DECK SAFETY

There was a segment on deck safety on the morning news the other day which I found to be quit interesting and something important to homeowners everywhere. The statistic recited said that 50% of decks were unsafe. Decks have actually pulled away from homes or collapsed with people on them or under them. And more often then we think. The anchor spoke with a woman who was grilling on their deck when it collapsed. Not only did she suffer broken bones, but serious burns when the hot coals came down on top of her. Experts say the life expectancy of a deck is around 10-15 years depending on your location, and many decks were built before code requirements. There are, of course, things you can do to make sure your deck is safe for your family and friends. Check for rotted or cracked wood, the connections between the house and deck, the fasteners (bolts, screws, etc.) for corrosion or rust and make sure railings are secured. It is best to have it inspected by a home inspector, licensed contractor, building inspector or code enforcement officer, someone knowledgeable in deck construction and your local building requirements. With the number of injuries and deaths that occur each year due to deck failure, it is better to be safe than sorry.