It’s National Deck Safety Month! With the prevalence of high-profile deck failures over the last few months, it’s more important than ever to check your vinyl deck. At a minimum, Tuff Industries recommends that you check your deck at least every year, if not more often to cut back on costs and save yourself from major problems down the road. Here are some things to consider:

Postponing Vinyl Deck Inspections

Besides creating a situation where your deck could fail, putting off deck inspections can create not only an unsafe environment, it can also lead to difficulties down the road by significantly increasing the cost of eventual repairs.

Putting off taking a look at your deck, or ignoring issues when they arise, could turn small into big problems.

Decks Don’t Last Forever

An estimated 25 million decks built under municipal permits in the United States are over 20 years old, meaning that many of these decks are prone to structural issues. More concerning, however, is the fact that there are even more decks out there built without a permit. There’s no way of knowing, without an inspection, whether these decks were built up to code in the first place.

Requirements for Vinyl Decks Have Changed

Decks built a decade or two ago no longer meet current building codes. While this might not be a major concern, new building codes help to make safer, more secure, and longer-lasting decks. You can choose to upgrade an older deck to meet current codes, or install an entirely new deck for long term peace of mind.

Checking Vinyl Decks Quick and Easy

It’s simple to check your vinyl deck to ensure its safety. Just a few minutes is all you need to check over your deck for the following:

• Look for split or decaying wood
• Check that railings are securely attached
• Look for loose nails or screws
• Ensure that staircases are secure

Stay tuned to our blog for more tips and tricks to commemorate National Deck Safety Month.

Problems Should be Immediately Rectified

Failing to take care of issues with a deck can lead to injury, property damage, and financial (even legal) liability. No matter how small the problem with your deck, it’s vital to have it taken care of as soon as possible. Not only does correcting issues with a deck protect you, it can also increase the value of your property when it comes time to sell your home.

Consider Bringing Decks Up to Code

New building codes for vinyl decks are much more stringent than just a few years ago, meaning that your deck can benefit from a retrofit. Upgrading older decks to meet building codes generally costs about half as much as building a new deck, and will increase the value of your home or commercial property. If you are considering selling in the near future, you might want to upgrade now, rather than finding out during the sale that your deck’s condition is turning away potential buyers.

New Vinyl Decking Can Extend Lifespan

Older decks can significant benefit by having vinyl decking installed over the existing surface. The reason? The new waterproof decking offers a completely waterproof barrier which protects the underlying structure, as well as keeping water away from the building envelope. You deck will look great, everything will stay dry, and your deck will last longer.

Don’t put it off any longer – check your deck and take care of any problems…now. Then check out how a new vinyl deck could make your deck look brand new.

Happy National Deck Safety Month!