Studies show that Americans are spending around 14 hours per week outside, which is up from previous years. If you have a deck in your backyard, that number is likely even higher! If it’s been a while since you’ve taken a close look at your deck, we have an important question for you. Is your deck safe?
If you don’t know how to answer that question, you’re in the right place. Throughout this article, we’ll cover the warning signs that your deck is unsafe and how to make it more structurally sound. Let’s get to it!
How to Check for Signs of an Unsafe Deck
The first thing you need to do is inspect the state of your deck. Start by looking that the deck’s boards. Do you see any visual signs of damage? As you look at it, be sure to gently press against the boards with your hand to see if they feel sturdy. If they give under your touch, they could be at risk of breaking apart.
You’ll also want to check for any signs of rotting in between the boards or cracks in the boards themselves. In most cases, cracked boards will need to be completely replaced instead of just repaired.
Next, inspect the railings and banisters around your deck. Gently press against the handrails to see if they move. If they do, they’re no longer properly attached to your deck, posing a safety issue.
Finally, take a look at the posts and joists that support your deck boards. Specifically, you’ll want to look for cracks, visible damage, and signs of rot. If you notice any issues, you’ll need to call in the help of a professional like DeckGuru.
How to Make Your Deck Safer
Now that you know the warning signs of an unsafe deck, you can come up with a plan to repair it. In our experience, the following two deck upgrades are the best things you can do to make your deck safer.
Replace Your Deck Boards
In most cases, your deck boards will start to show signs of wear and tear first, because they’re so exposed to the elements. Our team here at DeckGuru can identify the boards that are the most vulnerable and replace them for you on an as-needed basis if the rest of your deck is in good shape.
If most of your deck boards have seen better days, however, we may recommend replacing all of them with a more durable material like composite decking. This unique material is designed to last longer than wood, as it’s not susceptible to cracking, fading, staining, rotting, or mold.
When you hire DeckGuru for your project, we’ll thoroughly inspect your deck and help you come up with an upgrade plan based on your needs and your budget.
Replace Your Railings
One of the most common deck injuries comes from someone leaning against an unstable railing. To help prevent that, it’s a good idea to replace your railing at the first sign of cracking or rotting.
Our team can remove your old railings and replace them with low-maintenance, high-quality vinyl railings instead, which can fit any home’s aesthetic. Not only will they look great, but they’ll keep your friends and family members safe during your next outdoor gathering.
Is Your Deck Safe? Let DeckGuru Inspect It
We never want you to have to worry about safety when you’re outside trying to enjoy your deck. So, is your deck safe? Let us be the judge! We’ll come out to give it a full inspection and make any safety recommendations if needed. Contact us today so you can get back to enjoying your deck without a care in the world.
