5 Warning Signs of an Unsafe Deck

There about 40 million decks in the US. About 1/2 of them need either repairing or replacement.

The cause? Improper construction or/and lack of maintenance.

July 28th – 2013 :: Tinley Park, IL Fourteen people were injured Saturday night after the second-floor deck of a home in the 16700 block of Beverly Avenue collapsed during a party at the residence.

We recommend homeowners watch for these 5 warning signs of unsafe deck construction.

Totally Preventable!

Similar to your home, your deck should be built with a “continuous load path.”

That’s a method of construction that creates a series of solid connections within the structure. These connections transfer the weight or “load” from the deck through its frame and then to the ground and/or adjacent support structure (typically your home).

If your deck is built with a continuous load path, it will be better equipped to resist forces like wind, snow and earthquakes.

Keys to a Safe, Strong Deck

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. A strong deck uses proper structural connectors and fasteners (like nails and screws) and includes regular maintenance.

Ledger Attachment
The ledger connection, where the deck connects to the house, is the most common failure point on a poorly built deck. It’s very important to use lag screws (SDS) or through-bolts rather than nails to secure your deck to your home.