Did you know that May is Deck Safety Month?
According to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), there are more than 50 million residential decks in the United States. The NADRA estimates that 30 million of these decks are past their useful lifespan and either need to be repaired or replaced (NADRA, 2022). According to the NADRA - it is crucial for homeowners to have their decks inspected - especially older decks - to ensure their structural integrity, safety, and livability. In addition, if you are considering selling your home, it is important to maintain your decks for the aesthetics to improve the appearance!
While age is the most common issue in deck safety, new construction can have it's problems too? For decks that are over 15 to 20 years - you may see signs of deterioration; however, the structural integrity may be outdated. The International Residential Coding for Decking was only written in 2009. When you are buying a home, knowing the age of the home is important for many reasons - evaluating the decking is part of that information gathering. New homes can have faulty decking integrity as well - age is not always the factor.
Now is the perfect time to inspect your deck and ensure your safety before you enjoy the outdoor space with your family and friends! If you are preparing to sell your home or buying a home, please consider having your deck inspected (new or old).
Attached is a 10-Point Checklist on deck safety from the NDRA to help you identify key issues with decking.
If you have questions about the home inspection process we always welcome your calls! Bayside Home Inspections, LLC pays close attention to detail - your safety is a priority for us!
Sincerely,
Joe Cusumano, Owner
Bayside Home Inspections, LLC
(302) 500-0130
