Inspect your home’s deck each spring so you can enjoy a fun, safe summer. Download this free 10-point checklist from our friends at NADRA.
For contractors and deck builders, here is a deck evaluation checklist to follow to ensure you don’t miss something when you inspect a deck.
Educate. Inspect. Correct. That is the campaign of the North American Decking & Railing Association (NADRA) to promote deck safety. NADRA has been leading the charge to prevent deck-related injuries, naming May as Deck Safety Month.
Every May, NADRA reminds us of the importance of checking decks to ensure that any issues can be addressed before summer, when families use their decks the most. Hometown Builders Unlimited is a proud member of NADRA, and we fully embrace the organization’s deck safety initiatives.
Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of NADRA, estimated that about 30 million of the country’s roughly 60 million decks were beyond their useful lives. What about your deck? Is it in good condition?
“Your roof has a life expectancy. Your windows have a life expectancy. What about your deck?” Beaudry said.
Southeastern Wisconsin’s weather, from freezing winters to hot, humid summers, can cause significant wear on your deck. The extreme cold can cause wood to crack and expand, while the summer heat and moisture lead to rotting and fading. With such fluctuating conditions, it’s essential to assess your deck regularly to prevent long-term damage.
The 10-point checklist by NADRA provides homeowners with a simple guide to evaluate their deck’s overall safety and condition. It covers inspecting structural wood components like joists, posts, and ledger boards for rot or deterioration.
The checklist also recommends checking fasteners, railings, lighting fixtures, and potential hazards in the deck surroundings. It gives homeowners an easy way to identify major safety issues that might require professional repair or replacement.
NADRA’s Deck Evaluation Checklist provides a thorough, step-by-step process for meticulously examining every critical component of a deck’s structure. This includes assessing the ledger attachment, footings, support posts, beams, joists, decking surfaces, stairs, railings, and other features. The checklist guides experts through evaluating new and existing decks’ structural integrity, safety, and code compliance. The detailed criteria for each deck element allow for consistent and reliable professional deck inspections.
Split or decaying wood
Flashing
Loose or corroded fasteners
Stairs
Railing & Banisters
Cleaning & Maintenance
Grills, Firepits, Chimneys, Heaters, and Candles
Lighting & Electrical
Outdoor Furniture & Storage
Outdoor Furniture & Storage
Your Dream Deck Awaits
Your ideal deck is closer than you think. As your trusted deck builder, we’re ready to help you take the first step toward making it happen. Contact us today!
Your Dream Deck Awaits
Your ideal deck is closer than you think. As your trusted deck builder, we’re ready to help you take the first step toward making it happen. Contact us today!
