There are an estimated 60 million decks across the United States, and more than half have exceeded their intended service life. So, as we head into the warmer spring months and begin spending more time outdoors, now is the time to perform a deck safety inspection to ensure it's safe for you, your family, and your friends to spend quality time on. Here are some safety checkpoints to help you get started on the right foot:

Inspect the deck substructure   

The framing beneath your deck's surface boards is what holds everything up. Use a screwdriver to probe for soft or deteriorating wood. Look for rotting, warping or cracking, which could signal that the deck substructure is structurally compromised. This would require immediate deck replacement.

Examine the ledger connection

The ledger board-picture where the deck attaches to the house-is one of the most common points of failure. Ensure all bolts and structural screws are secure, and check that the wood shows no signs of deterioration to ensure a durable deck.

Check all hardware and fasteners

Confirm that all connectors, brackets, and fasteners are present, properly installed, and free from corrosion or other signs of wear.

Lastly, clean your deck

It sounds simple, but washing your deck helps remove mold, dirt, airborne bacteria, and aerial contaminants such as salt spray. Keeping the surface and deck framing material clean can extend the life of the deck structure and make potential safety issues easier to spot.

The key to a safer, more durable deck

Rather leave your deck safety inspection to a professional? The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) makes it easy to find a deck inspector to evaluate the safety of your deck.

If your deck safety inspection reveals concerns, consider replacing your deck and taking advantage of a long-lasting, 25‑year‑warranty product such as Evolution Framing. After all, the substructure is the backbone of your deck and choosing a durable deck framing material matters. Why build a new deck on a wood frame that rots? Evolution Framing leverages the proven performance of steel and is engineered for strength, longevity, and peace of mind.

Track down a local contractor that builds durable decks with Evolution Steel Framing.