Attention on Deck!
I'm always amazed at the number of common defects I find on the decks that I inspect! This article discusses deck defects and why they often rise to the level of safety concerns.
When I was in the Navy, someone nearest the door would call out "Attention on deck!" whenever the commanding officer came into the room. For just a moment, I want to call your attention to the deck. Of all the systems I inspect on a home, I have found the most common and pervasive safety issues are associated with decks. Not electric, or plumbing, or foundations, or roofs- decks win for the most consistent safety defects. I think the reason for this is probably twofold. First of all, decks are overwhelmingly made of wood components- wood that is continually being exposed to the elements. Secondly, decks are often constructed apart from the home (i.e., later in time by someone other than the original contractor). Decks are often an add-on for a new home and might even fall into the category of a good DIY project for the handy homeowner. Undoubtedly, these two factors contribute to the common defects and safety issues I observe with decks.
Let's explore some of the more common safety defects associated with decks. Almost universally, the handrails on steps leading to the deck are not a graspable design and not properly secured to the home or a newel post. This is a safety issue that result in serious injury if someone were to slip or trip navigating the deck steps. With steps and railing, it is very common to find trip hazards resulting from differing step heights, particularly at landings and ramp transitions. Railings are often designed horizontally rather than vertically or railing is spaced too far apart. Horizontal railing could allow for a small child to climb and fall from the deck and wide rail spacing may be sufficient for a child to squeeze through or become trapped. Each year, many people are injured from partial deck collapses or decks fully detaching from the home. These deck failures can often be contributed to improper attachment. I have observed attachment points at the ledger board being held to the house with deck screws, concrete screws, and not at all! These are not sufficient for the live loads often placed on decks! The proper attachment involves installation of properly spaced, 1/2 inch through bolts or lag screws into the rim joist of the house. The spacing for these varies based on the length of the ledger board and hardware used, but there should be multiple attachment points in a staggered fashion between each deck joist. At the band joist end of the deck, appropriately sized joist hangers should be attached on each joist with galvanized or stainless steel joist hanger nails installed in every hole. Finally, and wood rot is a key contributor to deck failure. Lack of ledger flashing at the deck attachment is a very common defect observed. Ledger flashing serves to direct water away from the home and not allow moisture collection against the house and wood rot. Deterioration of the ledger board and rim joist often goes unnoticed until the deck looses support and pulls away from the house! This can cause serious injury or even death. Wood rot and deck failure also occurs where there is not a proper concrete base for deck posts or step landing and wood is in direct contact with the soil. Even treated wood will eventually deteriorate if placed directly on the soil.
So, what can you do to ensure that the deck on your home is secure? The first thing you will want to do is to have your home (or prospective home) inspected by someone who knows what to look for with deck construction. This cannot be overstated in my view because decks are notorious for improper design! Once any safety issues have been addressed, it is essential to be proactive about regular deck maintenance. Walk around and under your deck from time to time and ensure your attachment points still look solid, wood sealant is in good condition, there is no obvious wood rot or sponginess on the boards, etc. Regular inspections can help catch these common defects early and allow for timely repairs, ensuring you can enjoy this favorite outdoor space for years to come!
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