Deck Collapse Demonstration

Although somewhat rare, deck collapses are dramatic and can be deadly.  Between the years 2000 and 2006 there were at least 179 deck collapses resulting in thirty-three deaths and 1,122 injuries. (See Report)

Most of the deck failures occur where the deck is attached to the home similar to the demonstration below. A ledger board is attached to the home, and if this is done improperly, the entire deck can collapse with horrifying results. Most of these failures occur where the deck is occupied.  Professionally constructed decks where a permit was pulled are less likely to collapse than decks built by a homeowner where no permitting was done.

If you have a deck that is 8' or more above grade, do an annual inspection.
1. Look for rusted fasteners.
2. Look for nails or screws that have pulled loose.
3. Check for loose or wobbly railings.
4. Inspect for large checks or splits in main supports.
5. Make sure the ledger board was lag bolted or bolted using carriage bolts to the house and a piece of flashing installed at the decking/wall junction to prevent the structure from rotting out. Consult a spacing chart for bolt spacing and size.

Your deck should never wobble If it does have a professional do an inspection.




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