Collapses and failures of decks, porches, and balconies result in thousands of injuries each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. To address this concern, Jay Riat, Fairfax County’s building official, provides guidance on ensuring deck safety.
“The health, safety and welfare of you and your family should never be compromised,” said Riat.
When asked about the average lifespan of a deck, Riat explained that it varies based on factors such as materials used, quality of construction, usage frequency, and maintenance. Generally, if built and maintained properly to code standards, a deck should last 20 years or more.
To ensure deck safety, Riat advises annual evaluations and maintenance as recommended by builders. He also recommends regular inspections by licensed contractors. The older the deck is, the more frequent these inspections should be.
Riat also shared tips for extending a deck’s life and identifying potential issues before they become hazardous. Following manufacturing and building recommendations for cleaning and maintenance is crucial. Minimizing stress on the deck is important; for instance, snow should be shoveled off after heavy snowfall to reduce wear. Critical safety elements like connection points or wood quality should be reviewed regularly. If issues are found, professional inspection or repair is advised before using the deck again.
Riat suggests checking several key aspects for additional safety: ensuring wood material remains solid without rot or insect damage; securing all attachment points to homes; inspecting fasteners for rust or corrosion; confirming sturdiness of guards, rails, and stairs; avoiding heavy items like pools or hot tubs that could cause collapse; ensuring well-lit stairs with solar-powered lights if necessary; exercising caution with grills or fire pits to prevent fires; and not exceeding designed load-bearing capacity.
Before building new decks or replacing existing ones, obtaining building permits is required. More information about decks can be found through local resources along with guidance on finding licensed contractors.
