Check Your Deck

Summer is here and your deck is the perfect place to entertain! Your deck is exposed to the elements 365 days a year and over time wood may begin to crack, splinter and rot increasing the risk of injury or structural failure. To ensure the safety of your guests and family, please keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid grilling on the deck.
• Know the Code. Codes are established to ensure your safety. 
• Light it up! Prevent trips and falls by incorporating lighting on your deck.
• Take time each year to check your deck. 
• Check not only the stairs/steps of your deck, but also all railings. Repair any area that is unstable. Also look for any trip hazards, such as loose wood. Lean from side to side on each stair to see if the stair wobbles. Look carefully at the points of connection between the stairs and the deck and replace anything that looks old or compromised.

Proper deck maintenance will help keep your deck strong. However, it can’t protect against a fire caused by grilling on your deck. Take a few minutes and ensure your deck is ready for summer gatherings. For more information:

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services provided deck safety info for a segment on WRC TV 4.