Before you pull out the lounge chairs, there’s something you should know: your deck has a life expectancy. Wood decks last 10 to 15 years, on average.
Poor maintenance or construction can cause deck collapses, resulting in injury and even death. So, keeping your deck in good condition is critical. Start by evaluating its structural integrity. It’s best to hire a professional, but you can do a preliminary review:
Common Sense Deck Check Up
Check for rot and splits on the support beams and posts. Poke a screwdriver into the wood. If it easily penetrates ¼ to ½ inch, breaks off wood without splinters, or the wood is soft, there might be decay. Also, if you notice any small holes, there may be insects.
Look for rust and corrosion on fasteners, bolts, and brackets. Replace rusted or corroded fasteners—they can cause wood deterioration. Tighten any loose fasteners and hammer nail pops.
Assess the sturdiness of railings and banisters. Also, check out the steps; they shouldn’t sag, sway, or move.
Here’s some good news: a deck is considered part of your home, and should be covered under your homeowners policy on a qualified loss. Not sure if you’ve got the proper coverage?
For more information, contact our independent agents at Eastling Insurance today, and we can check!
Have A Question?
Call us today at: (920) 596-3355
Sandie (Sandra) Wilz is the owner and an agent at Eastling Insurance in Manawa, Wisconsin. She is passionate about educating clients and prospects on what their insurance coverages mean and how having the correct coverage can give the client the peace of mind they would expect from their insurance protection. Sandie can be reached at (920) 596-3355.