Each May, Archadeck acknowledges the North American Deck and Railing Association’s Deck Safety Month®.
Why does Archadeck of Greater Denver and the Foothills care about deck safety for our Metro Denver deck owners? Why should you care? Because NADRA estimates that there are 30,000,000 decks across the United States, which are past their useful life. We care about deck safety because you spend time with loved ones on your decks – family, friends, neighbors. A catastrophic deck failure could result in injury or death of someone you love.
Decks are designed to spend time with those we love.
Why do decks fail?
90% of deck collapses are the direct result of a structural failure. The most common deck failure is related to damage or improper installation at the connection point between the deck and the home. A deck does not have to be far off the ground to result in injuries. When the deck below collapsed, a family member of the homeowner sustained broken ribs.
Most decks collapse due to a damaged or improper connection to the home.
Deck collapse stat:
Over a 12-year period, more than 6,500 emergency room visits resulted from deck collapses; during this same period 29 people died when the decks they were on collapsed.
What is the life expectancy of your Metro Denver deck?
The life expectancy of your deck will depend on many factors, such as weather exposure, the material used to build the deck, and the construction methods employed. Assuming your deck was built to meet or exceed standards, and it has not suffered catastrophic weather damage or insect infestation through the years, your life expectancy average might be:
- Pressure treated wood deck: 10 to 15 years
- Cedar wood deck: 15 to 20 years
- Ipe wood deck: up to 50 years
- Composite deck: 20 to 30 years
Can your deck last longer than the averages above? Yes, it can. Might it require replacing sooner than the average lifespan? Yes, possibly.
Protect yourself, your family, and your friends with a deck that is safe for use.
BE SAFER – Archadeck’s Deck Safety Guidelines
Archadeck uses the acronym, B.E. S.A.F.E.R. This acronym defines all the areas that you should ensure are still in working order on, beneath, and around your deck.
The acronym stands for: Boards, Every connection, Structure, Attachments, Footings, Exits, Rails
If your Greater Denver deck requires replacing, get in touch with Archadeck of Greater Denver and the Foothills for a custom deck design consultation at (720) 704-1556. We look forward to speaking with you!
Also read:
Does a deck add value to a home?
