Do You Feel Confident That Your Deck Will Not Collapse?

Every year in the United States there are approximately 35,000 decks that collapse due to poor or improper construction. The most common problem we have seen in deck construction is the improper securing of the deck to the structure and the use of improper fasteners.

Nails are not permitted to be used as fasteners on an exterior deck, due to the history of nails backing out causing the deck to become unstable. The North American Deck and Railing Association is an organization that specializes in decks only. Most decks are improperly constructed and do not meet the code and safety standards of the North American Deck and Railing Association.

Deck Collapse Reports In The News:

March 12, 2016, there was a three-tiered deck that collapsed. It pulled the roof structure and the upper two decks to the lower deck, removing some of the brick from the building. Luckily there were no injuries. This deck failure came as a total surprise because there was no extra weight. This goes to show you that a deck can collapse with no one on the deck.

There was another deck collapse in New York, at a wedding reception hall. The wedding party was on the deck taking pictures, the wedding party moved to the front railing of the deck for more pictures and the deck gave way. The building structure and the deck collapsed sending the entire wedding party and photographer 10 feet below to the ground. The deck fasteners were not properly secured to the structure and were the wrong type.

The weather is changing, family and friends will gather to celebrate:

• Family Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Family Gatherings
• Sporting Events
• Social Gatherings
• Work Gatherings

Do you feel secure and safe putting your friends and family on your deck? Is the structure of your deck properly installed and able to support the weight of not only the wood but the weight of people on the deck? Is your deck aged or worn? Does it have the proper brackets and fasteners? The next time you think about having a family gathering on your deck, think about the safety of your deck.

Feel safe and get your deck inspected before your next gathering to prevent potential injuries. Then you can relax and enjoy your next get-together, grill out or pool party.

Is it time to have an expert evaluate your deck?

Contact Inspector Chris of Cincinnati, Ohio through our contact us page or by calling 513-939-4036. Get inspected, to be protected.