Deck Safety Is No Accident

Today, it seems that virtually every day is dedicated to acknowledging or celebrating something. That’s how we roll as a country.

And the same is also true for months of the year where each one is designed to heighten our awareness of an important issue.

Now that May has arrived, so has our annual reminder that this is Deck Safety Month. As the Akron deck builder, we want you to know what to look for.

As winter is now behind us and most of us are chomping on the bit to get back outdoors, it is important to ensure that our decks are clear of debris and danger.

Deck Safety Starts With You

As families here and abroad are spending more time together, they will be looking to get outdoors and make use of their space.

With more than 60,000,000 decks in the United States alone – 50,000,000 in residential backyards and 10,000,000 on commercial properties – it is estimated that 30,000,000 decks are past their useful life and need to be replaced or repaired.

WOW! Half of the decks in this country are in need of critical attention. Is yours one of those?

It is crucial for homeowners to have their decks inspected to verify the integrity of their deck to ensure user safety, as well as help extend the deck’s life-span, improve appearance, and increase livability.

To help you get started, here’s what to look for.

Deck Safety Check Points

1. Check for split or decaying wood: Inspect several different areas of your deck to be sure the wood is still sound. This includes the ledger board where the deck attaches to the house, support posts and joists under the deck, deck boards, railings and stairs.

Furthermore, pay special attention to any areas of your deck that tend to remain damp, are regularly exposed to water, or are in contact with fasteners.

To check for diminished deck integrity, use a screwdriver to penetrate the wood surface. If you can easily penetrate about a half inch, it probably needs professional attention. Break off a piece of the wood to see what the problem may be. If the wood is soft and spongy, check for mold and decay. If you notice small holes in the wood, that may indicate that insects have penetrated the wood.

2. Check the stairs for integrity: Be sure that any railings or handrails are firmly held in place. Also check the risers and stringers to be certain they are securely attached and not decayed. And to ensure deck safety all season long, remember to keep deck stair pathways clear of planters, toys, and other items that can present a tripping hazard. Again – deck safety is no accident.

3. Check the flashing: Flashing is the metal or plastic guard that directs water out and away from sensitive deck areas. It’s often installed where the deck and house join together, keeping moisture and debris from collecting between the house and the deck’s ledger board.

Be certain the flashing is sound and firmly in place. Consider adding or replacing flashing if you notice areas that are obviously allowing water to collect.

For these and other deck safety tips, visit Check Your Deck on the website of the North American Deck and Railing Association.

With Archadeck, Deck Safety Is Always Job #1

Our Better Building process is dedicated to ensuring deck safety from our very first discussion about your deck project straight to its completion – and beyond.

After checking your deck for safety and discovering that it may have become compromised from years of weather, use, and wear, call us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

It may be that your deck needs redecking – or a new surface – and not necessarily needs to be replaced.

If it needs to be replaced with a new deck, Archadeck will carefully review with you all of your options to make sure that this new deck structure will last a lifetime.

Archadeck decks are built to the highest safety standards right from the start, and will add countless value to your home’s worth and your life.

And our amazing craftsmanship and finest materials ensure a beautifully functional space that will become your favorite home improvement of all time.

Choosing an Archadeck custom deck will give you the peace of mind in knowing you not only have the most beautiful deck in the neighborhood, but likely the safest one too!

We Look Forward To Hearing From You

To make it easy for you to schedule a conversation with us, you can click right here. Yes – it’s that easy.

Patrick Sluss, owner Archadeck of Akron