Editor's Note: Given that the window of wonderful late spring weather is upon us, that means that many of us will be heading out to our decks. What has the passage of time -- including last winter -- done to that deck, though? Time to check, and here's what to look for, thanks to today's guest blogger...
By Rob Robillard, of A Concord Carpenter Comments, where a more extended version of this article was recently published here.It's important to make sure your deck is built right and safe!
Most experts agree that the average life expectancy of a wood deck is 10 to 15 years but we all know many decks that are still standing and a lot older than that.
It is estimated that there are millions of decks in the U.S. that are beyond their useful life and may be unsafe. Deck collapses have increased in recent years. Since 1999, there have been more than 850 reported injuries and 20 deaths as a result of deck failures. [simpsonstrongtie]
If you're building a deck or have an existing deck, you should know how to evaluate its construction to make sure it's structurally sound and safe. Using the proper building techniques, materials, structural connectors and fasteners as well as regular maintenance are key to a safe and strong deck.
Here's a few tips for you to use to check and see if your deck or porch is up today's safety standards. This article covers the following aspects of deck safety:
Inadequate footing and post connection
Rotted posts
Weak post to deck connections
Wobbly deck
Inadequate ledger to house connections
Missing or wrong joist hanger nails
Missing or worn out ledger flashing
Loose railings
Click here to go to the author's website to continue with the rest of this article...
Photo: Monument Hall, Concord, MA photo by concord carpenter
