National Deck Safety Month: Why it Matters and How to Keep Your Deck Safe
Decks are a popular feature in homes, especially in areas like Myrtle Beach and Charleston, South Carolina. They are an extension of your living space and offer a perfect spot for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors. However, decks can be dangerous if they are not maintained properly, or if they are poorly constructed. May is National Deck Safety Month, and it is the perfect time to inspect and maintain your deck.
At Contract Exteriors, we are experts in decking, and we understand the importance of keeping your deck safe. As a NADRA member and Timbertek platinum pro contractor, we have the experience and knowledge to provide top-notch decking services to our clients. In this blog, we will discuss the reasons why decks fail, what makes a deck unsafe, and how to keep your deck safe.
Reasons Decks Fail
Decks can fail for many reasons, and it’s crucial to identify these reasons to prevent accidents. Some of the common reasons why decks fail include poor construction, lack of maintenance, and environmental factors. Poor construction can result in a deck that is not structurally sound, leading to its failure. Additionally, lack of maintenance can cause rotting, splintering, or warping of the wood, making the deck unsafe to use. Environmental factors such as harsh weather conditions, insects, and moisture can also cause damage to the deck over time.
Grab Rails are Important
One essential feature of a safe deck is grab rails. Grab rails provide support and stability, especially for those who may have difficulty with balance or mobility. They are also crucial for preventing falls, especially on stairways. It’s essential to ensure that grab rails are securely attached to the deck and are of adequate height and strength.
What Makes a Deck Unsafe
There are many signs that indicate a deck is unsafe. Some of the common indicators include rotted, warped, or splintered wood, loose or missing fasteners, corroded connectors, and unstable railings. Additionally, if your deck has been exposed to harsh weather conditions or has not been maintained properly, it’s essential to inspect it for damage.
How to Keep Your Deck Safe
To keep your deck safe, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance and inspections. One way to ensure that your deck is safe is by following the guidelines set by the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA). They provide a comprehensive checklist that can guide you through the inspection process, from checking the ledger board attachment to examining the stairs and railings.
Regular cleaning and sealing can also help prevent damage to your deck. This can prevent rot, decay, and insect infestation, ensuring the longevity and safety of your deck. It’s also important to keep your deck free of clutter, especially if you have children or pets. Toys, furniture, and other items can create tripping hazards and cause accidents.
At Contract Exteriors, we understand the importance of keeping your deck safe, and we have the experience and expertise to provide top-quality decking services. As a NADRA member and Timbertek platinum pro contractor, we have achieved the highest level of certification, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service. We have also received numerous awards for customer service, including the GuildQuality Guildmaster Award and the Best of Houzz Award.
We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and customer satisfaction, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible experience. Our team of experts will work with you to design and build a deck that not only looks great but is also safe and durable. We use only the highest quality materials and employ the latest techniques to ensure that your deck is built to last.
We also understand decking projects can be a significant investment. That’s why we offer a variety of financing options to help make your dream deck a reality. We work with some of the best lenders in the industry to provide our clients with flexible financing solutions that fit their budget. And now, through June 30th, we are running a decking sweepstakes that gives you the chance to win $10,000 off your deck project. Imagine enjoying your new deck with your family and friends without breaking the bank. Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your outdoor space and make it safe for everyone to enjoy. Contact us today!
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Outstanding Reviews
Brooks was my contractor on the project. He was awesome! He was there with me every step of the way! Eugenia was very helpful in the office and assisted me in getting the HOA approval. Jason explained the warranty process and even brought me a cake!
Everyone we came in contact with was very cooperative and easy to work with. It was a pleasant experience from the first online chat. They listened to us and helped solve any issues we were concerned about
Wow, this company goes above and beyond. From the very first reach out to the very last interaction once the job was completed. Everything was done first class. The quality of work, the constant communication and level of service was like nothing I’ve ever experienced with any contractor. I priced out a couple different contractors compared to contractor exteriors and I will tell you I would have paid more just to have this experience with them. I had Jonathan as my project manager and he was exceptional.
Very happy with our new Timbetech front porch deck and steps with AZEK facia and risers. Everyone at CE was responsive and very professional explaining every step in detail! We have several homeowners in our community who have already asked for contact info info. Jonathan is a very good project manager and ensured we were satisfied with the quality, cleanliness, and appearance of our new front porch! Thank you!
In choosing a company to replace our deck, we researched and decided to use Contract Exteriors. We definitely made the right choice. We are very pleased with the results. Special thanks to Brooks, our Project Manager, who kept us updated and informed everyday.
Contract Exteriors did a great job for me. The entire group was very responsive, and my deck project turned out fantastic. My project, as all projects, had some surprises that were handled professionally and promptly. Randy, Brooks, and the office staff were great throughout the process. They proactively kept me informed on the status of the project. I never had to call twice to get a question answered or ask for an accommodation.
We couldn't be happier with contract exteriors and the job they did. Our beach house looks brand new with the new Hardie board and white trim. EVERYONE was friendly, well mannered, professional, and was always ready to answer any questions that we had. Miguel and his crew did an excellent job. Brooks the project manager was wonderful, and also Chad who helped us from the very beginning, also the girls in the office. We would not hesitate to use them again.
This company did an amazing job on my siding project. From start to finish they were very professional, helpful, and on time. Eugenia clearly communicated the whole process to me before they even started the project and Brooks was always available to answer my questions. He even came and ensured the cleanup was perfect and finished up the exterior lighting. Even after the project was finished this company ensured communicated to ensure everything was perfect. Super pleased. Thank you!
Everything about this group was extremely professional. Renovations can be challenging but they carefully made sure that their products and our original structures fit together seamlessly. We are truly looking forward to our new elegant deck that will be essentially maintenance free for many, many years. We will definitely use this company for future projects.
Matt Kuzdrall made our whole experience of purchasing two new roofs for our buildings at the Children's Recovery Center so easy. Matt was professional and had all the answers to any questions we had. He has followed up since our new roofs have been installed to make sure everything is still great. Matt is awesome and I would recommend him to anyone I know looking for a new roof.
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