Is Your Deck Safe?
2012 Deck Safety - Deck Evaluation Form
2012 Deck Safety - Consumer Checklist
2009 Deck Safety - Simulated Deck Collapse - NADRA WWA Chapter
2009 Deck Safety - Simulated Deck Collapse - Simpson
May is Deck Safety Month
Improving Deck Safety - 2011
Dealers can save lives and prevent accidents while expanding their sales by encouraging customers to refurbish the millions of unsafe decks nationwide.
By Craig A. Shutt, a senior contributing editor of LBM Journal, has nearly 30 years of experience covering the LBM industry.
Building material dealers looking to expand their deck sales can accomplish that goal while helping
customers avoid future problems and even prevent injuries. By encouraging consumers to have their decks inspected and having contractors suggest an
inspection during other work, dealers can tap into a large inventory of decks that need to be repaired or brought up to adequate struc- tural-integrity levels.
"Our number-one priority to the public is to ensure that the decks they and their families enjoy are safe," says Mike Beaudry, executive vice president of the
North American Deck & Railing Association in Quakertown, Pa. To bring awareness to this issue, NADRA has cre- ated campaigns and educational pro-
grams for builders, lumberyards and manufacturers aimed at upgrading deficient decks to ensure they are safe.
The biggest concern is deck collapse and railing failures, he notes. These failures occur for a variety of reasons, especially due to old age, poor
maintenance, improper building methods or exceed- ing load capacity. Heavy snow loads during the winter in northern regions can weaken the deck,
necessitating an inspection in the spring before high levels of activity return.
Large Inventory of Older Decks
Older decks especially need scrutiny, he says. "Many were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers.
Some of these decks may have deck-to-house attachments using only nails. Others have become weakened through the years, and the
owners don't realize how close to collapse they may be."
"Deck failures can be avoided," he says. "It's a matter of making the consumer aware of the necessity of choosing a pro- fessional deck contractor, providing
regu- lar maintenance and inspection and knowing the limits of the deck structure."
The problems will continue to grow, he notes, as there are more than 40 million decks in the country that are more than 20 years old. "That represents a
tremendous opportunity for dealers," he points out. "By making homeowners and businesses aware of the need to have their decks and porches repaired,
we help prevent or reduce these needless injuries and deaths. While we do, we can tap into the large market that is currently underserved."
Inspection Forms Available
NADRA has begun building relation- ships to include reciprocal agreements with the three major inspection associ- ations, the American Society of
Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Asso- ciation of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) and its international branch (INTER NACHI), which have more
than 25,000 home inspectors. The inspectors use a four-page deck-inspection form created by NADRA to ensure every part of the deck is reviewed.
The inspection form includes eight key areas: ledger connections, posts and footings, post-to-beam connections, joists and joist connections, stairs,
deck boards, handrail assemblies and guards and miscellaneous. Each section asks key questions about structural supports and connections, such as post
sizes, fastener types and specific design aspects as well as any visible indications of corrosion or weakness. Hints for what to look for and what is not
allowed also are provided. The checklist provides homeowners with guidelines for what areas need to be repaired, and they or the contractor can show this
report to a dealer to get the materials needed to restore its condition. The group also offers a separate one-page Consumer Checklist that lists 10 key signs
that the homeowner's deck needs attention. The 10 key areas outlined are split or decaying wood, flashing, loose or corroded fasteners, railings and banisters,
stairs, cleaning and maintenance, grills/firepits/chimneys/heaters/candles, lighting and electrical, outdoor furniture and storage, and surrounding trees.
Both forms can be downloaded above and can be distributed to homeowners and contractors who come into the store. "If dealers can put these pieces into
the hands of contractors who are in the home performing work already, there's a great chance they can make homeowners aware of the need to examine their
deck and upgrade it."
In addition, researchers at Virginia Tech University, in cooperation with the International Code Council have produced a "Manual for Inspection of Residential
Wood Decks and Balconies." The manual, intended for use by home inspectors, renovation contractors, consulting engineers, homebuilders and building-code
officials, includes inspection-planning needs, what to look for, structural calculations and formats for reports.
