Angie's List

Angie's List: Inspecting Backyard Decks

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― The summer months mean people are spending more time on their outdoor decks. Whether you're out there on your own or with a large group, how can you be sure that it is safe?

At least 30 deaths have been reported as a direct result of deck collapses in the past several years. Most of those tragedies occurred when the collective weight overloaded the support system, or the supports had structural issues.

"If you have a deck you need to inspect it each year for safety. We talked to about several highly-rated home inspectors on the list and found about 30 percent of the decks they review are not safe," says Angie's List founder Angie Hicks.

She says that a deck can be unsafe because of the way it was built or because the wood deteriorates.

"An average deck only lasts 12-15 years. A lot of people don't realize that and keep their decks longer," says Angie, "There are some simple tests you can do to check the safety of your deck.

"One thing is to check the banisters to see if they move or all, if they do it could be a sign that you've got some deterioration. Also, if you move back and forth on the deck and if the deck gives, it's another bad sign.

"And then just check the way it was made. Look for nuts and bolts connecting the deck, actually to the house. It should not be connected to the house with just nails."

Each year you should be re-sealing your deck. Also check for any rotting or deteriorating wood and get it replaced as soon as possible.

Angie's tips to test for deck safety:

· Test railings and banisters: Properly secure any that might be loose. Railings should be at least 36-inches high. Rails should be no more than 4 inches apart.

· Stability: Ledger boards are keep decks attached to houses. Support posts and joist hangers anchor supporting beams under the deck. Support posts should have bracing to prevent lateral movement.

· Wood rot: Wood that is soft and spongy is an indication of trouble. Small holes could be a sign that insects, like carpenter bees, are causing structural problems.

· Fasteners: Replace any nails, screws and anchors that are loose, rusty or corroded. Use bolts instead of nails to fasten wood to wood. Ledger boards should be secured with appropriately sized lag bolts.

· Inspection: If you're buying a home with an existing deck, ask your home inspector to pay close attention to the deck. If you have an existing deck, annual inspections are your best bet to ensure it's structurally sound. Permits: If you're buying a home with an existing deck, ask for proof that a building permit was issued for the construction and that a certificate of occupancy was issued upon completion. Those documents help ensure the deck was built to the applicable municipality codes and regulations.

Angie's tips for building/maintaining decks

· Hire a qualified professional: A well-regarded professional is the best route to go in building or inspecting a deck. If you want to build your own deck, do yourself a favor and get it inspected before you host your first deck party.

· Seal it up: If your deck coating has worn away, clean and waterproof it again. That will help prevent decay in the wood.

· Use pressure treated lumber: Untreated lumber will decay faster.

· Make it "Joist" so: Special hangers connect the joists, or support beams, and strengthen load-bearing connections. They are essential to proper deck support.

· Dam it: Don't forget the flashing, a metal or plastic barrier between the house and ledger board, to keep water from entering the house.

· Avoid overload: Don't put a 3,000-pound hot tub on a deck built to withstand 1,400 pounds. Check with a local builder or architect to determine how much weight your deck can support. Most residential decks are built to withstand a minimum of 40 pounds per square foot.

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