After staying indoors for a large part of the winter, like most Fort Wayne homeowners, you’re probably starting to think about entertaining friends and family on your backyard deck, side deck or front porch deck.
But the question is, are they safe enough to do that?
Check Your Deck As May Is Deck Safety Month
To remind us how critically important it is to ensure that your deck is safe, the North American Deck and Railing Association – NADRA – every year at this time stresses that May is Deck Safety Month – so make sure you heed their wisdom and determine that your Fort Wayne deck is ready for yet another warm weather outdoor living season.
As families in Fort Wayne are spending more time together, they will be looking to get outdoors and make use of their space. With more than 60 million decks in the United States alone, it is estimated that 30 million decks are past their useful life and need to be replaced or repaired.
It is crucial for homeowners to inspect their decks to verify their integrity and to ensure user safety, as well as help extend the deck’s lifespan, improve appearance, and increase livability.
How Do I Check My Deck For Safety?
Consumer Reports has found that over the last several years collapses and failures of decks, porches, and balconies accounted for about 2,900 injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
According to Ashita Kapoor, Associate Director of Product Safety at Consumer Reports, “You may think all your deck needs is a power-wash and stain every year or so, but a safety check should be part of routine maintenance."
Here is how to start your Deck Safety Inspection:
1. Replace Deck Fasteners and Splintered Rotted Wood: Especially here in Fort Wayne, Mother Nature can throw some intense weather at us. To ensure that she hasn’t damaged your deck to compromised safety, start with the basics – the structure itself and the fasteners that hold your deck together.
If your deck structure shifts and seems wobbly when you step onto it, that is a problem – a big problem. It either means you need a deck upgrade, a deck replacement or redecking – all expert services that our professional deck builders at Archadeck of Fort Wayne can provide.
As for deck safety and security, tighten any deck fasteners that are loose and nail down any protruding nails. If they are rusty, replace them.
If your deck fasteners won’t go in, it may mean that your deck’s structural foundation underneath, such as supporting joists, are damaged and need replacement. And that’s the right time to call Archadeck of Fort Wayne at 855-931-4746.
In the event of a deck replacement, it may be very wise to select deck building materials that are extremely low maintenance – as they are beautiful and virtually care-free – like our favorite deck building material that has these qualities and more, AZEK TimberTech.
2. Check The Underside Of Your Deck: For structural safety and soundness, be sure to check the one area that you don’t often see – underneath your deck. When doing so, be sure that your deck’s ledger board, which attaches the deck to your home, is secure.
A ledger board that’s not well attached can break away from your home and cause a deck collapse. The safest ledger connection goes all the way through the wall to attach the ledger to your home’s interior floor supports, be sure your deck’s ledger board is precisely that. If not, don’t delay and call the Fort Wayne deck specialists here at Archadeck at 855-931-4746.
3. Make Sure Your Deck Stair Tread Lights And Deck Post Lights Are In Good Working Condition: The safest deck structure in the world can be easily compromised if nighttime visibility is limited or poor. That’s an easy fix by using premium LED deck lighting fixtures strategically placed around your Fort Wayne deck perimeter and entry points.
TimberTech By AZEK Is The Preferred Low Maintenance Deck And Porch Building Brand For Archadeck Of Fort Wayne
Priding ourselves on designing and building exceptional quality custom outdoor living decks and patios since 1980, it should come as no surprise that Archadeck’s first choice for low maintenance outdoor building materials are TimberTech Composite and Advanced PVC Decking by AZEK.
As further validation of TimberTech’s superiority among deck building materials, TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking has been recognized for innovative sustainability from one of the country’s most trusted sources. The Good Housekeeping 2023 Sustainable Innovation Award was given to the TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking, specifically the Landmark Collection, known for its bold hardwood appearance and dramatic crosscut grain texture.
Discerning Archadeck of Fort Wayne deck clients will enjoy the bold, character-rich texture of popular hardwoods like white oak and walnut without the rigorous maintenance of wood. This capped polymer decking features proprietary materials technology that delivers sophisticated, real wood aesthetics you’ll never have to sand, stain, or seal.
What’s more, it comes with our Archadeck warranty, as well as the TimberTech 50 Year Fade & Stain Limited Warranty.
When Deck Safety Counts, Count On Archadeck Of Fort Wayne
✓ More than 40 years of unsurpassed deck building experience
✓ Unquestionable quality of deck building material choices
✓ Acclaimed and validated expert deck design and building craftsmanship
✓ Our uniquely personalized custom deck design, to reflect your personal taste and style
✓ The Archadeck Difference that guarantees our methodical process of deck building is not just according to code, but exceeding those codes
✓ Our strong and growing relationship with TimberTech and AZEK and other quality suppliers
✓ The finest coverage for durability, safety and performance with our renowned warranties
All This And More Are Waiting For You In Fort Wayne – So Schedule Your Complimentary Deck Design And Upgrade Consultation Today
Call Master Deck Designer and Builder, Craig Whitman, and our team today at 855-931-4746.
If it’s more convenient, please feel free to click this link right here to connect with us.
Craig Whitman, owner Archadeck of Fort Wayne.
