How to Ensure Your Deck is Safe

As May brings warmer temperatures, many homeowners prepare to host gatherings outdoors. Ensuring your outdoor deck is safe is imperative to keeping you, your friends, and your family safe. 

May is Deck Safety Month and at Owens Corning® Lumber, we encourage you to prioritize deck safety year-round. Research shows that nearly half of the decks in the United States are due for repair or replacement*, many of which also have issues with ledger boards.  

Keep reading to learn more about ensuring your deck's safety and how ledger boards can be the deciding factor in its stability.

What You Need to Know About Deck Safety

The Reasons Why Decks Fail

In terms of deck safety, it's crucial to understand the primary causes of deck collapses. Approximately 90 percent of these incidents stem from failures in the connection of ledger boards. The ledger board, also known simply as the ledger, is the structural component that secures a deck to a house. When this connection fails, the deck may detach from the house, leading to collapse.

The Reasons Why Ledger Boards Fail

The majority of deck ledger connection failures result from inadequate fastening methods, such as relying solely on nails for ledger attachment. Over time, nails can bend or become dislodged, weakening the bond between the deck and the main structure. If the only visible hardware on your deck is nail heads, it's advisable to consider it unsafe and seek immediate inspection.

In addition to relying solely on nails for ledger attachment, other improper fastening practices can compromise deck safety, including:

• Failure to use approved screws or bolts
• Inadequate spacing between fasteners
• Insufficient number of fasteners used
• Lack of flashing installation, leading to water infiltration behind the ledger
• Incorrect choice of materials for flashing, such as using paper felt instead of metal flashing

Although fastening problems are the primary cause of ledger board failures, deck safety can also be compromised by rotting and compromised board integrity. Over time, exposure to the elements can result in rot in the ledger, which extends beyond surface appearance and can lead to structural deterioration. Additionally, factors like wind pressure and the deck's weight can further affect the performance of the ledger.

Preventing a Deck from Collapsing 

Regular deck inspections are the most effective means of preventing deck collapse. Regardless of the deck's age, consistent inspections can guarantee safety and optimal performance over time. While homeowners can perform initial checks between professional inspections, a licensed inspector should conduct a comprehensive examination of the entire deck structure annually.

During an initial ledger board inspection, homeowners should search for the following:

• Confirmation of ledger attachment with approved screws and bolts, not solely nails
• Observation of visible and physical indications of ledger board decay or fractures
• Detection of a soft or spongy texture in the ledger, indicating moisture absorption
• Identification of rusted or loose fasteners
  

If you notice any of the above, contact a professional to inspect your deck and make any necessary repairs or replacements. 

Prioritize Deck Safety

Ensuring deck safety begins with the choice of materials used in construction. Opting for the most durable building products available, from hardware to railing, contributes to a safer deck with an extended lifespan. Utilizing materials such as stainless steel screws and waterproof decking enhances your deck's ability to withstand various weather conditions.

At Owens Corning, ensuring deck safety is our top concern. We provide structural lumber that is resistant to rot and rust, specifically engineered for use in both fresh and saltwater environments. Whether you're replacing an old deck or constructing a new one, consider using Owens Corning® Lumber Structural Framing for your deck's understructure and ledger board. Our lumber is designed to facilitate the construction of secure and durable structures.

*NADRA reports that there are over 60 million decks in the United States, with 50 million in residential settings and 10 million in commercial settings. It's estimated that 30 million of these decks have surpassed their useful lifespan and require either replacement or repair.