Says Frank Woeste, a deck-safety expert at Virginia Tech who helped develop the inspection manual, "I'm aware of deck collapses when no one is on them,
demonstrating the need for homeowners to determine their deck's structural integrity." The manual can be ordered from the NADRA Web page.
Encouraging homeowners and contractors to be aware of deck deficiencies can help prevent accidents and boost dealers' sales at the same time, notes
Beaudry. "By doing the right thing, we begin to tap into the large inventory of existing decks that need our products and services, doubling or tripling the
number of deck projects in a year while also protecting homeowners from harm. Together, we can reach out and make a difference."
Craig A. Shutt, a senior contributing editor of LBM Journal, has nearly 30 years of experience covering the LBM industry.
May 2009 (ARA) - Your deck is the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather with friends and loved ones. But an unsafe deck could possibly collapse,
causing serious injuries to you and your guests.
The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30
deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed.
With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck.
The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and
maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.
A key element of enjoying your deck for years to come is making sure it is safe and code compliant. NADRA's "10-Point Consumer Safety
Checklist" is an efficient way to take a good look at the different parts of your deck, with an eye to what might need maintenance,
repair or replacement. Safety first, fun second -- make sure your deck is safe to enjoy.
You might also consider a professional inspection. "A professional inspection will examine every inch of your deck, provide information
on your deck's capacity limits, identify any dangerous problem areas and give you a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If
your deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule," says Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA.
Older decks require closer scrutiny. Many of these decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers. Some
of these decks may have deck-to-house attachments using only nails. If your deck is older, it is even more important to have it inspected
by either a home inspector (NADRA recommends ASHI-certified home inspectors) or a knowledgeable deck builder (see the listing at nadra.org).
NADRA member deck builders are required to adhere to a code of ethics and comply with state licensing and insurance requirements.
If you find your deck is not safe to enjoy, NADRA advises taking immediate action to have it repaired or rebuilt as necessary.
To choose a deck builder, NADRA offers the following tips:
* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade associations such as NADRA.
* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing
materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a
relationship.
* Pay attention to the deck builder's experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.
When hiring a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends homeowners
contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector knowledgeable about deck construction.
For more information visit www.nadra.org.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
NADRA'S DECK SAFETY PROGRAM - Article 2008
(ARA) - As spring approaches, thoughts turn to sprucing up the yard, the garden, and spending more
time outdoors. Part of gearing up for this time of year is making sure your deck is safe and
well-maintained.
A deck can be the perfect place to spend time enjoying the weather with friends and family. A well-built
and maintained deck offers a safe haven for outdoor living. However, an improperly built or deteriorated
structure can mean disaster. A deck collapse can cause unnecessary, and often serious injuries, and even death.
In an effort to save lives and prevent injuries, the North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc.
(NADRA) declared May as Deck Safety Month in 2006. Now in its third year, the Deck Safety Month program
helps increase public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks,
and proper installation of new decks.
The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and
2006, there have been at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses and more than 75 percent
of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed, illuminating just how important it is for homeowners
to check their deck. There are 40 million decks in the U.S. that are over 20 years old. At a conservative 1
percent, that means 40,000 decks are currently in need of repair or replacement. Taking that estimate to 10
percent brings the total number of unsafe decks to 4 million.
Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA states, "Our number one priority to the public is to ensure
that the decks they and their families enjoy are safe. NADRA takes this responsibility seriously and has created
campaigns and educational programs for the builders, lumberyards, and manufacturers to improve proper installation
practices along with checklists and safety awareness information for consumers to follow."
Reasons for a deck collapsing can range from age of the deck, poor maintenance and exceeding load capacity
to improper building methods. Deck failures can be avoided. It's a matter of making the consumer aware of the
necessity of choosing a professional deck contractor, regular maintenance and inspection, and knowing the limits
of the deck structure.
Its time to Check Your Deck! Homeowners should visit NADRA's website at www.NADRA.org for the Check Your Deck -
10-Point safety checklist.
"May is a great time to make your deck-check," Beaudry says. "In parts of the country where there's a lot of snow
and ice, your deck could have developed a trouble spot over the winter." Beaudry adds, "If you've never had your
deck professionally inspected, make that appointment. A professional inspection will examine every inch of your
deck, educate you on your deck's capacity limits, identify any problem areas, and give you a map of what to keep
your eye on in the future. If your deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule."
