How To Make Sure Your Deck Is Safe

Using your deck soon?

Before you pull out the lounge chairs, there’s something you should know: your deck has a life expectancy. Wood decks last 10 to 15 years, on average.

Poor maintenance or construction can cause deck collapses, resulting in injury and even death. So, keeping your deck in good condition is critical.

Start by evaluating its structural integrity. It’s best to hire a professional, but you can do a preliminary review.

• Check for rot and splits on the support beams and posts. Poke a screwdriver into the wood. If it easily penetrates ¼ to ½ inch, breaks off wood without splinters, or the wood is soft, there might be decay. Also, if you notice any small holes, there may be insects.

• Look for rust and corrosion on fasteners, bolts, and brackets. Replace rusted or corroded fasteners—they can cause wood deterioration. Tighten any loose fasteners and hammer nail pops.

• Assess the sturdiness of railings and banisters. Also, check out the steps; they shouldn’t sag, sway, or move.

Here’s some good news: a deck is considered part of your home, and would be covered under your homeowners policy on a qualified loss.

Contact us for all of your insurance needs! 

Illinois and Wisconsin residents, at R Hobbs Insurance Agency, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at (847) 680-0888 or send us a note at [email protected]. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Content source: Kemper 

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash