ARCHADECK OF NOVA SCOTIA URGES
HOMEOWNERS TO “CHECK THE DECK” THIS FALL TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS
Halifax Deck Builder
Provides 7 Easy Tips to Tell If Your Deck Needs Help Now
Halifax, NS
Nov. 6,
2013
Aging deck structures, harsh storms and a lack of routine maintenance due to limited financial
resources in a difficult economy are all factors that can put Halifax homeowners with decks at
serious risk of injury for themselves, their families and guests.
There are more than 40 million decks in
Canada that are more than 20 years or older, according to the Canadian Deck
& Railing Association and hundreds of reported deck accidents occur
annually.
The experts at Archadeck of Nova Scotia www.novascotia.archadeck.com part
of the largest outdoor living company, recommend checking the structural
integrity of decks each spring and fall to ensure
safety, especially for decks that are more than 10 years old.
To help homeowners determine if their deck
is safe, Archadeck of Nova Scotia is sharing seven deck safety inspection guidelines with the acronym of “BE
SAFER”:
- Boards:
Check
deck boards for rot, softness or major cracking.
- Every
Connection: Inspect every hardware connection on the deck. Look for screws and/or nails backing out,
red rust and other signs of corrosion on metal connectors that can weaken
the integrity of the deck.
- Structure: Look at the posts,
beams and joists that provide the structural framework of the deck. Is
there any noticeable sagging between supports?
- Attachments: Most deck
failures occur at the attachment site to the home. Ensure that the deck is
attached to the house with bolts and proper flashing for water protection.
NEVER use nails!
- Foundation/Footings: The foundation and footings
support the weight, or load, on a deck and the columns that bear on them.
Look for sinking or noticeable sag.
- Exits: Check deck’s exit
areas, usually stairs. Are the
stair stringers, treads and risers ok? Do the stairs require a handrail?
Is there adequate lighting to safely use the exits at night?
- Rails: Look at rail posts and
railing sections to make sure that they aren’t loose or wobbly. All pickets/balusters should be
fastened securely and spaced no more than four inches apart.
DECK SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT
For a professional deck consultation,
contact Archadeck at (902) 444- DECK (3325) or visit www.novascotia.archadeck.com