If you find your deck is not safe to enjoy, NADRA advises taking immediate action to have it repaired or rebuilt
as necessary and recommends the following tips to choose a deck builder.
* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade
associations such as NADRA.
* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of
the decking and railing materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be
enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a relationship.
* Pay attention to the deck builder's experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.
A key element of enjoying your deck for years to come is making sure it is safe and code compliant. When hiring
a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends
homeowners contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector with knowledge in
deck construction.
For more information on Deck Safety Month, the Check Your Deck program and finding a reputable deck builder,
visit www.nadra.org.
NADRA, Deck Safety Month, and Check Your Deck are registered trademarks of North American Deck and Railing
Association. All rights reserved.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
NADRA'S DECK SAFETY PROGRAM - Article 2007
Tips for a Safe Summer Season on Your Deck
April 23, 2007 (ARA Content) - Gas prices are on the rise again, the number of people traveling is down and families
are choosing to spend more time at home
enjoying their decks. And with so many accessories available that make the yard an oasis -- from solar fountains and
fire pit tables to stainless gas grills -- the deck
extends the living space and creates an at-home vacation spot.
Whether for entertainment, family time or just quiet enjoyment, a well-built deck offers a safe haven for outdoor
living. A deck offers increased square footage and better
pay back than a kitchen or bath remodel. As with any sound investment, it's important to do proper maintenance
to preserve the integrity of the deck.
The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between August 2004
and December 2005, the U.S. news media reported
225 injuries and one fatality from deck collapses caused by ledger connection failures. Many more deck failures
-- with and without injuries -- went unreported in the media.
In an effort to save lives and prevent injuries, the North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc. (NADRA)
declared May as the first Deck Safety Month in 2006.
Now in its second year, the purpose of the promotion is to increase public awareness of the necessity for regular
inspection and maintenance of existing decks, and
proper installation of new decks.
Reasons for a deck collapsing range from age of the deck, poor maintenance, exceeding load capacity to
improper building methods. Deck failures can be avoided. It's a
matter of making the consumer aware of the necessity of choosing a professional deck contractor, regular
maintenance and inspection, and knowing the limits of the deck
structure.
Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA states, "A simple, annual deck inspection doesn't
take long or require special tools, but it's a great investment. It can
help prevent unnecessary accidents, and keep a deck a safe place. Each May, we will encourage
homeowners to get an annual deck inspection, with the goal of reducing
the number of deck injuries suffered each year."
"May is a great time to make a deck-check," Beaudry continues, "especially in locations where there's a
lot of snow and ice, as a deck could develop a trouble spot over
the winter. A professional inspection will examine every inch of a deck, evaluate the deck's capacity
limits, identify problem areas and provide a map of what to keep your
eye on in the future."
Researchers at Virginia Tech University in cooperation with the International Code Council have
produced a "Manual for the Inspection of Residential Wood Decks and
Balconies." The manual is intended for use by homeowners, home inspectors, contractors, engineers
and builders interested in the inspection of residential wood decks.
Frank Woeste, a deck-safety expert of Virginia Tech, who helped develop the inspection manual,
notes, "I'm aware of deck collapses with no one on them, further
demonstrating the need for homeowners to get involved and interested in their deck's structural
integrity."
Complete a deck check every May for Deck Safety Month, and you'll have the peace of mind that
comes from knowing your family and friends can safely enjoy your deck
all summer long. NADRA's 10-Point Deck Inspection Checklist is
available here.
For extra safety, check out any deck accessories you use. As with any source of fire or heat,
such as grills, fire pits, heaters of any kind and candles, make sure they are
safely placed away from flammable surfaces, use caution and follow manufacturers' directions.
Make sure steps and pathways are well lit and all lighting, electrical outlets and appliances are
up to code, in good condition and childproof if necessary.
Test all deck furniture for sturdiness. Childproof storage boxes and benches. Store all dangerous
products safely away from children, including barbecue lighter fluids and
matches. If you have trees surrounding your deck, look for decaying or broken limbs that could
fall on the deck.
Courtesy of ARA Content.
