According to a report by CBSNews, it is estimated that about half the decks in the United States are beyond their useful life and may be unsafe. Weather, daily use, and pests like termites all take their toll on your deck and (if given enough time) will eventually win over. That’s why we here at UglyDeck.com stress the importance of regular deck repair. By occasionally inspecting your outdoor deck for structural defects, you can save yourself a bad headache down the road.
Unfortunately, another large factor in dangerous deck design are the deck builders themselves. Decking companies and DIYers will often cut corners by using inferior decking materials and poor construction practices in an effort to keep the cost to build a deck as low as possible. While this strategy may pay-off in the short-term, the long-term dangers it causes can be very serious – even deadly. Poorly constructed decks or deck railings will collapse or break under the weight of the people and items on them.
The National Association of Home Inspectors estimates that of the 45 million existing decks in North America, only 40% are completely safe. This should be an eye-opening statistic for all homeowners, and while your deck likely isn’t in any immediate danger of collapsing, it’s important to know the warning signs:
- Rusted or missing nails and screws
- Broken boards
- Dislodged or cracked foundations
- Separation of the deck ledger board from the home
- Loose deck railings or steps
If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of your deck, contact the Minnesota deck builders at UglyDeck.com. We will inspect your deck and provide you with a comprehensive assessment of its current state. If you are planning on building a deck, take our word for it and don’t cut corners. Our deck contractors are ready to create the safest and most beautiful deck design for you and your family!