Is Your Deck Safe?

The Pacific Northwest is hard on natural materials exposed to our damp weather. And each year hundreds of people are injured in this country as a result of deck failures. Deck failures are most often caused by faulty construction methods, unsuitable or improper materials, and lack of maintenance. Most experts agree that the average life expectancy of a wood deck is 10 to 15 years. Remember, decks are composed of natural materials exposed to weather, and, as a result, will not last forever. Constructing and using the proper structural connectors and fasteners by code will assure a safe, strong deck.

According to Simpson Strong Tie, to evaluate the safety of a deck, homeowners should look for warning signs that a deck is unsafe: loose connections (for example, a wobbly railing), missing connections (for example, the deck is just nailed to the side of the house), corrosion, rot and cracks. The two critical areas in a deck collapse are typically the deck's connection to the house and the railings.

This deck started out as a repair. Its railings and lattice that was used as balusters were rotted after many years and made it unsafe.  Upon further evaluation the whole structure was rotting and it had to be replaced. Revive Remodeling rebuilt the whole deck with code regulated connectors and fasteners. The new railings were carefully designed so the balusters were attached to both the outside and inside of the railing to avoid any possibility of anyone or thing to break through. The step and stairs are now code compliance in depth and height. And the homeowners now have a sturdy, safe deck to entertain on. Just like your home, it's important to make sure your deck is built right.