Avoid Deck Collapse: Make Sure Your Deck Can Handle Snow and Ice

Decks can collapse from winter snow and ice. Chad Galbreath, president of Penn Fencing, Inc. in Butler, PA, offers nine pointers for a do-it-yourself deck safety inspection before winter arrives.

Greater Pittsburgh Area, PA (PRWEB) November 16, 2012

Decks can and do collapse under snow and ice loads, says Chad Galbreath, president of professional deck builder Penn Fencing, Inc., in Butler, PA. He offers nine pointers for a pre-winter deck inspection that can ensure your familys deck safety and save you expense later on:

1.Is the deck ledger board in good condition? This is the critical connection between the deck and house. Says Galbreath, In our experience, about 90% of deck collapses involve problems with the deck ledger board.

2.Is the deck band board in good condition? The deck band board supports the entire outer rim of the deck. According to Galbreath, a weak band board weakens the entire structure and puts stress on the all-important ledger board.

3.Do you find splinters, buckled or loose boards, uneven stair treads, popped nails, or discolored areas? These are all symptoms of deterioration and inspection may reveal deeper safety problems.

4.Check fasteners. Is there evidence of missing hardware, rust, or corrosion?

5.Inspect posts and footings. Are post and beam connections secure? Is there evidence of rot or splitting?

6.Do railings along the deck and stairs feel completely stable? Check every section. Loose or corroded rail mounts can create a very high risk for falls due to railing failure.

7.Are railing supports broken or missing altogether? When supports are missing, the railing is unsafe, especially for children and pets.

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Avoid Deck Collapse: Make Sure Your Deck Can Handle Snow and Ice