Don’t Forget Deck Safety!
May is actually National Deck Safety Month. However, I’m running way behind with the major influx we had in business last month. With the slowed economy, I guess I forgot my running shoes when business took off like gang busters about a month ago. Therefore, my blog posts, like many other parts of my business and personal life, are feeling the ripple effect of trying to catch back up to speed with normal peak deck season.
The point of this report is to remind everyone, homeowners and deck builders alike, to remember at least an annual inspection of their deck. Deck contractors: you can offer this free service as an avenue to drum some extra business. Preferably, I always recommend at least semi-annual examinations. One at the end of winter or start of spring and one at the end of summer or early fall. This ensures the deck is checked for harsh winter climate damage as well as wear and tear from spring and summer use.
You should especially (but not exclusively) check for loose balusters, splintering decking, cracked stair stringers, grab rail attachments, deck to house connection (make sure there’s no increasing gaps), footing settling and post decay. Also check all metal fasteners for rust and corrosion.
If you’re unsure of what to look for or how to repair anything, please call a reputable, licensed deck contractor for their expertise and advise. If your deck is in pretty bad shape, most jurisdictions will require a building permit if the renovation makes up for fifty percent or more of that particular part of the deck.
This is a commonly misunderstood statute. It does not mean fifty percent or more of the entire deck. It means fifty percent or more of that part of the deck.
For example: fifty percent or more of the decking, fifty percent or more of the railings, fifty percent or more of the posts, etc. If any of these areas require fifty percent or more replacement, then a renovation permit is usually required for the job. However, almost all cities and counties vary somewhat on when a renovation permit is required. It is usually left up each individual plans examiner. Also, anytime you start messing with major structural parts like joists, support posts, piers, or stairs, the city may want permit regardless of the amount being replaced. They want to ensure it’s safely rebuilt. So make a detailed a scope of work to be performed and submit it to you local building codes department for approval. Otherwise, your deck, screened porch or pergola project may quickly jump in cost because of violation fines which code enforcement officers don’t mind issuing.
I’ve attached some helpful checklists, forms and links that will guide both homeowners and deck builders through ensuring a deck is safely built, maintained and inspected.
Hope this helps,
Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks - Kansas City deck builder)
Click here to downloadNADRA’s Deck Evaluation Form!
Click here to download the Consumer Checklist!
Click here to check out the DSM Postcard!
Related Articles, News and Info:
Deck Inspections – A Matter of Life and Death
Who Is Qualified To Inspect Your Deck?
“Manual For the Inspection of Residential Wood Decks and Balconies”
