Warning Signs of an Unsafe Deck and the Importance of an Immediate Solution

26 September 2019

A deck is a great addition to a home. It is a place where you can spend quiet time alone or enjoy entertaining family and friends. However, you need to make sure that your deck is a safe place for the people who use it. You should be aware of the warning signs of an unsafe deck.

Damaged Wood

The wood in your deck should not have any holes, cracks or splits. It is common for cracks to develop in wood as it ages. However, cracks that are numerous or large can make the deck weaker. If the deck has been weakened, it may be unsafe to use. There should be no signs of rot in the wood on your deck. Discoloured wood that is soft when you poke it with a screwdriver or another tool is a sign of rot. Damaged wood in the boards that support the deck will definitely cause it to weaken and make it unsafe.

Missing or Damaged Connections

Every board in your deck should be securely connected to the boards around it. If the deck railings wobble when you touch them, they are not connected properly. Another indication of a poorly connected deck is stairs that shake when you step on them. Ledger boards are the boards that attach the deck to your house. If these boards do not seem securely connected to the home, you should be concerned about how safe your deck is. Every board in the deck should be firm when you touch it or step on it.

Damaged Fasteners

The metal screws or nails that hold your deck together can become corroded. If they are rusted, they can negatively affect the deck’s structure. Wood can decay more quickly if the fasteners in it are corroded. If wood supporting the deck decays too much, the whole deck can collapse. Heavy corrosion in the deck joist hangers can also cause the deck to collapse. Joists are the boards that support the deck, and deck joist hangers in good condition are necessary for a safe deck. Joist hangers support the joists that are fastened to the ledger boards that connect the deck to the house.

If you have concerns about the safety of your deck, contact Prestige Construction & Design. Constructing decks and carpentry services are two of our specialties. We can carefully examine your deck and complete any repairs that are needed to make your deck safe.