Deck Inspection Tips for a Safe Summer
As the warmer months arrive, barbecues and family gatherings on the deck are always popular summer events. Though many homeowners are unaware of the safety hazards that can plague their backyard venue. What are some of these commonly overlooked issues? Things such as improper construction, inadequate care, and an aging structure can turn a backyard deck into an extreme safety hazard.
According to the Oregonian, in June 2010 three people were hospitalized after the collapse of an "aging wooden deck" at a child's birthday party in Lake Oswego, OR. A similar incident occurred in 1991 when an over-loaded deck collapsed under happy party-goer in Lyons, OR. The accident killed one woman and sent another 25 guests to the hospital with injuries, reported the Oregonian. Accidents such as these are a reminder of the importance of proper deck safety and care.
So before hosting your summer gatherings, it is vital to check the condition of your deck to ensure a fun and safe experience for all. You should always consider a professional inspection but if you feel comfortable you can do it yourself. If you conduct a self-inspection, here are a few potential hazards to keep in mind:
Rotting beams and support posts. Closely inspect your deck's support posts, railing, stairs, and other surfaces for rot. Rotting can occur when wood gets wet. Wood can also begin to rot as it ages. Pressure treated wood can rot as well, thought typically at a slower rate. Rotting deteriorates and weakens the deck's structure, increasing the risk of cracking boards and collapsing support posts. If rot is found to have weakened the structure, the boards should be replaced. Almost all decks in the Northwest will have some rot.
Water damage. Moisture can do more than rot away the boards of your deck, it can also damage the walls and structure of your home if the deck was not installed and built properly. According to Inspections Unlimited inspector David Shepard - from Salem, OR - one of the most common issues is when the deck is not "flashed" properly to the home. Deck flashing is an essential deck building material that creates a barrier to prevent moisture from the house in the openings made to secure the deck to the structure. This is just one example of how water damage can occur. "It creates a direct avenue for water to run into the wall," explains Shepard. "Good flashing will divert the water away from the house and on to the deck."
Loose railing and improperly placed balusters. Check the stability of the deck's railing. One basic rule: the railing structure should hold 200 pounds. Also take a close look at the balusters, or the vertical posts that support the railing. These posts should be evenly spaced - 4 inches apart on newer decks & not over 6" - to prevent small children from falling through or getting lodged between them. The deck railing shown at the right is improperly spaced, posing a danger from small children and other deck users.
Slippery surfaces. When wet weather and moisture occur - not an uncommon occurrence here in Oregon - moss and algae can grow on many different surfaces. Inspect the surface of your deck and ensure it is safe to tread upon to avoid slips and falls.
Protruding objects. Also check for nails and screws that might have worked their way out of the deck's surface. These become obstacles that are easy to trip over or catch clothing on. This also includes splintered wood and warped boards.
Overcrowding and overuse. Though it might be hard to anticipate before an event, keep in mind the capacity and size of your deck in mind. Too many people crowded in one end of the structure could put too much pressure on a single area. The uneven weight distribution could crack or collapse the deck's structure. Don't have everyone leaned on the railing for that family photo. A few of the hardest things on a deck are dancing, jumping and horseplay. These motions rack and stress a deck's structure.
Fastener corrosion & attachments. It is important to evaluate how the deck is attached to the structure. Through the years we have improved the quality of attachment due to it being a common failure point. With newer pressure treated wood, it is also important to check polls and fasteners for corrosion damage. According to Shepard, the a deck is attached to your home can be another critical safety hazard homeowners miss. Especially if you built the deck yourself. "Other issues are not lag bolting the structure to the wall or no joist hangers," says Shepard. In basic terms, decks can lack the proper hardware to secure them correctly to the home. The photo to the left shows a deck that is properly attached to the structure.
When you take the time to assess the condition of your deck, you are helping to create a family gathering spot that will be safe and long lasting. Conduct a basic deck inspection annually and incorporate it into your home care routine. This makes it easier to catch hazards at the start. If you are in doubt or something "just doesn't look right," consider scheduling a professional inspection with us. An Inspections Unlimited inspector can help you catch the small details you might have missed or answer questions about the proper maintenance needed to keep your deck a safe and enjoyable space.