Our office receives a great number requests every month from people who want to know if their existing decks are still safe to use. There are many concerns if their deck safe to continue using and if repairs for improving their deck if needed what price points for any possible repairs are we looking at. It is extremely important to maintain a safe deck and crucial to know when a deck can no longer safely support people. There are numerous issues that can lead to decks becoming unsafe. Listed below are just some of the more critical issues to check on. However, these are NOT the only issues that can render a deck unsafe.
Deck Steps
One area of concern regarding deck safety is the stairs. Always check to make sure that all deck boards are secularly fastened to the stingers. The handrails should be strong and at the proper code height. Many decks handrails mistakenly carry over the drink ledge down from the upper deck which is not permitted by code, the top rail must be able to graspable to ensure safety of travel.
Ground Support Post
The ground support post is crucial for the support of the deck. Often times post is not properly sized for the deck job, often time under sized and spaced too far apart. Check for post that are solid at the base, have not starting to decay at the base (ground level/dirt) or twisted or warped severely.
The Deck Ledger to House Connection
The deck ledger is the framing member that is attached to the wall of your house. It is generally attached to the house with lag or through bolts. This connection should also be flashed with rubber or metal. If you find the ledger to be attached with only nails, you can strengthen the attachment by the addition of lags bolts or ledger screws. Check behind the ledger for metal or vinyl flashing and also make sure that there is NO rot in the Ledger or house sill plate.
The Framing & Joist Connections
The floor joists are the framing members that run perpendicular to the ledger and are usually supported in the front by a beam & posts. The joists should be connected to the ledger with joist hangers or a ledger strip. If the joist strip is rusted or has missing nails the joist hanger will need to be replaced.
Deck Footers
If your deck is heaved up or sinking in the front by the posts & beams, this can cause the deck to pull away from the house. Also, check for water flow, is your deck footing getting washed away from water down spout or erosion? Footers, like others items on a deck can be replaced
Inadequate Railings
Railing post need to be solid and firm when grasped and constructed at the proper code height. If you can move them towards you a few inches, they are in need of repair or replacing. Sometimes ledger screws or bolts can be used in the repair of damage railings. If any softwood or wood rot is noted in the rail system it will need to be replaced. Rail post that are notched are no longer code approved.
If you are wondering whether or not your deck is still safe to use? Contact us for help today!
Tags: Deck Safety
