Read this before firing up the seasonal backyard barbecues and enjoying long evenings on your back deck in Lebanon TN.
It’s May in Nashville, which means apple blossoms, magnolia blooms, mountain laurel, and irises. Before sending out your summer party invitations, do you know for sure that your deck is safe?
We can almost bet that you haven’t really thought about deck safety – most homeowners probably don’t. At Archadeck of Nashville, we want to take the time to let local homeowners know that May is Deck Safety Month®. This designation doesn’t come with confetti or cake; it should remind us to consider our deck structures ahead of the busy outdoor living season.
Deck Safety Isn’t Just a Buzzword, It’s Smart to Check Your Deck®
Archadeck of Nashville’s outdoor living designers and Lebanon deck builders love creating beautiful outdoor living spaces, but we also care deeply about what lies beneath them. Over time, environmental exposure and use can take their toll on deck structures. Wood can begin to rot, fasteners can corrode, railings can wriggle, and steps can creak. Perhaps you have been ignoring these signs of disrepair, thinking they’re only annoyances.
DID YOU KNOW? According to the North American Deck and Railing Association estimates that 30 million decks across the U.S. are past their useful lives, requiring repair or total replacement?
The purpose of Deck Safety Month is to bring awareness to the fact that many decks, both residential and commercial, were built prior to current codes and standards. What’s more, it’s easy to look at a beautiful composite deck and assume nothing is wrong with it. Looks can be deceiving, as the health of premium composite and PVC decking doesn’t always denote a still-healthy deck structure. That’s why we recommend yearly deck structure checks. A healthy deck, from top to bottom, means a healthier, happier outdoor living season.
How Do You Check Your Lebanon Deck Structure?
Perhaps you had your deck built 5 years ago, or maybe you didn’t even own your home when the deck was constructed. It could even be that your deck was not constructed to-code in the first place, built by a previous homeowner without a thought to construction standards and inspections. No matter the age or type of deck, we are always better safe than sorry – deck structure checks should be performed every year.
Here are a few red flags that your deck might need attention:
- Loose or corroded fasteners (nails, screws, bolts)
- Splintering or sagging boards
- Wobbly railings or stairs
- Signs of rotting around support posts or ledger boards
- Visible mold or mildew buildup
When in Doubt, Call in Deck Building Professionals
Understandably, you didn’t plan to spend a sunny Saturday morning checking your deck. However, a quick check now could save you from real disaster later. At Archadeck of Nashville, our team knows a quality-built deck from a health hazard. If you’re unsure if your deck should be replaced this year, give us a call for a complimentary deck design consultation.
Already Planning to Build a New Deck? Start Safe!
If you're thinking about adding a new Nashville area deck this year, May is the perfect time to start the conversation. A deck is only as healthy as its structure. Archadeck of Nashville builds decks with the utmost structural integrity in mind. Your new Lebanon TN deck will be safe, sturdy, and ready for years of memory-making.
The team at Archadeck of Nashville wants to be your first choice among deck builders in Lebanon TN. Get in touch with us today at (615) 640-3628 or contact us online here.
