May is Deck Safety Month

The condition of an existing deck is often over looked until a severe problem arises. The average life expectancy of a wood deck is 10 to 15 years. It is estimated that 85% of American homes have a deck, balcony or patio. Of these it is estimated that 20 million wooden decks are nearing or beyond the average service period and need repair or rebuilding.  It has been report that between 2000 and 2008 there were at least 30 deaths as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed.

Tearing down and completely rebuilding an existing deck may not be an option for many homeowners today but the need to ensure safety still exists. On way you can increase your sales and profit is thru offering “Deck Inspections” Not only do most states not require additional licensing to do so most often you don’t even need a permit. The “10 Point Safety Checklist” and a “Deck Evaluation Form” offered by NADRA are great resources to aid you in the inspection process.