Four Important Facts About Decks

You may already know that decks are popular. Homeowners are building them and renovating them more than ever. But do you also know these four important facts about decks?

• Smart investment: Your home is your biggest investment. It's an even better investment if you add a deck. Experts say you can realize an 80 to 90 percent percent return on your investment. Homebuyers these days want houses with decks. Decks expand a home's living space, plus they give you countless ways to relax and have fun.

• Party central: Think of the possibilities for year-round fun on your deck with family and friends. On New Year's Eve, you and your guests can gather on your deck and celebrate the stroke of midnight with champagne. On July 4th, you can sip iced tea and grill hotdogs. A built-in hot tub adds opportunities for fun and relaxation. On Halloween, you can organize a pumpkin-carving contest, with Jack-o-lanterns lined up around your deck.

• Decking materials galore: Consumers have more choices than ever these days when it comes to choosing material to build their decks. Some decking materials are better suited to warm climates, and others are perfect for withstanding snow and ice. You have a wide selection of materials from which to choose, from pressure-treated wood (most commonly used wood) to a variety of hardwoods (limited availability), vinyl, or you can build your deck with composite material which is not only environmentally friendly, but also as beautiful as many hardwoods. There is also a choice over fastener types. There are many types of fasteners available including the traditional brass and stainless steel screws, as well as the new fastening systems and hidden fasteners that keep the fasteners out of sight.

• Connecting to nature: Whether your home is a farmhouse, townhouse, split-level or bungalow, decks offer you a quick and easy way to connect with Nature. You can grow your own herbs in pots, raise prize-winning roses and listen to wind chimes on your deck. You can also enjoy a family dinner al fresco, watch for the first robin of spring and flocks of geese flying overhead in the fall or simply relax and meditate on your deck. Life is hectic, but decks give you an easy escape to some much-needed peace and quiet.

So, whether you're building a deck or renovating one, you can be sure you're participating in a trend that is here to stay.

Is Your Backyard Party Friendly?

As summer approaches, The International Code Council is urging homeowners to take the time to check their outdoor areas for potential safety hazards. Proper inspections now can help to keep your family and friends safe in the future. The International Code Council, a membership organization dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.

Porches, Decks and Balconies

Reasons for a deck collapsing range from age of the deck and poor maintenance to exceeding load capacity and improper building methods. Deck failures can be avoided. It’s a matter of making the consumer aware of the necessity of choosing a professional deck contractor, regular maintenance and inspection, and knowing the limits of the deck structure. Porches can be at risk of collapsing if they are not properly constructed or if they are old. A common safety hazard occurs when porches are nailed to buildings rather than being attached with the proper anchors or bolts. Nails are a poor method for attaching porches to buildings because they work their way loose over time. Other safety hazards to look for are:

• Split or rotting wood
• Wobbly handrails or guardrails
• Loose, missing or rusting anchors, nails or screws
• Missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking
• Poor end support of the porch deck, joists or girders
• Excessive movement of the porch when walked on
• Swaying or unstable porches

Building or repairing to code, which requires a building permit and an inspection, will help ensure that the porch or deck is safe. The International Codes specify the amount of weight a porch or deck is required to support. However, be careful not to allow the porch or deck to become overcrowded. If the people on the structure have difficulty moving about, it could be exceeding its capacity.

Whether for entertainment, family time or just quiet enjoyment, a well-built deck or porch offers a safe haven for outdoor living. A deck offers increased square footage and better pay back than a kitchen or bath remodel. As with any sound investment, it’s important to do proper maintenance to preserve the integrity of your structure.

In an effort to save lives and prevent injuries, the North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc. (NADRA) works to promote increased public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks, and proper installation of new decks.

Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA states, “A simple, annual deck inspection doesn’t take long or require special tools, but it’s a great investment. It can help prevent unnecessary accidents, and keep a deck a safe place. A professional inspection will examine every inch of a deck, evaluate the deck’s capacity limits, identify problem areas and provide a map of what to keep your eye on in the future.”

A "qualified inspector" will vary from one location to another. In some areas, building inspectors may have the background and credentials to make a thorough, dependable deck inspection, while in others, a home inspector, engineer, or architect may be more qualified. Your local building inspection department is a good place to start to find a quailified inspectior. If a deck needs repairs or maintenance, only an experienced and conscientious professional deck builder should be engaged for the job.