DECK SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT

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

Low Maintenance, High Style! Archadeck of Nova Scotia and TimberTech team up to provide low-maintenance Outdoor Living.

Our Halifax, Nova Scotia based customers were remodeling their home inside and out. Both with demanding schedules as professionals in the health care industry, they wanted us to provide a solution that allowed them to spend their down time enjoying their backyard, not maintaining it.

A properly maintained wood deck will last longer than most people own their homes, But with today’s lifestyles, who wants to clean and treat it every few years?

Customers are increasingly choosing alternative decking materials for a variety of reasons, besides being virtually maintenance-free. Homeowners like the fact that it won't splinter or warp, and environmentally conscious customers appreciate that it's made from recycled materials. And, some people just prefer the way it looks.

This particular project called for a rich dark color decking to contrast the new siding and trim. A white low-maintenance railing was also requested by the homeowners.
We recommended TimberTech’s Walnut Earthwood decking with concealed fasteners for a rich, clean look on the decking and TimberTech’s Radiance Rail for a railing solution.

Low-maintenance decking presents most of the same opportunities for design and construction as pressure-treated wood, allowing customers to take full advantage of the custom-design expertise of Archadeck of Nova Scotia.