Deck Helmet Reviews: Why You Need a Deck Inspection
According to the ASHI Reporter (the publication for the American Society of Home Inspectors),”It’s estimated that 2.5 million new or replacement decks were built last year… the number of personal injuries and deaths related to decks each year is likely to continue to rise because more decks are being constructed each year and existing decks are deteriorating.”
That paints a gloomy picture but by having deck inspected by a professional (or even yourself) can save lives. The most important part to look at is where the deck connects to the house as that is where many of the deck accidents go wrong. According to the article in the ASHI Reporter, Roger Robertson, Chief of Inspections for Chesterfield County, Virginia, noted that he was particularly worried about loose nails or missing screws where the deck connects to the house – as that is usually the culprit for faulty decks. In Virgina alone, more than 4,000 decks were inspected.
Deck accidents also occur when the weight on the deck surpasses what the deck can hold: “The International Residential Code (IRC) requires residential decks and porches to withstand a minimum of 40 pounds per square foot plus the weight of the porch. Balconies, which are only supported where they connect to the building …should withstand 60 pounds per square foot,” according to the ASHI Reporter.
If you want to try an inspection, consider the advice from The International Code Council (ICC) and look for the following:
Loose or missing nails, screws, or anchors where the structure is attached to the building
Missing, damaged, or loose support beams and planking;
Wobbly handrails or guardrails.
If you happen to capture any of these elements on your deck – get it fixed. Fixing things early can save money in addition to lives.
Deck Helmet is a professional deck cleaning and refacing service provider. This team of experts work on a step by step process and provide customers with a deck helmet review, recommendations , condition of the wood, and color options for the deck. From evaluation to final inspection, get detailed information about the team and the process visit here http://deckhelmetreview.blogspot.com/.