May is Deck Safety Month

Your deck is the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather with friends and loved ones. But an unsafe deck could possibly collapse, causing serious injuries to you and your guests.

The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States over 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck.

The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

A key element of enjoying your deck for years to come is making sure it is safe and code compliant. NADRA's "10-Point Consumer Safety Checklist" is an efficient way to take a good look at the different parts of your deck, with an eye to what might need maintenance, repair or replacement. Safety first, fun second -- make sure your deck is safe to enjoy.

You might also consider a professional inspection. "A professional inspection will examine every inch of your deck, provide information on your deck's capacity limits, identify any dangerous problem areas and give you a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If your deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule," says Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA.

Older decks require closer scrutiny. Many of these decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers. Some of these decks may have deck-to-house attachments using only nails. If your deck is older, it is even more important to have it inspected by either a home inspector (NADRA recommends ASHI-certified home inspectors) or a knowledgeable deck builder. NADRA deck builders are required to adhere to a code of ethics and comply with state licensing and insurance requirements.

If you find your deck is not safe to enjoy, NADRA advises taking immediate action to have it repaired or rebuilt as necessary.

To choose a deck builder, NADRA offers the following tips:

* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade associations such as NADRA.

* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a relationship.

* Pay attention to the deck builder's experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.

When hiring a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends homeowners contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector knowledgeable about deck construction.

For more information visit www.nadra.org.

Decks: Pros and Cons of Composite vs. Wood

When it comes to the construction of a deck, there is a question that comes up almost immediately. That question is: should you use composite materials or wood? In order to make the right decision, you need to know what the strengths and weaknesses are of these two materials. Consider, then, these pros and cons of both composite and wood for deck construction before you make your decision.

Traditionally, because composite material was not invented until recently, wood was use to build decks. Wood, of course, has its own set of pros and cons when it comes to decks. Here are some of the more prominent pros and cons of wood.

On the pro side, wood gives your deck a warm natural appearance and a natural wood feel that many people enjoy. This natural look and feel is something you simply cannot replicate and thus gives the wood a solid advantage. Additionally, the wood is a renewable resource. Trees can be replanted, composite materials cannot. Finally, wood does not get all that hot even in direct sun. The material reflects the heat more than it absorbs it.

On the con side of wood is that it does take a little work to clean and maintain it. You have to reseal and restain every few years and pressure cleaning has to be done with care. Additionally, wood is susceptible to pests and decay which is not a problem with composites.

On the other side is composite material for decks. Composite material has its own set of pros and cons that can help you make a decision. Consider these important factors when consider whether you should use composite material for your deck.

When it comes to composite material, the biggest pro you usually hear is that it is not susceptible to rot or pests. Composite material is not something termites will eat. Additionally, the rain and sun do not damage it as significantly as wood in most cases. It is also easier to clean since the pressure cleaner will not dent it and you do not have to restain or reseal it every year or two as you may with wood.

On the con side of the composite deck material is its look. Even though many of the plastic composites have a faux grain to them, they may still come across as looking “plasticy.” Additionally, composite material can get hot in direct sun so that walking on it in bare feet can result in burns or blisters. It seems small, but that makes for an uncomfortable pool side situation.

When it comes to making the decision between wood or composite decks, you should consider all the factors. By looking at these pros and cons, you can begin to sort out which material will work best for you. While each has its own upside and downside, the decision of wood or composite decking is ultimately up to you.

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When using any type of outdoor fireplace, safety should be the number one priority. Before purchasing, know your local building codes and the laws regarding outdoor fires and fire containers. If you do purchase an outdoor fire pit or chiminea, make sure it is installed properly. Read the owner's manual and follow all instructions.

Never place a chiminea under any type of object such as a tree or awning and it should be placed at least 6 feet away from any combustible object such as a fence, wall or furniture. If it will sit on a deck or other combustible surface, special pads or protectors must be placed under it. Once again, your local codes will determine what you need to do.

Some basic safety guidelines:

• Always have a fire extinguisher handy when burning in your Chiminea
• Be aware of children and pets
• Never leave your fire unattended
• Do not touch the outside of your Chiminea while it is in use
• Do not extinguish your Chiminea fire with water
• Keep useful tools handy such as a poker, small shovel, tongs, brush and thick heavy-duty gloves
• Have a hose or bucket of water nearby for emergencies

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