keep an eye out for insect damage, which will require the services of an exterminator.
• Loose, missing or corroded fasteners. Fasteners include all nails, screws and anchors used to keep your deck together. Any problems with the fasteners will decrease the stability and safety of your deck. Missing or corroded fasteners should be replaced, preferably with stainless steel options.
• The railings, banisters and stairs should all be secure with no signs of rot or splintering. Signs of decay should be addressed immediately, as it spreads quickly once it sets in.
• All surfaces should be coated in a waterproof layer to protect the wood against rain, snow and accidental spills. It’s also important to protect your finishes against damage caused by the sun and wind.
• It’s a good idea to take extra precautions by ensuring that all sources of heat (fire pits, barbecues, and heaters) are sheltered and placed far away from any flammable surfaces. Keep electrical wires and appliances out of harms way and in good working order. Don’t forget to include your deck furniture in your deck inspection. Deck furniture is as prone to damage and decay as the rest of your deck, especially if it’s made of wood and stays outside.
If your deck is properly maintained and well taken care of, there is no reason why it shouldn’t last for 15 – 20 years. That’s a lifetime of parties, gatherings and fun. Inspecting your deck won’t take long; at the worst you lose a few hours of your Saturday. The price is small compared to what it could cost you if you neglected your deck. Don’t add to the strangely bizarre deck death statistics, rather be safe and happy.
Recommended sites:
[http://www.strongtie.com/safedeck/5steps.html]
http://www.nadra.org/consumers/dsmchecklist.pdf
Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers DeckPro deck and patio builders Leaders in the field of decking and patio construction.
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