If you are a homeowner and adding a new deck to your property or renting or purchasing a property with an existing deck, you must follow all local construction regulations to ensure safety. Loose or missing connections and dry, cracked, or rotting wood could be some of the six warning signs your deck is unsafe.
If you notice any of these warning signs and are a renter, request appropriate repairs from the property owner. If you are the property owner and notice these signs, consider making timely repairs. Doing so can help you stay in compliance with local building regulations and protect your tenants and others from injury and protect you from a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
If you were hurt in an accident involving poor deck maintenance or a deck collapse, a deck accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your damages.
Periodically Inspect Your Deck for Compliance and Safety
To protect yourself and your family from a deck accident, be on the lookout for potential hazards like corrosion, invasive rust, and other signs that the deck has not been serviced or repaired recently.
If you or a loved one was injured because of a dangerous deck, a personal injury lawyer can help you prove the cause of the deck failure and your right to compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Shaky or Otherwise Unstable Floors and Railings
When you stand on an outside deck, it should feel stable and secure under your feet. If the deck shakes, wobbles, or rattles, it could be a sign of disrepair or lack of repair. An unstable deck could result from the joists that have pulled away from the ledger or grown increasingly weaker with age or wear and tear. Properly installed floor joists should be uniformly sized, evenly spaced, and parallel to each other.
Do not avoid or ignore squeaky wood or small trembles or vibrations. Doing so could mean they worsen with time and make the deck unsafe for regular use. Opt for timely maintenance to promote safety and stability for deck users.
Loose, Corroded, Splintered, or Missing Nails and Screws
Like anything made of metal, nails and screws can rust and corrode over time and lead to dangerously loose boards. Regularly inspect your deck for:
- Nails and screws that protrude into the walking space
- Nails and screws that fall onto the deck
- Stairs that are sturdier at one end than the other
- Nails and screws that are bent, twisted in place, or crooked
Take notice of nails that are not flush, as that can cause tripping and stumbling, as well as cuts and nicks on bare feet. From there, look for deck repair services that can restore the safety of the surface.
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The Wood Is Rotting, Cracked, Buckling, or Warped
Decks that are taken care of can provide years of fun and enjoyment. Proper maintenance, of course, starts with proper construction. Regularly spaced kerf cuts are small grooves that can relieve tension and prevent warping. In addition, decks made of wood should be:
- Secured with longer, rather than shorter nails and screws
- Constructed of wood that has been treated and sealed
- Properly spaced and secured with appropriate deck screws
Sealing the deck is also important. It is part of regular maintenance and upkeep, meaning your deck should be resealed periodically.
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Recent Weather Events Took a Toll on Your House
Inclement weather, including hurricanes, tornados, high winds, and long periods of rain, can damage your deck in the same way it damages your roof. Pummeling wind, hail, and snow can negatively affect the wood, which can weaken the integrity of the wood.
Bad weather can cause your deck to:
- Roller coaster or warp
- Become discolored
- Lose strength
- Crack or splinter
After every storm, take time to inspect your deck and its fittings. Replace any faulty parts and consider resealing if your deck was stripped of its protective covering but is otherwise sound.
Loose or Missing Connections and Fasteners
When the joints and fasteners connecting your deck to your home start to fail, it can lead to precariousness that should be corrected without delay. Get help immediately if you notice:
- Your deck is pulling at the siding or brick on the connecting wall.
- You discover that your deck is constructed with nails only versus screws.
- The wood on your deck creeps and moves as connectors loosen.
- Your deck’s metal connectors are rusty or oxidized, or missing altogether.
- The ledger attachment (that connects the house and deck) is weak or loose.
If you stand on your deck and it sways or seems to give way under your feet, secure it right away.
Too Few Railings for the Size of the Deck
The size of your deck determines how many railings you need. Leaning on a loose or weak rail could cause a dangerous fall from height. The general rule of thumb is three railings per foot, but this could change based on various factors.
Stairs leading to and from your deck can also require railings at specific spacings. Consult a contractor to learn about the regulations and requirements for deck construction in your area.
In addition, you should replace any broken or missing railings right away. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but also, the correct number of railings prevents large gaps that could pose dangers.
Learn More About Working With Our Personal Injury Team
If you or someone you love was injured by a damaged or collapsed deck, you could be entitled to seek financial compensation. Property owners must maintain safe decks and structures, so our law firm can help if the property owner overlooked or ignored the six warning signs that your deck was unsafe.
Learn more about your compensation options by contacting Kaine Law today. We offer free consultations and a no-win, no-fee guarantee.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
