Add These Safety Features When Building Your New Deck

A deck is a great feature to have in your home. They’re practically integral to outdoor living as they provide a space for outdoor activities from lounging by the yard to cookouts with friends and neighbors. But you must also ensure that your deck has the right safety features to prevent it from getting easily damaged and collapsing unexpectedly. To help you out, our deck maintenance and residential roofing service team at Timberland Exteriors shares some useful tips:

Build a Solid Foundation

Your new deck will only be as safe and sturdy as the foundation it’s built on. The support posts must be durable enough with their bases encased with galvanized plates and anchored firmly to the pier system with concrete. The pier system must also have holes that are deep below the frost line to avoid the deck from shifting during the winter season. This also ensures the deck is more resistant to rot and deterioration against the elements.

Use Screws Instead of Nails

Although nails are still used in constructing decks, you should be aware that deck collapse is often attributed to nails that become loose over time. As a professional exterior remodeling contractor, we strongly recommend using screws wherever nails were once used in building decks simply because their threads give a better grip on the wood. This means a sturdier deck structure that’s almost incapable of getting loose over time!

Make Sure the Railings Are Sturdy

Of course, you wouldn’t want to lean on your deck’s railings without being sure that they won’t break and lead to an injury. There’s no need to install railings on your deck unless they’re 30 inches or higher, and they must be at least three feet high. Not only does the height ensure safety since it reaches the average person’s waist, but it also protects your deck and home from animals that may venture into your yard and cause damage to your deck.

If you’re looking for a professional in deck construction and hail storm damage restoration, you can count on Timberland Exteriors to get the job done right! If you’re in Detroit Lakes and nearby MN areas, just call us at 651-439-1760 or (218) 849-6675 for more information. You can also fill out our online contact form!