Deck Safety Check
By Owen Whetzel
The North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) has -- and this is a bit punny -- deckclared May as National Deck Safety Month. NADRA says that keeping your deck in great shape is a priority – not only for safety's sake, but also to protect your investment and make sure that you continue to make great memories for a long time.
According to Mike Beaudry, executive vice-president of NADRA, "A simple, annual inspection doesn't take long or require special tools, but it's a great investment of your time. It can help prevent unnecessary accidents, and keep your deck a safe place for everyone to enjoy."
But, what if you don't want to do the inspection and repairs yourself? Contact a licensed landscape contractor, who routinely builds decks. If there is a question about the stability of posts or serious structural questions, have the deck inspected by a structural engineer. They are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Engineers - Structural." (Landscape contractors are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Landscape Contractors.")
Here is a checklist that will help you with your inspection:
Splitting or Decaying Wood
Check several different areas of the deck to be sure the wood is still sound. This includes the ledger board (where the deck attaches to the house and a common source of deck failure), support posts and joists under the deck (if you can reach them), deck boards, railings and stairs. Pay special attention to any areas that tend to remain damp, are regularly exposed to water, or are in contact with fasteners. Use a tool like an ice pick or a screwdriver to penetrate the wood surface. If you can easily penetrate ¼ – ½ inch, break off a sliver of wood without splinters, or the wood is soft and spongy, decay may be present. This is also a good time to look for small holes in the wood, which may indicate the presence of structural pests, such as termites.
Flashing
Flashing is a metal or plastic guard, which directs water out and away from sensitive areas. It's often installed where the deck and house come together, keeping moisture and debris from collecting between the house and the deck's ledger board. Be certain the flashing is sound and firmly in place. Consider adding or replacing flashing if you notice areas which are obviously allowing water to collect.
Loose or Corroded Fasteners
Fasteners include nails, screws or anchors in the ledger board. Tighten any loose fasteners, and pound in any nails that have popped up. (Note: The ledger board should not be fastened with only nails, but well anchored.) If a fastener appears rusted or corroded, consider replacing it. A corroded fastener can cause deterioration in surrounding wood. The deck or stairs should appear even without sagging and should not sway or move with tested.
Railings and Bannisters
These should be secure. Push on them to be sure there is no give. Also, check to be sure they are high enough (most codes require a 36" high railing and usually encourage 42" high railings) with banisters no more than four inches apart to keep small children and pets from squeezing through. This is especially important the higher your deck is off the ground.
Stairs
Check any railings or handrails to be sure they are firmly held in place; check also the risers and stringers to be certain they are securely attached and not decayed. If you have guardrails running down the staircase, check to be sure that the railings are no more than four inches apart. If the area behind the stair treads is open, this opening should be no more than 4 3/8 inches. Also, always keep stair pathways clear of planters, décor, toys and other items that can present a tripping hazard.
Finish
Clean away any leaves and debris, since these can be slippery and promote mildew. If mildew is present or the deck coating has worn away, make time to clean and apply a new coating. It can help prevent the split, decayed wood and loosened fasteners mentioned earlier.
Fire!
Make sure any source of fire is safely placed away from flammable surfaces or that the deck surface is protected by a non-flammable pad. Also, heaters and candles can create a warm and cozy deck atmosphere, but be sure to use caution and follow manufacturers' directions.
Lighting and Electrical
Be sure all lighting is working; clean any light covers to allow maximum light to shine through, and trim any plants or tree limbs that may be blocking light. If you don't have adequate lighting, there are a lot of great new deck lighting products, which you will find in the electrical department at OSH. You should always illuminate steps and pathways. Be sure all electrical outlets, appliances and features are up to code, in good condition, and childproof. Watch that any electrical cords you temporarily use do not present a tripping hazard.
Outdoor Storage and Furniture
Consider installing childproof latches on any storage boxes and benches. Be sure to keep all deck related chemical products stored safely away from children including BBQ lighter fluids, matches, cleaners, etc.
While you are doing your deck inspection test all outdoor furniture to be sure it's sturdy and safe. If you have a deck without a railing avoid placing seating right at the edge of the deck. If you have a swing or hammock installed, test the chains and ropes to be sure they're secure.
Landscaping
If you have trees, palm fronds or other landscaping overhanging your deck, make certain there's no danger of limbs breaking free and damaging the deck or, worse yet, falling on someone.
Learn more about NADRA at www.nadra.org.
If you are a California resident and decide to have work costing more than $499 (labor and materials) done by a contractor, before entering into a contract you should request a free copy of "What You Should Know Before You Hire A Contractor," from the State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board (CSLB). For the booklet to be mailed to you, phone (800) 321-2752 (24-hours a day) and record your request, along with your full name and address. You may also read the booklet or download it from the Board's Web site: http://www.cslb.ca.gov. Select "Services & Publications," then "Guides & Pamphlets," and then "What You Should Know Before You Hire A Contractor." It is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. You can also download other Board publications.