Deck Safety a Year Round Green Shield Commitment
- Adam Rought
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
In Partnership with NADRA
The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) has designated May each year as deck safety month. Green Shield Deck Builders is proud to partner with NADRA in support of deck safety. This partnership signifies Green Shield’s commitment to providing homeowners with the education they need to make the best decision about their deck. While every deck is unique, the following facts should help you determine the safety of your deck.
"At Green Shield, we witness daily the dangers of unsafe decks and the relief our safety inspections provide families. That's why we offer a free 20-point NADRA inspection during every Deck Designer visit! Don't wait, contact us today and ensure your deck is safe and secure." - Adam, CEO
Why Deck Safety Matters
Every year more than 55,000 people are injured by a deck or wood porch. In 2022-2023 the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated more than 30,000 seniors ages 65 years and older were injured due to a fall on a deck, porch, or balcony. With more than half of the 60 million decks in the United States in need of repair or replacement, your deck should be checked annually for issues. Use the following short checklist to get started and be sure to contact Green Shield for assistance.
What Deck Problems to Look For
Hidden Rot in Ledger Boards and Across the Deck
Not sure what to look for when checking for deck problems? Read through our checklist!
Key things to be aware of include:
Rot
Mold
Mildew
Structural Stability
Note: Checking a deck using this information does not constitute a code compliant deck. It is intended only to assist homeowners in evaluating the condition of their deck. You should always seek professional advice from a deck builder or home inspector to get a proper evaluation of your deck.
How to Check Your Deck for Problems
Look for Decaying Wood on Your Deck
Decaying wood can be one of the easiest points of failure to see on your deck. Check several different areas of your deck. Keep an eye out for splitting, rot, and moisture damage.
According to NADRA if you can easily break off a sliver of wood without splinters, or the wood is soft and spongy decay may be present. If you can easily penetrate the wood with a screwdriver ¼ to ½ of an inch or more, decay is likely present and wood should be replaced.
Check the Deck Along the Side of Your House
One of the most common points of failure for a deck is along its attachment to your house. Often referred to by builders as the ledger board and flashing. The ledger board should be free of signs of rot. The protective cover or flashing should be replaced if you notice areas that are allowing water to collect. If you suspect anything might be wrong, these changes should be inspected and replaced by a professional builder. Green Shield has licensed Deck Designers that can help you make sure your deck is secure.
Inspect Deck for Rusted Nails and Screws
Rust on your deck can be a sign that nails and screws are failing. Consider replacing any fasteners that appear rusted or damaged. Rusting nails and screws can also cause deterioration in surrounding wood. Keep in mind as you inspect for rust that your ledger board should not be attached with only nails. If you discover your ledger board is attached to your house with only nails, contact a professional immediately.
Address Stair and Deck Railing Safety Issues
Stairs and railings can cause injuries when not securely attached. Check supporting structures for decay. If your deck stairs or deck railing sway or move when you lean on them, you are at greater risk for injury. Deck railings come in a wide range of styles and materials. Green Shield Deck Builders relies on Aluminum Deck Railing for superior performance and long-term safety.
Prune Trees Surrounding Your Deck
Some injuries or damage to your deck are caused by the surrounding environment. One common culprit for deck damage and injury is falling trees and branches. Check for decaying limbs, over hanging branches, and storm damage to trees.
The NADRA 10-Point Inspection Check List
NADRA has also provided a convenient 10-point inspection that you can do at home.
Complimentary 20-Point Inspection
Our commitment to safety is year round. If you are worried about the safety of your railing, stairs, or ledger board it may be time to contact a professional inspector. Each of our licensed Deck Designers are trained to conduct 20-point deck inspections free with any visit. A Green Shield inspection includes safety considerations for you, your family, and your pets. During your inspection the Deck Designer will check for mold, rot, moisture, and more. Don’t wait for disaster to strike and your loved ones to be injured.
Green Shield Deck Builders Lifetime Warranty
When you choose to build a deck with Green Shield you are investing in the long term safety and quality of your deck. Our lifetime deck warranty represents our commitment to making sure your safety is assured year after year. With our best in the industry warranty, Green Shield takes care of your deck for a lifetime.
Green Shield Deck Builder's support of NADRA's Deck Safety Month® Campaign allows NADRA to continue to educate consumers, industry professionals, and inspectors about proper deck installation and annual inspections.
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