Deck Safety-Free Inspections
May is Deck Safety Month ®
The North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) is a key player in the decking industry, focusing on keeping decks safe. They emphasize regular checks for existing decks and proper installation for new ones. Deck Safety Month® was established in May 2006 to promote their mission.
As we head into warmer months with more outdoor activities, deck safety is vital. With summer coming, many will be preparing their decks. Amidst cleaning and maintenance, it's easy to forget about inspecting the deck. In our deck safety series, we cover the essential steps for ensuring a safe deck.
Foundation safety, visit our blog; “Is your foundation safe?”
Railing safety, visit our blog; “Is your railing safe?”
Stair safety, visit our blog; “Are your stairs safe?”
Ledger Safety, visit our blog; “Is your deck safe?”
Why do decks collapse?
Decks usually fail at the ledger connected to home, due to corrosion, caused by treated wood and steel contact. A treated board (ledger) is connected to your home and then steel hardware is fastened to that ledger. That hardware is responsible for carrying more than half the load of your deck.
Corrosive Reactions
Many studies have been done showing there is a corrosive reaction between the copper used in the wood pressure treating process and steel hardware and fasteners like joist hangers, hurricane strapping, carriage bolts and many other steel based hardware.
Galvanization is supposed to stop the corrosive reaction, and stop connections from rusting.
Galvanization Process
“Hot Dipped” nails and hardware have been able to coat steel and prevent the corrosive reaction between the wood frame and steel. Cuts, inches hammering and impacts can disturb the surfaces and allow some corrosion.
“Gold Coat” Zink/Polymer
Zinc Coating along with a polymer that MItek calls “Gold Coat” seems to be the answer. You can use a stainless steel connector at a much higher price point. However Gold Coat seems to provide the most valuable alternative.
Free Inspections
Divergent Deck Builders is a fully licensed residential building company. We along with NADRA, and MiTek are committed to deck safety. If you would like a free inspection so you can have peace of mind this season, please call 616-328-9156 or email us at michael@divergentdeckbuilders.com. We will be inspect your deck and make recommendations with no pressure or sales gimmick. We just want your family safe this season.
What Next?
If you’re in the market for a brand-new deck, let’s talk!
At Divergent Deck Builders, we build composite decks for clients across West Michigan. We work with each customer to design and build their dream deck while meeting all the codes and requirements. Feel free to check out some of our Most Recent Builds.
If you’re ready to get started, request a FREE DESIGN SESSION, and we’ll provide you with a custom quote based on your specific project.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, share it with someone you know who’s planning their own deck.
We are Divergent. “Your Friendly Neighborhood Deck Builders”
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