How Safe is Your Deck?

One of the best things about summer is taking advantage
of the warmer weather and enjoying the great outdoors. For some, this means heading
to the beach, hiking trails and spending time at parks. For others, however, it
means simply sitting on their deck and sunbathing or enjoying a summer evening.
While this may seem like a safer and more convenient alternative to
experiencing nature, there could be some potential hazards you need to be aware
of, especially if your deck is older or was not built by professionals. Here
are some things you should look for if you or your family will be out on the
deck this summer.

Splintering
Boards

If your deck is made of wood, it is essential that you
maintain its condition every year. Changes in weather can significantly impact
its durability. One common problem occurs when boards are weathered and begin to
split and stick up, causing potential cut or tripping hazards.  It’s important to wear proper footwear and
replace boards that could be splintering.

Hand
Rails

Over time, hand rails can become less and less secure as
the nails and screws originally installed work themselves out. Changing weather
and varying temperatures are to blame here, as warmer weather expands the wood,
leaving more room for the nails and screws to move. Be sure to test the
stability of the hand rails. They should not wobble or bend and if they do, it
might be time to replace them.

Stairs

Much like hand rails, stairs can lose strength and
durability as they become weathered or used extensively. If not properly
secured, stairs can become serious tripping hazards, especially for younger
children. This is why it is important to be able to understand what to look
for. If the stairs bend when you walk up/down them, or there are any splits in
the wood, it is definitely worth addressing.

Support
Posts

Often times, the largest threat to the safety of your deck
depends on the stability of the supports that hold it up. Many people are not
aware that, aside from weather, insects can be the biggest threat to the safety
of a deck structure.Termites and carpenter ants are examples of insects that can do the most damage to
wooden structures and if you feel like you may have an infestation near your deck,
it may be worth calling a pest control professional. Multiple small holes in
posts/fixtures could be indicative that insects are burrowing in the wood.

If wood is splitting or decaying, inspect it with a
flathead screwdriver by inserting it into the cracks/splits. If you can place
it ¼ inch or more into the wood, or if the wood has a spongy consistency, this
could be a sign of rotting.

Nails/Screws

While there are several components of a deck that are
more easily recognized at first glance, it is important to also consider some
elements that are more concealed. Nails, screws and fasteners are among these
components, as they play a significant role in the safety and stability of the
deck. Many decks that were built before the 80’s were supported using nails
alone, which is problematic because they do not have the “teeth” that modern
day fasteners and screws do. This means that over the years, it is easier for
each nail to loosen, causing boards and support structures to become unstable. If
you think your deck may fall under this category, contact a local contractor to
be sure this will not become an issue.

The truth is, you do not need to be a construction expert
to know what to look for when it comes to inspecting your deck. It is always
important to use your best judgement and if something does not look right,
address it as soon as possible. If you are unsure about something, be sure to consult
with a professional.

Some of the best memories are
created in your own backyard or, in this case, on your deck. Make sure your
family is safe and has the proper protection.

Contact an Erie Insurance Agent to make sure you have the
homeowners coverage you and your family need.