The deck collapse and injury attorneys at Denena & Points realize that you and your guests, usually valued family and friends, rely on your deck to support the weight of gatherings and events. You don’t want these guests to blame you when your deck won’t hold up under their weight. And a disastrous, sudden deck collapse could lead to painful, traumatic and expensive injuries.
Just last week, a deck in Wichita, Kansas collapsed in the wee hours of the morning with six people on it that were gathered for a birthday. Several serious injuries resulted from the sudden deck collapse in Kansas. The homeowner disclaimed much knowledge regarding the safety of the deck on the home he had purchased four years previously. But checks of the City Hall records office showed that no permits had been filed regarding construction of the deck on that home.
Our deck collapse and injury attorneys point out that building permits usually require safety inspections during and after the completion of a building project like a deck. These inspections can catch flaws in construction and materials before they injure or kill one of your guests or family members. And regular inspections, at least yearly, following construction of your deck could catch signs of deterioration and wear before they result in disaster and liability for you.
NADRA, the North American Deck and Railing Association, suggests that homeowners inspect their decks regularly for safety. It never hurts to have a well-trained, professional inspector in occasionally to assess the condition and expected remaining lifespan of your deck.
And you can check your deck railings and banisters occasionally to make sure that they are safe and secure. Check the strength and stability of the sides and riser on stairs leading up to the deck. You should always replace any damaged, split, or cracked wood before it gives way. And pay close attention to the conditions of deck fasteners and connectors. Decks, railings, and stairs should never sag or sway when you test them. If they do, it’s a sign you need to replace them.
Decks usually last about 20 years at most before they require replacement. If your deck is nearing the end of its projected lifespan, look into the possibility of obtaining new building permits, build a stronger, and even better replacement for it.
Understand the factors leading to deck collapse and injury liability. Download our deck collapse and injury attorneys’ free report on balcony and deck collapse safety issues from this web page.