Milton Ma: Check Your Deck
Protect your family and friends
By: Allison Q Guido, CS
May is Deck Safety Month® A NADRA DECK SAFETY PROGRAM a Consumer Checklist
Decks and porches can be a great place to spend time with friends and family, but in some cases it can be the place where the fun day comes to a screeching halt. According to the NADRA* website, “The number of deck failures
and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it’s important for homeowners to check their deck
1. Check for splitting or decaying wood
2. Is the Flashing sound and firmly in place?
3. Are there any missing, loose or corroded fasteners.
4. Check that railings and banisters are secure and not loose.
5. Check that stairs and handrails are secure.
6. Check that stair treads are in place and there are no open stairs.
7. Clean away any leaves or debris, and make sure there is no mold or mildew.
8. Make sure any source of fire or heat is places away from flammable surfaces.
9. Lighting: make sure there is adequate lighting and that it works properly.
10. Make sure there are no limbs or branches that might fall on the deck.
Don’t forget to Check Your Deck. And when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Building a call. Our full service remodeling team can help you every step of the way thru any renovation project you are looking to tackle: Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom, Siding, Windows, Decking, and even roofing.
* The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.
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