Posted by: thepinetree on 05/29/2013 05:58 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 05/29/2013 06:00 PM
Expires: 01/01/2018 12:00 AM
:
Check Your Deck to Avoid a Disaster Like This!
Calaveras County, CA...It's the time of year for family, fun, and outdoor barbeques. Many people, just like you, will be using their deck for the festivities. Some folks, such as the ones in this video, have learned that just because you think your deck feels safe, that doesn't mean it is. If your deck is more than 10 years old, or if it was built by an unlicensed person or a homeowner, watch this short YouTube video to see what can happen when a deck is not properly built....
According to research from Simpson Strong Tie, in the last 15 years there have been over 900 injuries and 20 deaths related to deck malfunctions. The failures can be caused by anything from age, lack of maintenance, or rotted lumber to improper installation, as shown in the video.
To avoid deck nightmares at your home, start by heeding the five warning signs below.
1. Look for missing and/or loose connections. Improperly built decks may have screws or bolts that have loosened over time.
2. Look for rot in wood decks, especially if the deck has not been well maintained. In snow country, in particular, the weather can cause faster deterioration than normal. Check for areas where the wood is soft and discolored.
3. Look for severe cracks in the wood. Some cracks may be normal, but if they're deep the structural integrity of the wood may be affected. Be sure and replace boards as needed.
4. Look for corroded connectors. Wet and harsh weather can, over time, cause metal connectors to rust and corrode. Replace as needed.
5. Look for metal connectors at the connection to the house and at all joints. If metal connectors are not used properly, your deck may be at risk.
To be safe, and avoid failure nightmares, you may want to have your deck inspected by a licensed contractor who is experienced in deck construction.
For more information, contact Uniquity Builders at 800-498-1833.
The comments are owned by the poster. We are not responsible for its content. We value free speech but remember this is a public forum and we hope that people would use common sense and decency. If you see an offensive comment please email us at news@thepinetree.net
