As everyone is itching to start using their decks, it’s important to make sure that your deck is as ready for the outdoor entertaining season as you are! Every year, faulty decks cost homeowners thousands of dollars and can even cause serious or fatal injuries. This month, the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) has committed to helping homeowners prevent costly and dangerous accidents on their decks. To make sure that your deck is safe to use, here are some important tips to make sure your deck is safe.
To do your part, do a preliminary visual check of your deck to see if you notice anything that looks off. There are four major areas you should check for warning signs:
- First check the footers. Check to see if the fasteners are loose and if their depth and width seems proportionate to the weight they’re supporting.
- The next thing to check is the framing. See if any wood is untreated, rotting, or is coming loose.
- The ledger is another important area to look over. Make sure hardware is properly attached and everything looks secure.
- And finally, check the hardware itself on your deck. See if your deck railings or decking accessories have rust or signs of corrosion.
After doing your own initial inspection (whether you see any visible signs of damage or not) it’s still a good idea to get a specialist out for a full deck inspection at least once a year. This is especially important if you’re planning on hosting a larger get-together such as a large birthday party or graduation party.
The deck builders at UglyDeck.com can address any concerns you have about your deck, and help you find deck solutions to make your deck as safe as it can be. And whether you need a simple deck repair or a full deck replacement, UglyDeck.com can work with you to make sure your outdoor deck is safe and reliable for years to come.